07/22/2026 - Tourism Development Council Meeting

The Brevard County Tourism Development Council held a meeting on July 22, 2026, focusing extensively on the fiscal year 2026-2027 budget for tourism development. Key procurement-related discussions included budget allocations for beach renourishment projects, capital improvements such as the South Beaches renourishment and aquarium funding, and marketing expenditures totaling approximately $15 million. The council approved repurposing a vacant administrative position to hire a meetings and convention salesperson to support new meeting spaces like the Westin Cocoa Beach. Significant funding increases were approved for lifeguard services, with a $1 million increase to a total of nearly $2.7 million, funded through cultural, capital, and marketing funds. The council also discussed grant awards for cultural and sports events, including a new $45,000 grant for the Salute to America 250 Air Show at NASA property, and approved funding for new sports events based on room night production. Compliance efforts to improve Tourist Development Tax collections, including targeting short-term rentals and Airbnb listings, were also highlighted. The meeting concluded with public comments and board reports on local tourism and cultural initiatives.