Tourist Development Council - July 08, 2026

The Citrus County Tourist Development Council held a meeting on July 8, 2026, focusing primarily on tourism promotion and marketing strategies to increase visitor stays and economic impact. Key procurement-related discussions included approval of the fiscal year 2027 media plan presented by the marketing agency Miles, which detailed a $2.5 million budget allocation for integrated advertising campaigns targeting leisure travelers, including paid search, social media, and partnerships with entities like the Florida Panthers and TripAdvisor. The council unanimously approved the media plan, emphasizing efforts to optimize advertising spend based on visitor intent and seasonal demand. Additionally, the council discussed funding support for local events such as the Crystal River Nights concert series, approving a $2,000 grant to expand regional marketing and boost overnight stays. Challenges related to the state statute restricting tourism marketing funds to visitors from outside a 50-mile radius were highlighted, with members expressing interest in creative solutions to engage nearby markets like The Villages. The meeting also covered sponsorships for community events, annual reports on tourism revenue, and ongoing efforts to enhance digital and social media outreach, including influencer partnerships. Overall, the council demonstrated a strategic approach to leveraging tourism tax revenues for marketing and event support to sustain and grow Citrus County's tourism economy.