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County's Marketing Dollars Increase

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The Suncoast News

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 28, 2008

With tourism numbers rising, Pasco County will have about $4,000 more this year to promote local events.
Nonprofit community groups can get a share of an estimated $79,000 in marketing money, according to Eric Keaton, county public communications manager. The Pasco County Tourist Development Council is taking grant applications now.

The money comes from the county's 2 percent tax on bills at hotels, motels, campgrounds and short-term rental homes. Some of that revenue each year is earmarked for promotions of local tourism-related events.

Last year, the county supported 22 events, including the Chasco Fiesta, Kumquat Festival, Little Everglades Steeplechase, Longleaf Triathlon and Pasco Bug Jam.

Funding requests usually exceed the amount of grant money available. Last year, groups with events to promote asked for a total of $195,000, or more than 21/2 times the funds available.
Tourism officials give priority to organizations hosting festivals and other activities that bring overnight visitors to Pasco. The county grants must be spent to market such events outside the county.

An application package is available by calling (727) 847-8129 or by visiting http://visitpasco.net.

Applications are due no later than July 31 at: Office of Tourism, 7530 Little Road, Suite 340, New Port Richey FL 34654.

The Tourist Development Council then will hear grant presentations and make recommendations. The county commission will make the final choices on Sept. 16.

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