Friends of A1A awarded state marketing grant

The state’s official operating company for the Florida Commission on Tourism, VISIT FLORIDA, informed Historic City News that their organization has awarded marketing and image development grants to the Friends of A1A for the 2010-2011 Fiscal Year.

VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s official source for travel planning, was created by the Florida Legislature in 1996 as a private-public partnership.

“The purpose of these grants is to help non-profit entities and local governments stretch their tourism marketing dollars in an effort to expand cultural, heritage, rural and nature tourism activities in Florida,” said Chris Thompson, President and CEO for VISIT FLORIDA.

“We were pleased that VISIT FLORIDA and the Florida Commission on Tourism selected us from among a large number of grant applicants, during a most competitive grant cycle — especially in this downturned economy,” said Sallie O’Hara, Administrator of the Friends of A1A. “These funds will be used to educate and market the A1A corridor through St. Johns and Flagler counties and attract visitors to the area.”

This year’s efforts are focused on highlighting recreational assets along the corridor including golf with promotions for “Play a Day – Stay a Day on A1A”.

Also a new video is in the works for distribution to international and national outlets “Sandy Spoonbill’s Story – A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Byway Today.”

The Friends of A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Byway is a non-profit organization that protects, preserves, and enhances resources along the A1A National Scenic Byway. This citizen’s advocacy group collaborates with municipalities, governmental agencies and other civic groups to maintain and improve resources along the corridor.

Designated in 2002, the A1A Coastal Byway consists 72 miles along St. Johns and Flagler counties Atlantic Ocean. The Byway is rich in history, nature, archeology, culture, scenery and recreation. The Friends of A1A benefit residents and travelers by protecting, preserving, promoting and enhancing the Byway resources while allowing economic development.

Photo credits: © 2010 Historic City News staff photographer