Recreation and Parks Director asks TDC for funding

Historic City News will be watching as St Johns County Recreation and Parks Department Director, Wil Smith, makes his pitch for three events before the Tourist Development Council during their regular meeting Monday afternoon.

A $25,000 funding request for Divas Half Marathon in St Augustine, tentatively scheduled to be held on October 11 – 12, 2013, will be presented along with findings from the Recreation Advisory Board supporting the request. The request was tabled at the February 4th TDC Meeting over concerns that the proposed dates are during a period of already high occupancy.

Ancient City Game Fish Association plans to hold their Kingfish Challenge in St Augustine on July 12 – 14, 2013. The Recreation Advisory Board has recommended funding of $10,000.00 in hopes of securing future major fishing tournaments.

Finally, Smith wants the Council to transfer $50,000 out of reserves for creating artificial reefs and habitat for fishing and diving. Smith says that the return on investment in artificial reefs is about $233 of economic impact for every $1 invested.

St Augustine Port Waterway and Beach District has already donated $50,000 to help with the cost of creating an artificial reef; to be located approximately 6.8 miles off the St Augustine Beach Pier. An additional $50,000, from bed tax funds, will help secure the First Coast’s place as a fishing destination; according to Smith, who is a sport fisherman.

The City of Jacksonville is dropping an artificial reef off of Ponte Vedra Beach and Flagler County is dropping one off of Crescent Beach, Smith reported. This is said to be a one-time expense with no additional maintenance costs.

St Johns County currently has over 40 artificial reefs listed on the state website and Florida Sportsman. The most recent St Johns County reefs are the Andy King Reef and the High School Reef.

If you would like to appear and comment on any of these items, the Tourist Development Council will hold their Regular Meeting tomorrow, Monday, April 15, 2013, beginning at 1:30 p.m. in the St Johns County Auditorium located at 500 San Sebastian View in St Augustine.