Tourist Development Council

AGENDA Tourist Development Council TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING January 13, 2026, at 8:30 AM COMMISSION CHAMBERS, 412 WEST ORANGE STREET, ROOM 102, WAUCHULA, FL 33873 1

1. INVOCATION, FOLLOWED BY THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 2. CALL TO ORDER 3. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. November 18, 2025, Minutes for approval 5. BUSINESS AGENDA A. GFNY Presentation B. Gateway sign project update C. Application for TDC Grant D. Budget Review E. Disc Golf at Hardee Lakes F. Next TDC Board Meeting May 12, 2026 6. ADJOURNMENT BOARD MEMBERS _____________________________________________________________________ District III Commissioner E. Donald Chancey, Jr., Chair Heartland Events - Erica Scheipsmeier Town of Zolfo Springs - Mayor Rod Cannon City of Wauchula - Dr. Sherri Albritton City of Wauchula - Community Redevelopment Agency - Jessica Newman Motel Industry - Puja Ahir 5th Day Outdoors LLC - Owner Daniel Leakey, Vice Chair Hardee County Chamber of Commerce - Kaylee Webb Ad-Hoc Non-Voting Member - Peace River Oaks - Jon Solin ____________________________________________________________________________________ County Manager Terry Atchley County Attorney Sarah Johnston Assistant County Manager Doug Baber Marketing & Tourism Manager Lacey Webb Parks and Recreation Coordinator Courtney Graham 2

Item Cover Page DATE: January 13, 2026 SUBMITTED BY: Courtney Graham, Parks, Recreation, & Marketing ITEM TYPE: Minutes for Approval AGENDA SECTION: APPROVAL OF MINUTES SUBJECT: November 18, 2025, Minutes for approval SUGGESTED ACTION: AGENDA ITEM NO. 4.A TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM REPORT ATTACHMENTS: 2025-11-18 Minutes TDC RM.docx 3

MINUTES Tourist Development Council TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING November 18, 2025, at 8:30 AM COMMISSION CHAMBERS, 412 WEST ORANGE STREET, ROOM 102, WAUCHULA, FL 33873 4

Tourist Development Council November 18, 2025 2 1. CALL TO ORDER Attendee Name Title Status Arrived E. Donald Chancey, Jr. Commissioner, Chair Present Daniel Leakey 5th Day Outdoors, LLC – Owner, Vice Chair Present Erica Scheipsmeier Heartland Events Present Mayor Rod Cannon Town of Zolfo Springs Present Dr. Sherri Albritton City of Wauchula Absent Jessica Newman City of Wauchula CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) Present Puja Ahir Motel Industry Absent Kaylee Webb Hardee County Chamber of Commerce Present Jon Solin Ad-Hoc Non-Voting Member - Peace River Oaks Present Terry Atchley County Manager Present Sarah Johnston County Attorney Present Doug Baber Assistant County Manager Present Lacey Webb Marketing & Tourism Manager Present Courtney Graham Parks and Recreation Coordinator Present Chair Chancey called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. 2. INVOCATION, FOLLOWED BY THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA Chair Chancey called for a motion to approve the agenda. So, moved by Board Member Cannon and second by Board Member Newman. Motion carried 4 to 0. Ayes – Chancey, Leakey, Scheipsmeier, Cannon, and Newman Nays – None Absent – Albritton and Ahir 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Minutes for Approval for August 19, 2025: Chair Chancey called for a motion to approve the August 19, 2025, minutes. Motion by Board Member Newman and second by Board Member Leakey to approve. Motion carried 4 to 0. Ayes – Chancey, Leakey, Scheipsmeier, Cannon, and Newman Nays – None Absent – Albritton and Ahir 5. BUSINESS AGENDA A. Pioneer Festival Recap: Jamie Bateman and Rick Bateman provided a recap of the Pioneer Festival. A total of approximately 1,200 people attended the event; 89% of attendees were from out of town, and one attendee traveled from Germany. There were 12 speakers, and attendees stayed at both the campground and local hotels. The estimated economic impact of the event was $132,000. 5

Tourist Development Council November 18, 2025 3 Mr. Bateman stated that the event was a success and that several lessons were learned. One key takeaway was that concerts were not effective, as attendance was low and sound quality was poor. The Batemans praised the park staff for their hard work and support during the event. It was advised that Pioneer Festival would apply for reimbursement, as approximately $11,000 was spent on advertising. Jamie Bateman announced that the projected dates for next year’s Pioneer Festival are November 6–7, 2026, with the intention of avoiding overlap with Flywheelers. The TDC Board had no questions for the Batemans. B. 2025 End of Year (EOY) Budget: Doug Baber, Assistant County Manager, reviewed the end-of-year budget and advised that revenue totaled $96,982.00, which exceeded the projected amount. He attributed the increase to additional events and increased traffic related to those events. C. 2026 Budget Review: Doug Baber, Assistant County Manager, reviewed the FY 2025–2026 budget and advised that no changes had been made since the last meeting. Commissioner Chancey and Board Member Newman questioned the increase in the bed tax projection to $80,000, noting that this amount was surpassed in the current year. Assistant County Manager Baber explained that the figure was a conservative projection, and it is preferable to exceed projections rather than fall short. D. Gateway Sign Project Update: Assistant County Manager Doug Baber provided an update on the Gateway Signs project. He advised that $80,000 each was contributed by the TDC, BOCC, EDA, and IDA at their respective meetings, totaling $320,000 toward the $400,000 project. The project will begin with four signs located on North and South U.S. Highway 17 and East and West State Road 64. For the North U.S. 17 sign in Bowling Green, the County is working with the Department of Transportation to secure an easement to place the sign in a more suitable location. The County is also working with Kimberly Horn to begin the permitting process, after which the project will be put out to bid. Assistant County Manager Baber stated that the goal is to complete the project under budget. Board Member Newman asked about the project timeframe. Assistant County Manager Doug Baber advised that completion is anticipated within the calendar year. Board Member Newman also asked if a vendor had been selected. Assistant County Manager Doug Baber stated that no vendor has been selected, as the project is still in the design phase; once complete, it will go out to public bid, which is a 90-day process. Commissioner Chancey asked if the project would be publicly bid. Assistant County Manager Doug Baber confirmed that it would be a public bid. Commissioner Chancey asked if there were any further questions, and the Board indicated there were none. E. Board Discussion: Assistant County Manager Baber and Marketing & Tourism Manager Webb 6

Tourist Development Council November 18, 2025 4 Lacey Webb, Parks, Recreation, and Marketing Manager, presented a draft TDC Grant application for Board review. Board Member Newman stated that $2,000 per award was a good starting point. Board Member Scheipsmeir asked whether the amount would apply per event or per day. Lacey Webb, Parks, Recreation, and Marketing Manager, advised that the total budgeted amount for the year is $5,000 and that the determination of per-event or per-day funding would be at the discretion of the TDC Board. Assistant County Manager Doug Baber advised that the TDC Board could vote in the future to adjust the funding amount. Lacey Webb, Parks, Recreation, and Marketing Manager, asked the Board to determine the grant review cycle. Board Member Scheipsmeir suggested reviewing applications at every meeting as events occur throughout the year, and Board Member Newman agreed. Commissioner Chancey inquired whether grant funds could only be used for advertising purposes. Board Member Newman stated that this is a standard requirement for TDC grant funding. Board Member Newman also recommended developing a scorecard or set of guidelines for Board members to use when reviewing applications to ensure fairness. Lacey Webb, Parks, Recreation, and Marketing Manager, advised that she is currently working on this. Board Member Scheipsmeir asked for clarification on whether the grant would be limited to nonprofit organizations or open to all applicants. Lacey Webb, Parks, Recreation, and Marketing Manager, advised that any organization or event impacting tourism would be eligible to apply. Board Member Newman questioned the eligibility of events that charge admission versus those that are open to the public. Lacey Webb, Parks, Recreation, and Marketing Manager, stated that the wording could be adjusted accordingly. Assistant County Manager Doug Baber advised that these details could be reviewed by the County’s legal team, and legal counsel confirmed this. The attorney Kristen Ottinger (representing absent Sarah Johnston) reminded the Board that no action could be taken on the grant draft, as it was not listed on the agenda. Assistant County Manager Baber reiterated that the item was presented for review only. Vice Chair Leakey asked whether the grant would need to be limited to County events or could include events that bring visitors to the area. Lacey Webb, Parks, Recreation, and Marketing Manager, advised that any event that brings tourists to the area would be eligible. Assistant County Manager Baber asked if there were any additional questions. Commissioner Chancey also asked the Board if they had questions on any items. Board Member Newman asked whether the TDC could explore an AI subscription for tracking purposes. Assistant County Manager Baber advised that this request would be looked into. Upcoming Events Lacey Webb, Parks, Recreation, and Marketing Manager, announced upcoming events involving the BOCC and Parks Department, including the Courthouse Lighting, Chamber Sunrise Social, Christmas Card Lane, and a Christmas Movie in the Park. Lacey Webb, Parks, Recreation, and Marketing Manager, advised that all events are listed on the community calendar and that other organizations are encouraged to post their events as well. 6. ADJOURNMENT With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:12 a.m. 7

Tourist Development Council November 18, 2025 5 X E. Donald Chancey, Jr., Chair Tourist Development Council 8

Item Cover Page DATE: January 13, 2026 SUBMITTED BY: Courtney Graham, Parks, Recreation, & Marketing ITEM TYPE: Business Agenda AGENDA SECTION: BUSINESS AGENDA SUBJECT: GFNY Presentation SUGGESTED ACTION: AGENDA ITEM NO. 5.A TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM REPORT ATTACHMENTS: Hardee Florida Tourism TDC info.pdf HardeeCounty_GFNY_2026-2029.pdf 9

GFNY is an international cycling marathon series. GFNY cycling marathons promote a healthy lifestyle and provide health goals to people by organizing endurance sports events that are open and accessible to anyone. GFNY works with tourism destinations to bring hundreds of cyclists and supporters to the tourism destinations to enjoy sport, entertainment and family-friendly activities. GFNY provides a unique offering of cycling events, no other cycling event organizer offers international, high-tourism, globally-consistent, branded events. GFNY brings to a host region regional, national and international sports tourism. GFNY’s mission is to create long-standing, sustainable, quality events that benefit the athletes and host cities. GFNY has an established process and method for creating and operating its events to world class operational and safety standards for cycling marathons. GFNY has established rules, visual guidelines and event production guidelines that are applied to all GFNY races globally. GFNY utilizes support funding in two ways: 1) By spending it back in a destination for local expenses, thus supporting the local economy. Local spending includes (estimated local spending of $20,000): A) Hardee Sheriff (estimated $5,500) B) Hardee EMS (estimated $1,000) C) Venue rental (estimated $1,000) D) Post-race meal by Hardee catering company (estimated $3,000) E) Staff accommodation & staff meals in Hardee (estimated $5,000) F) Hardee race supplies shopping: Walmart supplies, aid station food and drinks shopping (cups, trash bags, snacks, sodas, paper towels, ice, etc) (estimated $3,500) G) Hardee vehicle rentals: uhaul and vehicle rentals, gas (estimated $1,000) 2) Promoting the destination by (estimated marketing spending of $25,000): A) Paying designers to create artworks (graphics, race signage, athlete numbers, race swag, promotional collateral like fliers) (estimated $1,000) B) Paying video editors to prepare edited videos to post on social, and for running social media ads (estimated $5,000) - Ad video example C) Paying to run Meta ads (estimated $5,000) D) Printing fliers or promotional business cards to promote the race, then distributing the fliers at event expos, at regional bike shops, at other cycling events (estimated $3,500) E) Logo placement on race signage, which is then part of the race imagery like photos and videos (estimated $2,000) F) Logo placement on race jerseys, which athletes receive as part of their registration, and it’s mandatory attire for the race. Athletes wear the jerseys as a badge of honor after the race. Plus logo placement on athlete products like bib numbers, water bottles, race bags) (estimated $7,500) G) Any other event and destination marketing initiatives, for example updating the website with tourism attractions, promoting local accommodations, promoting local businesses. (estimated $1,000) Page 1 of 5 10

GFNY attracts a desirable demographic: ● Largest age groups: M40s, M30s, M50s ● Income: 75% earn over $110,000. 42% earn over $250,000 ● 86% have a university degree or higher ● GFNY participants are competitive, dedicated and savvy. They are successful professionals in their fields and seek athletic challenges in their personal lives. Because their time is limited by their professional commitments, they don’t sacrifice on quality in their personal time. GFNY athletes trust GFNY for operating a well-organized, safe and fun event for themselves and their family. That trust in GFNY’s quality is the reason athletes book their trips, take time off work and travel to destinations where GFNYs are held. GFNY has a six-year track record of holding GFNY in Central Florida and has operated more than 200 GFNYs since starting in 2010. Official GFNY FL25 race video: https://youtu.be/-pZvmIH3Cow Page 2 of 5 11

GFNY Florida participants map 2025 World: North & Central America: Page 3 of 5 12

Florida (GFNY athletes are almost all tourists): GFNY Florida participants world map 2024: Page 4 of 5 13

GFNY Florida participants world map 2023: GFNY Florida participants world map 2022: Page 5 of 5 14

Page 1 of 2 Gran Fondo New York, Inc. 5114 Kennedy Blvd West, Suite #16 West New York, NJ 07093 USA gfny.com Hardee County, known as "Hardee" and located at 412 W Orange St, Wauchula, FL, 33873 agrees to enter into this contract with GRAN FONDO NEW YORK Inc., known as "GFNY" on January 13, 2026 for a partnership with GFNY for GFNY Florida October 2026-2029. A. Hardee offers to GFNY 1. Cash payment of $30,000 to become Official Sponsor of GFNY Florida 2026-2029 cycling marathon. Payment schedule: • 2026 edition: Payment issued on October 1, 2026. • 2027 edition: Payment issued on October 1, 2027. • 2028 edition: Payment issued on October 1, 2028. • 2029 edition: Payment issued on October 1, 2029. 2. Waiving of ROW permit fees. 3. Waiving of venue fees for the use of the Hardee County Agri County Civic Center for a 4-day period, which includes: rental, lights, air conditioning, dumpster, trash cans, cleaning, restrooms, chairs, barricades, parking, facility staff. B. GFNY offers to Hardee 1. Hardee County to be the host community of the international cycling marathon. Promotion of Hardee as a Central Florida tourism destination via all GFNY channels, with more than 2,000,000 website views per year, on social media, on international cycling calendars, at expos and email newsletters. 2. Creating content like editing photos, cutting videos and writing text to promote GFNY Florida and Hardee County. 3. Developing race week activities, like training rides and social activities in Hardee, which include Hardee restaurants, cafes and businesses. 4. Capturing video content in Hardee, like photos and videos, to use in GFNY communication about visiting Hardee, which is also available for use by Hardee. 5. Adding the Hardee logo and Hardee information to the race website • Home page • Activities page • Accommodation page • Tourism map • Sponsors section • Course description 15

Page 2 of 2 6. Posting Hardee-branded signage on the race course: • At the expo, start, aid stations and finish. • Logo placement on podium backdrop. • Designing, printing, storing and transporting the signage. 7. Any other communication of Hardee businesses and services, as provided by and requested by Hardee. Includes mentions in email newsletter, posts/stories on social media, press releases to GFNY media list. C. Indemnification The parties shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless each other from and against any and all claims, demands, suits, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, fees (including attorneys’ fees and collection costs) and expenses which result from or arise out of or in connection with: (a) any breach of any agreements, covenants, promises or other obligations under this contract or any other contract, arrangement or agreement; (b) any matter for which either party is otherwise responsible under the terms of this contract or any other contract, arrangement or agreement; (c) any violation or infringement (or claim of violation or infringement) of any law or ordinance or the rights of any party under any patent, copyright, trademark, trade secret or other proprietary right; (d) any libel, slander, defamation or similar claims resulting from the actions of either party; (e) harm or injury (including death) to either party and employees, guests, attendees and invitees; and (f) loss of or damage to property or the business or profits of either party, whether caused by negligence, intentional act, accident, act of God, theft, mysterious disappearance or otherwise. Invalidity or unenforceability of one or more provisions of this agreement shall not affect any other provision of this agreement. This agreement is subject to the laws and regulations of the state of Florida. __________________________ __________________________ Signature Signature New York, January 13, 2026 __________________________ __________________________ Place, Date Place, Date Lidia Fluhme, President GFNY __________________________ __________________________ Name and Role Name and Role 16

Item Cover Page DATE: January 13, 2026 SUBMITTED BY: Courtney Graham, Parks, Recreation, & Marketing ITEM TYPE: Business Item AGENDA SECTION: BUSINESS AGENDA SUBJECT: Gateway sign project update SUGGESTED ACTION: AGENDA ITEM NO. 5.B TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM REPORT ATTACHMENTS: TDC Update Gateway sign presentation 2026.pptx 17

HARDEE COUNTY GATEWAY SIGNS TDC Project Update 2026 18

UPDATE • • Bowling Green location • • $320,000 Funding secured 19

© 2025 Microsoft Corporation © 2025 TomTom © NORTH PROPERTY SHOWN HEREON APPEARS TO LIE WITHIN FLOOD ZONE "X" AS PER F.I.R.M. MAP #12105C0900G, EFFECTIVE 12/22/2016. 20

12' APPROXIMATE R/W LOCATION LOCATION OF PROPOSED SIGN US-17 @ 40 MPH - POSTED SPEED COUNTY LINE ROADPOLK COUNTY HARDEE COUNTY EXISTING SIGN APPROXIMATE R/W LOCATION US-17 @ 40 MPH - POSTED SPEED 3' 9'-6" 2'-6" ©AERIAL PLAN C-010 NORTH PROPOSED SIGNAGE LOCATION PROPOSED SIGNAGE LOCATION EXISTING SIGN TO BE RELOCATED 21

EXISTING SIDEWALK EXISTING CURB PROPOSED SIGN 12' 12' 12' 12' 12' 5' 9' 12' TURN LANE TRAVEL LANE TRAVEL LANE TRAVEL LANE TRAVEL LANE TUR N LAN E SIGNAGE TO BE FRONT LIT BY LIGHT FIXTURE MOUNTED TO THE GROUND IN FRONT OF THE SIGN VARIES HEIGHT OF CONCRETE BASE VARIES WITH GRADE. ELEVATION OF TOP OF CONCRETE BASE TO MATCH ©TYPICAL SECTION C-030 NORTH 1. CONCRETE: (A) ALL CONCRETE MATERIALS, PLACING AND HANDLING SHALL BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LATEST EDITION OF ACI 318 AND ACI 301. (B) ALL STRUCTURAL CONCRETE SHALL HAVE A MINIMUM 28-DAY COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF 4000 PSI (UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED). (C) PROVIDE 3" CONCRETE COVER OVER REINFORCING BARS EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE NOTED. (D) FORM TIES AND REINFORCING BAR SUPPORTS SHALL BE OF NON-CORROSIVE MATERIAL INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, FIBERGLASS, PLASTIC, AND/OR CONCRETE BLOCK. (E) CONCRETE FINISHES: FORMED SURFACE-SMOOTH FORM FINISH PER ACI 301. (F) ALL GROUT SHALL BE NON-SHRINK, NON-METALLIC. (G) CONCRETE SHALL BE CURED IMMEDIATELY AFTER FINISHING OPERATIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH ONE OF THE FOLLOWING METHODS: 1. APPLY A LIQUID MEMBRANE CHEMICAL CURING COMPOUND IN ACCORDANCE WITH ASTM C-309. 2. WET CURE IN ACCORDANCE WITH ACI 301. (H) ALL CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION SHALL BE DONE IN THE DRY. (I) CONCRETE SHALL BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH ASTM C94: 1. TYPE II PORTLAND CEMENT - ASTM C150 2. AGGREGATES (3/4" MAX.) - ASTM C33 3. USE OF CALCIUM CHLORIDE IS NOT PERMITTED 4. AIR ENTRAINING (4% MAX.) - ASTM C260 5. WATER REDUCING - ASTM C494 6. FLY ASH (MAX 20% BY WEIGHT), TYPE F - ASTM C618 7. WATER - CLEAN AND POTABLE 8. MAXIMUM WATER CEMENT RATIO FOR 4,000 PSI, 28-DAY COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH = 0.45 (J) REQUIRED SLUMP: 2" TO 4" (K) CONTRACTOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PROPER DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF ALL FORMWORK AND SHORING. DESIGN SHALL BE PERFORMED BY A LICENSED FLORIDA PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER. (L) A QUALIFIED TESTING LABORATORY SHALL BE RETAINED TO PERFORM THE FOLLOWING CONCRETE TESTS: 1. CYLINDER STRENGTH TESTS - ASTM C39. ONE SET OF FIVE CYLINDERS FOR EACH 50 CUBIC YARDS OR FRACTION THEREOF PLACED. TEST ONE AT 3 DAYS, ONE AT 7 DAYS, TWO AT 28 DAYS, AND HOLD ONE. 2. SLUMP TESTS - ASTM C143 (M) ONE COPY OF ALL TEST REPORTS SHALL BE SENT DIRECTLY TO OWNER, ENGINEER, AND CONTRACTOR. (N) CONCRETE SHALL BE PLACED WITHIN 90 MINUTES OF BATCH TIME (O) ALL CONCRETE SHALL BE CONSOLIDATED IN PLACE USING INTERNAL VIBRATORS (P) SUBMITTALS: 1. SUBMIT PROPOSED CONCRETE MIX DESIGN PRIOR TO CONSTRUCTION 2. SUBMIT DETAILED SHOP DRAWINGS OF REINFORCING BARS SHOWING NUMBER, SIZE, AND LOCATION. INCLUDE BAR LISTS AND BEND DIAGRAMS. 2. REINFORCEMENT: (A) REINFORCING STEEL SHALL BE A.S.T.M. A-615 WITH SUPPLEMENT, GRADE 60. (B) ALL REINFORCEMENT SHALL BE UNCOATED (BLACK). (C) ALL DIMENSIONS PERTAINING TO LOCATION OF REINFORCING BARS ARE TO CENTERLINE OF BARS EXCEPT WHERE THE CLEAR DIMENSION IS SHOWN TO FACE OF CONCRETE. (D) REINFORCEMENT DETAIL DIMENSION ARE OUT-TO-OUT OF BARS. (E) ACI STANDARD HOOKS SHALL BE USED UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. (F) ALL LAP AND SPLICE LENGTHS SHALL BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LATEST EDITION OF ACI 318 AND CRSI STANDARD PRACTICES, EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE NOTED. 3. MASONRY: (A) MASONRY CONSTRUCTION AND MATERIALS SHALL CONFORM TO ALL REQUIREMENTS OF "SPECIFICATIONS FOR MASONRY STRUCTURES (ACI 530.1/ ASCE 6/ TMS 602)", PUBLISHED BYTHE MASONRY SOCIETY, BOULDER COLORADO, THE AMERICAN CONCRETE INSTITURE, FARMINGTON HILLS MICHIGAN, AND THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CIVIL ENGINEERS, RESTON VIRGINIA, EXCEPT AS MODIFIED BY THE REQUIREMENTS OF THESE CONTRACT DOCUMENTS. (B) CONCRETE MASONRY UNITS SHALL CONFORM TO ASTM C-90, TYPE II NORMAL WT. WITH MINIMUM NET AREA COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH FM'=1500 PSI. (C) MORTAR SHALL CONFORM TO ASTM C-270, TYPE S. (D) GROUT SHALL CONFORM TO ASTM C1019 WITH A MINIMUM COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH AT 28 DAYS FG=3000 PSI. (E) FOR HIGH LIFT GROUTING, PROVIDE CLEANOUT OPENING NO LESS THAN 4 INCHES HIGH AT THE BOTTOM OF EACH CELL TO BE GROUTED. LIMIT GROUT LIFT TO 48 INCHES AND ROD FOR GROUT CONSOLIDATION AND RE-CONSOIDAT ION. WAIT 30 TO 60 MINUTES BEFORE PLACING NEXT LIFT. 4. FOUNDATIONS: (A) COMPACT SOILS 1'-0" BELOW FOUNDATIONS TO 95% OF MODIFIED PROCTOR MAXIMUM DRY DENSITY. (B) THE CONTRACTOR SHALL NOTIFY THE ENGINEER IMMEDIATELY OF ANY EXISTING FOUNDATION CONDITIONS OR DETAILS THAT ARE IN CONFLICT WITH THOSE INDICATED AND SHOWN IN THE DRAWINGS. (C) FOUNDATION DESIGN IS BASED ON WELL COMPACTED SAND WITH AN ALLOWABLE BEARING CAPACITY OF 2000 PSF. NOTIFY ENGINEER IF OTHER CONDITIONS ARE ENCOUNTERED. 5. WIND LOADING: (A) WIND LOAD IS BASED ON A BASIC WIND SPEED OF 130 MPH WITH EXPOSURE C, RISK CATEGORY I, PER THE 2014 FLORIDA BUILDING CODE AND ASCE 7-10. 22

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Item Cover Page DATE: January 13, 2026 SUBMITTED BY: Courtney Graham, Parks, Recreation, & Marketing ITEM TYPE: Business Agenda AGENDA SECTION: BUSINESS AGENDA SUBJECT: Application for TDC Grant SUGGESTED ACTION: AGENDA ITEM NO. 5.C TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM REPORT ATTACHMENTS: 25-26 TDC event funding application PDF-draft.pdf TDC 2026-grant application draft.pdf 28

PAGE 5 2025-2026 PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITY EVENT FUNDING APPLICATION Name of Applicant/Organization: 2} Street/P.0. Box: _________________________________________________________________________________ 3} City: ____________________________ State: ________________ Zip Code: _____________ 4) Contact Person: Title: 5) Telephone #: ___________________________ Cell #:___________________________ (Must provide a DAYTIME contact number.) 6) E-mail: ______________________________________________________________________________ 7) Name of Event: 8} Dates of Event: ______________________________________________________________________________ 9} Description of Event: (Attach additional page if needed.} 1} 29

PAGE 4 -· Reimbursement/Payment Process: The payment process for each new event and/or tournament is based on the successful completion of the event and/or tournament in Hardee County. Invoices will not be submitted for payment until the event is complete. Organizations awarded funding should take into consideration that payments from Hardee County TDC will be made in accordance to Florida Statute 218.74 that stipulates that payment may take up to 45 days for processing upon receipt. The invoice(s) must be submitted to the TDC office no later than 60 days following the event. Reminder notices will not be sent by the TDC office. The following documents must accompany the invoice for payment submission, these must include the TDC logo or mention (Hardee County Tourism or Hardee County TDC): Copies of all products(s) developed or produced, such as brochures or flyers and promotional items Copy of advertising (out of county) such as tear sheet or screen shot. Pictures of sponsor mentions such as banners or logo placement on website and/or social media. • Post Economic Impact form (supplied by TDC office) or independent surveys (must include# of out of county participants and visitors as well as overnight stays in county) *Please note that majority of participants must be from out of county. If a new event, you must provide a W-9 to be registered with Hardee County as a vendor to receive payment. Payment address must be same as address on W-9. Record Keeping: Public Record: All materials submitted with funding applications will be a matter of public record open to inspection by any citizen of the State of Florida. Subject to Chapter 119 Florida Statutes. Audits and Records: The Organization awarded funds shall maintain such records and accounts, including property, personnel, and financial records, as are deemed necessary by the County to ensure a proper accounting of all TDC funds. The aforesaid records will be made available for audit or inspection purposes at any time during normal business. 30

PAGE 6 PRE-EVENT ECONOMIC IMPACT INFORMATION COMPLETE THE BOX BELOW WHICH IS APPLICABLE TO YOUR EVENT: NEW EVENT TO HARDEE COUNTY Estimated Number of Participants: Estimated Number of Attendees (Spectators): Is the event at least 60 days from the submission of this application? Yes No Has this event previously taken place in another community? Yes No If yes, where? Room Nights Projected: # of Nights x # of Rooms = Total Room Night: Have you secured a fixed Hotel Rate for participants & visitors this event? Yes_/_No If yes, what is that rate? _ List all hotels that you feel participants & spectators will utilize for this event: (attached separate sheet if necessary: ____________________________________________________________________________ PAST EVENT Number of Participants: Number of Attendees (Spectators): Room Nights: # of Nights x # of Rooms = Total Room Nights _ Was there a secured fixed Hotel Rate for participants & visitors this event? Yes No If yes, what is that rate? List all hotels that you feel participants & spectators utilized for this event: (attached separate sheet if necessary) PRESENT EVENT Estimated Number of Participants: Estimated Number of Attendees (Spectators): _ Estimated Room Nights: # of Nights x # of Rooms = Total Room Nights _ Have you secured a fixed Hotel Rate for participants & visitors this event? Yes No If yes, what is that rate? _ List all hotels that you feel participants & spectators will utilize for this event: (attached separate sheet if necessary) 31

PAGE 7 NEW TOURNAMENT TO HARDEE COUNTY (Athletic/ Fishing) Estimated Number of Participants: Estimated Number of Attendees (Spectators): Is the event at least 60 days from the submission of this application? Yes No Has this event previously taken place in another community? Yes No If yes, where? Room Nights Projected: # of Nights x # of Rooms = Total Room Nights _ Have you secured a fixed Hotel Rate for participants & visitors this event? Yes No If yes, what is that rate? -------- List all hotels that you feel participants & spectators will utilize for this event: (attached separate sheet if necessary) REAPPLYING TOURNAMENT (Athletic/ Fishing) PAST EVENT Number of Participants: Number of Attendees (Spectators): Room Nights: # of Nights x # of Rooms = Total Room Nights _ Was there a secured fixed Hotel Rate for participants & visitors this event? Yes No If yes, what is that rate? -------- List all hotels that you feel participants & spectators utilized for this event: (attached separate sheet if necessary) PRESENT TOURNAMENT EVENT Estimated Number of Participants: Estimated Number of Attendees (Spectators): Estimated Room Nights: # of Nights x # of Rooms = Total Room Nights _ Have you secured a fixed Hotel Rate for participants & visitors this event? Yes No If yes, what is that rate? _ List all hotels that you feel participants & spectators will utilize for this event: (attached separate sheet if necessary) 32

PAGE 8 .. � , TOURISM POTENTIAL, MARKETING STRATEGY & METHODS 12) Describe how the event will be evaluated for positive impact to the Hardee County community. 13) What plans have been made for the promotion of the event? (Attach additional page if needed.) 14) Provide details of where brochures will be distributed and where other print (i.e., newspaper, magazine) and audio/video advertising will take place. (Attach additional page if needed.) Reminder: Recognition of Hardee County Tourist Development Council must be included on all print, audio and video advertising which will be reimbursed by the Hardee County Tourist Development Council. See "Hardee County T.D.C. Brand Guidelines." 15} Total T.D.C. dollars requested: __________ 16C} CERTIFICATION: I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT I AM THE RESPONSIBLE AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE FOR THIS FY 22/23 SPECIAL EVENT HOST PROGRAM FOR THE ABOVE APPLICANT. I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE HARDEE COUNTY T.D.C. SPECIAL EVENT HOST POLICIES, ADVERTISING, HARDEE T.D.C. BRAND REQUIREMENTS, AGREE TO COMPLY WITH THESE PROCEDURES AND THAT THE FACTS STATED IN THIS APPL/CATION ARE TRUE AND CORRECT TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE AND BELIEF. Signature Title Printed Name Date 33

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2025-2026 PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITY FUNDING GUIDELINES AND GRANT APPLICATION Hardee County Tourist Development Council (863) 473-4954 visithardee@hardeecountyfl.gov 35

TABLE OF CONTENTS Tourist Development Tax Overview 3 Grant Guidelines 6 Application Process and Evaluation Criteria 7 Use of TDC Grant Funds 7 Award Notification 8 Grant Application 10 Economic Impact 12 Marketing Strategy 13 Certification 13 Federal Form W-9 14 36

TOURIST DEVELOPMENT TAX OVERVIEW OBJECTIVE The Hardee County Tourist Development Council endeavors to support organizations in their effort to develop and promote a local event by making available special grant funding, provided that the organization has met the requirements of the application and successfully completes the reimbursement process. LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY The Florida State Legislature enacted the Local Option Tourist Development Act Section 125.0104, Florida Statutes in response to the growing need of Florida counties to provide additional revenue sources for tourist development in an effort to stimulate the local economy. In response to this need, the voters of Hardee County approved in 2016, a two (2%) percent tourist development tax (“TDT”) on rental accommodations of six (6) months or less. A Tourist Development Council ("TDC") was also created as an advisory Council to the Hardee County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) in planning ways to use the revenue received through the tourist development tax, based on statutory guidelines. The TDC is 100% funded by the TDT which paid by the tourists to Hardee County visitors, it is not collected from local residents unless they are staying in local lodging. REVENUES Tourist Development Tax revenues are generated by overnight guests staying in Hardee County RV parks/campgrounds, hotels, motels and condominiums. As a rule, any short-term lodging of six months or less is subject to the two percent tax in addition to Hardee County's sales tax. Collections are received through the Florida Department of Revenue and returned to the County on a monthly basis for the County's use. Hardee County places this revenue in a special fund. Florida law outlines the proper use of these tax funds. AUTHORIZED USES OF REVENUE All tax revenues received by the TDC pursuant to Florida Statute 125.0104(5)(a) shall be used for the following purposes only: 1. To acquire, construct, extend, enlarge, remodel, repair, improve, maintain, operate, or promote one or more: a. Publicly owned and operated convention centers, sports stadiums, sports arenas, coliseums, or auditoriums within the boundaries of the county or subcounty special taxing district in which the tax is levied; b. Auditoriums that are publicly owned but are operated by organizations that are exempt from federal taxation pursuant to 26 U.S.C. s. 501(c)(3) and open to the public, within the boundaries of the county or subcounty special taxing district in which the tax is levied; or c. Aquariums or museums that are publicly owned and operated or owned and operated by not-for-profit organizations and open to the public, within the boundaries of the county or subcounty special taxing district in which the tax is levied; 2. To promote zoological parks that are publicly owned and operated or owned and operated by not-for-profit organizations and open to the public; 3. To promote and advertise tourism in this state and nationally and internationally; however, if tax revenues are expended for an activity, service, venue, or event, the activity, service, venue, or event must have as one of its main purposes the attraction of tourists as evidenced by the promotion of the activity, service, venue, or event to tourists; 37

4. To fund convention bureaus, tourist bureaus, tourist information centers, and news bureaus as county agencies or by contract with the chambers of commerce or similar associations in the county, which may include any indirect administrative costs for services performed by the county on behalf of the promotion agency; 5. To finance beach park facilities, or beach, channel, estuary, or lagoon improvement, maintenance, renourishment, restoration, and erosion control, including construction of beach groins and shoreline protection, enhancement, cleanup, or restoration of inland lakes and rivers to which there is public access as those uses relate to the physical preservation of the beach, shoreline, channel, estuary, lagoon, or inland lake or river. However, any funds identified by a county as the local matching source for beach renourishment, restoration, or erosion control projects included in the long-range budget plan of the state’s Beach Management Plan, pursuant to s. 161.091, or funds contractually obligated by a county in the financial plan for a federally authorized shore protection project may not be used or loaned for any other purpose. In counties of fewer than 100,000 population, up to 10 percent of the revenues from the tourist development tax may be used for beach park facilities; 6. To acquire, construct, extend, enlarge, remodel, repair, improve, maintain, operate, or finance public facilities within the boundaries of the county or subcounty special taxing district in which the tax is levied, if the public facilities are needed to increase tourist-related business activities in the county or subcounty special district and are recommended by the county tourist development council created pursuant to paragraph (4)(e). Tax revenues may be used for any related land acquisition, land improvement, design and engineering costs, and all other professional and related costs required to bring the public facilities into service. As used in this subparagraph, the term “public facilities” means major capital improvements that have a life expectancy of 5 or more years, including, but not limited to, transportation, sanitary sewer, solid waste, drainage, potable water, and pedestrian facilities. Tax revenues may be used for these purposes only if the following conditions are satisfied: a. In the county fiscal year immediately preceding the fiscal year in which the tax revenues were initially used for such purposes, at least $10 million in tourist development tax revenue was received or the county is a fiscally constrained county, as described in s. 218.67(1), located adjacent to the Gulf of America or the Atlantic Ocean; b. The county governing board approves the use for the proposed public facilities by a vote of at least two-thirds of its membership; c. No more than 70 percent of the cost of the proposed public facilities will be paid for with tourist development tax revenues, and sources of funding for the remaining cost are identified and confirmed by the county governing board; d. At least 40 percent of all tourist development tax revenues collected in the county are spent to promote and advertise tourism as provided by this subsection; and e. An independent professional analysis, performed at the expense of the county tourist development council, demonstrates the positive impact of the infrastructure project on tourist-related businesses in the county; or 7. To employ, train, equip, insure, or otherwise fund the provision of lifeguards certified by the American Red Cross, the Y.M.C.A., or an equivalent nationally recognized aquatic training program, for beaches on the Gulf of America or the Atlantic Ocean. Subparagraphs 1. and 2. may be implemented through service contracts and leases with lessees that have sufficient expertise or financial capability to operate such facilities. Florida Statute 125.0104(5)(b) Also provides that tax revenues received by a county of less than 950,000 population imposing a tourist development tax may only be used by that county for the following purposes in addition to those purposes allowed pursuant to paragraph (a): to acquire, construct, extend, enlarge, remodel, repair, improve, maintain, operate, or 38

promote one or more zoological parks, fishing piers or nature centers which are publicly owned and operated or owned and operated by not-for-profit organizations and open to the public. All population figures relating to this subsection shall be based on the most recent population estimates prepared pursuant to the provisions of s. 186.901. These population estimates shall be those in effect on July 1 of each year. COMMON TERMS ACCOMMODATIONS - Hotel, Motel, Bed and Breakfast, Campground, Resort, Vacation Rental, etc. ADVERTISING: The action of calling something to the attention of the public, especially by paid announcements. BOCC – Hardee County Board of County Commissioners. EVENT: A special event for which grant funds are being requested. This term may be used interchangeably with "project" in this document. FISCAL CYCLE: The funding cycle is October 1 through September 30. TDC: Hardee County Tourist Development Council PROJECT: Tourism project for which grant funds are being requested. This term may be used interchangeably with "event" in this document. PROMOTION: The furtherance of an event / project through advertising and publicity. PUBLICITY: The dissemination of information or promotional material; paid advertising. TOURIST: A person who participates in trade or recreation activities outside the county of his or her permanent residence or who rents or leases transient accommodations as described in Florida Statute 125.0104. 39

GRANT FUNDING GUIDELINES The TDC welcomes your organization and looks forward to events that promote our rural community! Promotional funding r e i m b u r s e m e n t through the TDC is specifically intended for events that increase tourism and visitors to Hardee County. Events that apply for this grant should have a majority of participants and/or spectators from out of Hardee County. Per State Statute TDC funds may be used to "promote and advertise tourism in the State of Florida and nationally and internationally; however, if tax revenues are expended for an activity, service, venue, or event, the activity, service, venue, or event shall have as one of its main purposes the attraction of tourists as evidenced by the promotion of the activity, service, venue, or event to tourists". Funding eligibility expectations include, but are not limited to, the following: 1, Events that have a history of a n d / or the potential to generate local accommodation reservations; 2. Multiple- day events w h i c h can include pre-events that guarantee overnight stays a n d / or a series of events located in Hardee County requiring accommodations. 3. Special consideration given to events that will generate regional, state, national, or international media attention and exposure for Hardee County. Applications for grant funding are reviewed by the TDC Advisory Board for the economic benefits to the community and to ensure that the TDC is following state statute guidelines. Funding requests are reviewed and approved on a case- b y - c a s e basis for the potential economic impact to Hardee County. Sliding- s c a l e hosting fees may apply as determined by the TDC Board and/or Tourism Coordinator and Event Director. ADVERTISING GUIDELINES Pre-press approval is required to assure the TDC logo is used in accordance with the current TDC brand requirements. (i.e. flyers, print ads, in-town signs, signs at the event, promotional items, etc.) In seeking Brand Guidelines are included in this packet and if you use any form of digital, radio or television advertising, p l e a s e announce Hardee County as a host by referring to the Hardee Tourist Development Council. Additionally, your organization's event website must provide a link to the Hardee County website at: www.hardeecountyfl.gov. Event sites not containing link to County's website will be deemed as not meeting all requirements and will not be eligible for reimbursement. You will need to provide web links, copies of print or digital advertisement, proof of radio or television advertising and any o t h e r information reflecting ways that your organization promoted t h e e v e n t i n Hardee County. Pictures of promotional items are sufficient. FINANCIAL GUIDELINES Grant funds must be expended only on items allowed under Florida Statute Section 125.0104. Any payment made that is later determined not to be an authorized expenditure shall be due and returned to the TDC. Reimbursable advertising must include advertising or promotional information that is distributed/broadcasted out of Hardee County for at least one overnight stay. Maximum allowable reimbursement is up to $2,000.00 per e v en t which is the maximum allowable allocation per e v e n t under this grant. The final amount approved will be determined by the TDC. It is important to note that all funding is based on availability of funds as determined by the approved budget for the TDC by the Board of County Commissioners. The TDC is funded on a fiscal cycle beginning October 1 and ending on September 30. Reimbursement of advertising funding must be applied for by the event organization. Grant funds will be dispersed only after the application has been fully executed. Failure to do so will serve as a withdrawal from the funding process. Award notifications will be made to the organization via the email address provided in the application. Any exceptions to the TDC language must be submitted with the application. The TDC is under no obligation to honor request for exceptions and may reject a grant application and not provide funding if the exception is not, in the sole opinion of the County, in its best interests. 40