Subject:
Title
Board Direction - 2020 Junior Olympic Games
End
Fiscal Impact:
$150,000 in Tourist Development Tax funds ($50,000 to be reimbursed by Florida Sports Foundation) and up to $50,000 in waived fees from Parks and Recreation Department.
Dept/Office:
District 2
Requested Action:
Recommendation
Recommendation
That the Board provide staff with direction and approval of funds regarding the 2020 Junior Olympic Games and waive park facilities rental fees.
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Summary Explanation and Background:
The AAU's (Amateur Athletic Union) Vice President, Rusty Buchanan, approached Commissioner Lober, Tourism Director, Peter Cranis, TDC Chair, Giles Malone, and Vice Chair of Brevard County Schools, Matt Susin regarding hosting an event titled the 2020 Junior Olympics. This event has been held in various cities around the United States for many years and is known to be one of the top junior amateur athletic competitions in the country. This year the event was supposed to be held in Virginia, however the state decided it did not want the event this year due to COVID-19. Mr. Buchanan, being a Brevard County resident and having formerly helped organize the event, felt that Brevard County could provide facilities and fund the event to occur in late July/early August. If the event could attract 5,000 athletes (normally they have about 15,000) and the accompanying parents and spectators, there is a possibility of generating a significant number of hotel room nights and in turn, positive economic impact to the community during a time when many tourism-related businesses are hurting due to COVID-19. Tentatively, the School Board representatives were supportive and believed they could provide facilities at no cost for the event. It was also asked if Brevard County would be willing to provide facilities at no cost. Also, some costs were identified including a capital facilities expense to help finish a new track at Viera High School for $50-60,000. Additionally, there...
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