Florida Gov. Charlie Crist may be rethinking his plans for spending the $25 million that BP gave the state for tourism advertising. A memorandum of understanding has been drafted for the Governor that will give Escambia County $1.4 million for tourism marketing. There will be no “matching funds” requirement.
The entire $25 million will be divided $10M for Visit Florida, $10M for Northwest Florida counties and $5M for the rest of the state.
It’s not what local officials wanted but the funds could be released by the first of next week. Unfortunately it’s too late to help with Memorial Day weekend plans.
The final announcement for the distribution of funds will be tomorrow from Pompano Joe’s restaurant in Destin where Crist will be meeting with area TDC officials.