The Tourist Development Council (TDC) met Thursday to address the Board of County Commissioners’ controversial decision to fund the General “Chappie” James Memorial Plaza using $750,000 in tourist development tax dollars.
“If we were to consider that statue a museum, then why would we not consider every other statue in our community or across the country a museum?” Bear questioned. “There’s a difference between a statue and a museum.”
Economic Impact Questions
An economic impact study by the Haas Center concluded that the project would only create short-term economic benefits during construction, with no evidence that the construction would promote tourism.
- County Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger expressed concern about the county’s justification, acknowledging the study didn’t support tourism development. “I feel like if we can’t prove that it goes to tourism, it’s a moot point,” she said.
- City Councilman Charles Bare supported the TDC’s position. “I completely support the Chappy James Plaza, but this is not the correct source of funding,” he said, noting that the actual Chappy James Museum generated only 175 overnight visitors last year.
TDC Takes Action
City Councilwoman Jennifer Brahier added that state definitions of museums require “multiple artifacts curated and programming,” which the plaza doesn’t include. The council debated whether to send a TDC Letter to both the County Commission and the Florida Department of Revenue reporting the expenditure as unauthorized under state law.
After discussion, they approved a modified approach – sending the letter only to the County Commission with detailed information about museum definitions and tourism requirements, giving commissioners a chance to reconsider before involving state authorities.
- “Let’s deal with it locally if we can. If we can’t, then report them,” said TDC member Jim Reeves.
Bottom Line: The County Commission must now reconsider its funding decision based on the TDC’s formal objections.