Editor:
In Sunday's editorial there is mistake in reference to Art & Culture (A&C) "being overlooked and done out of its mandated allotment for years -the money has since been given to Heartland Cultural Alliance". The fact is Heartland Cultural Alliance (HCA) has never received money from the Tourist Development Council (TDC). The funds, which are only a fraction of what A&C have been "done out of" were put in a TDC fund designated for A&C.
This fund is under threat of being eliminated and nevermore replenished by the TDC plan being voted on this week. Their plan is is inconsistent with counties that are successful in promoting and growing their cultural tourism. Palm Beach, Miami-Dade, Sarasota and St. Johns (St. Augustine) counties, to name a few, all have a designated percentage of tourist tax funds going to A&C.
The proposed TDC plan and the impediments they place on monies designated to promote A&C seriously hamper the county's ability to tap into the lions share of the tourist market. Cultural tourism is not only the largest, but the fastest growing segment of the market. And here we sit, a beautifully endowed magnet to the cultural tourist, languishing for lack of vision of a TDC inexperienced in promoting A&C. They should partner with A&C not strip its funding. We need to work together. There is much to gain.
Fred Leavitt, President
Heartland Cultural Alliance
Wednesday, February 27, 2013 - www.newssun.com/ltr-022713-leavitt