Ryan Nicol
VISIT FLORIDA is issuing another $229,000 in grant money to communities recovering from Hurricane Michael.
With that money, the state’s official tourism marketing organization will have put forward more than $1 million to help areas struck by the storm.
The newest round of funding will be split between the Tourist Development Councils in Franklin and Holmes counties. Franklin will get $174,000 while Holmes will receive $55,000.
“VISIT FLORIDA is dedicated to communities that are continuing to recover from Hurricane Michael,” said Dana Young, the organization’s President and CEO.
“After visiting Northwest Florida, I heard directly from local leaders on ways that Visit Florida can help with their efforts, and I’m pleased that we are able to award more recovery grants today. It’s clear that tourism is vital to Northwest Florida and Visit Florida will continue to protect this industry by maximizing visitation and the tax revenue it generates.”
The grants, announced Thursday, add to a round of funding from Feb. 25. The Gulf County Tourist Development Council, the Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Panama City Community Development Council, Inc. each received $250,000.
In addition, $60,000 went to the Jackson County Tourist Development Council. Another grant of $47,598 was given to the Washington County Tourist Development Council.
VISIT FLORIDA said he funding was requested by local organizations and will go toward their targeted marketing efforts.
The massive storm struck the Florida Panhandle back in October. Several areas are still struggling to recover. A Senate budget plan would put more than $1.8 billion toward overall Hurricane Michael relief.
