1 · 2 · 3 · 4
[EXECUTIVE SUMMARY]
[PUBLIC SURVEY]
[EVENT PROJECTIONS]
[FEATURE & AMENITIES]
Public Survey
LMI conducted a public survey which resulted in approximately 90 responses. The
purpose of this survey was to gauge the public's interests as to types of events and other
amenities it would like to see and support in the new Okaloosa County Conference Center.
The survey asked respondents to list the most important aspects to patrons when
attending events. Survey results indicated that parking, comfortable seating and acoustics
were the primary concerns to potential patrons. The chart on the following page shows the
items broken down by level of importance. From the responses LMI received, respondents
indicated the top choices for events as follows:
Consumer Shows: Craft Fairs, Travel & Leisure, Computer/Electronics
and Collectors/Antiques Shows Consumer Shows: Craft Fairs, Travel & Leisure, Computer/Electronics
and Collectors/Antiques Shows Consumer Shows: Craft Fairs, Travel & Leisure, Computer/Electronics
and Collectors/Antiques Shows Consumer Shows: Craft Fairs, Travel & Leisure, Computer/Electronics
and Collectors/Antiques Shows
Trade Shows: Hospitality, Automobile and Real Estate Shows
Community Events: Civic Events, Parties/Balls and Catering/Banquet Functions
followed closely by Cultural Fairs
Sporting Events: Gymnastics, Basketball and Rodeo followed closely by Boxing
Family Shows: Theatrical Productions and Disney on Ice
Concerts: Contemporary, Jazz and Classical
Additionally, respondents were asked to list any types of amenities or extras
they would like to see in the new Okaloosa County Conference Center. Following are some of
the recurring responses:
- View of the bay
- Small and large meeting rooms
- Child care facilities
- Flexibility, versatility, multipurpose
- Spacious public lobby
- Large toilet facilities
- Boat docking
- Beautiful exterior
- Convenient parking
- Ample air conditioning
- Full service kitchen
Community Meeting
A community meeting was held at the Fort Walton Beach Municipal Auditorium to
encourage citizens of Okaloosa County to share their views about the proposed Okaloosa
County Conference Center. It was an opportunity for citizens to express ideas about types
of events and other entertainment that they would like to see in Okaloosa County. Over 70
people participated in the forum. Major general points of interest included:
- Overall support from the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce and the Destin
Chamber of Commerce
- Economic impact to local businesses
- Site selection
- Quality of life
- Economic development tool
The community meeting began with an introduction of LMI and Genesis
representatives followed by a synopsis of the purpose of the meeting detailing the need
for the proposed conference center and its impact on the off peak season as well as the
types of events that could be held in such a facility. The floor was then open for
questions, answers and comments.
Following are some of the highlights from the community meeting:
Destin Chamber of Commerce board member, Bob Harmer, stated that the Destin
Chamber had passed a resolution more than two years ago supporting a facility of this kind
and that the Chamber was still very supportive of it. He did express a concern that the
waterfront along Choctawhatchee Bay be preserved.
Tom Rice, owner of the Magnolia Grill in Fort Walton Beach was quoted (Daily
News, Oct. 8, 1998) as saying, "I think this will be good for my restaurant, 1 think
it will be good for other restaurants."
LMI reinforced the fact that currently the funding for such a proposed facility
would come from a portion of the county's hotel/motel tax. Further reiterating that it is
not the intent of anyone to increase the ad valorem taxes, property taxes sales taxes or
any other such tax.
Councilman Clay Carnathan wrapped up the community meeting by addressing some of
the community's traffic concerns.
The day after the community meeting, October 8, 1998, the front page of the
Northwest Florida Daily News read "Locals champion center's potential the following
is a passage from that article.
'Several people said a conference center is needed to attract business and
civic events. Charles Corcentino, president of the Fort Walton Beach Kiwanis Club, said
his chapter has had to turn down offers to host district meetings because of the lack of
space. Jeanne Reif, of the American Business Women's Association, noted that some 800
members will converge on Sandestin in March 2000 because it has the space to accommodate
them. Ed Abney, of the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors, said his group needs space
for training seminars. "We are literally dying for meeting space in this area,"
he said. "We would like to be one of your best customers in the off season and in the
intervals between your events," he said.'
