2024-219B - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

EXHIBIT A INDIAN RIVER COUNTY TOURIST TAX FUNDING REQUEST A. Program Cover Page Agency: Coastal Connections, Inc Telephone Contact Person: Kendra Cope Bergman Fax: Title: Executive Director E -Mail: Address: 3321 Bridge Plaza Dr., Vero Beach, FL 32963 Website Address: www.coastal-connections.orq Program Title: Turtle Trips - Florida" An Eco Volunteer Vacation qpR � oC�OFFIC�� 7722260133 i nfo(a)coasta I -con necti on s. org I Agree - By checking the "I Agree" box and entering your name below, you certify that information contained in this application accurately reflects the activities of this agency and that the expenditures or portions thereof for which County funds are being requested are not reimbursed by any other source. Name: Kendra Bergman Title: Executive Director tenet description of theyrogram Tor wnicn tunaing is requestea: Sea turtles are one of Indian River County's most attractive and charismatic natural resources. The fact that Indian River is home to one of the highest densities of nesting loggerhead turtles, makes it not only incredibly special but a destination for nature lovers. There are very few places around the world where people can travel to see sea turtles in the wild, and the central east coast of Florida is one of the only places people can reliably see a loggerhead turtle up close with a permitted and authorized guide. CCinc serves as the primary permitted agency for education, community outreach, and eco -tourism opportunities related to sea turtle conservation in Indian River County, leading both nighttime Turtle Walks and Daytime Turtle Digs from June to August every year. Indian River County is also home to a plethora of other natural wonders including the endangered Florida scrub jay, the nation's first National Wildlife Refuge, manatees and dolphins living in the Indian River Lagoon, a nearshore shipwreck, stunning beaches, and miles and miles of trails on conservation lands. Since 2021, CCinc has been leading a week-long ecotourism trip to Costa Rica called "Turtle Trips - Costa Rica". During this trip, two guides take eight guests to three towns across the Guanacaste Peninsula that are significantly important for the survival of sea turtles. But, in their own right, are very different from one another. Playa Grande is the most important Leatherback nesting beach on the Pacific Coast located next door to one of the most well-known tourist destinations in the country. Ostional hosts a worldwide phenomenon called an Arribada of Olive Riley turtles every month and is located next to the fastest-growing town in the Country. Lastly, the rural town of Ortega is nestled inland along a national river filled with wildlife and is surrounded by farms that feed nutrients to coastal lands and the open ocean. Guests on this trip learn not only about sea turtles but local culture, volunteer on various conservation and restoration projects, and enjoy a little "Pura Vida". In 2025, CCinc is requesting to expand its popular "Turtle Trips" program to Florida. Mimicking the established program structure, CCinc will attract small groups of ecotourists to Indian River County for a one-week guided trip during the months of June and/or July to experience local wildlife, explore stunning outdoor environments, support local nonprofits dedicated to protecting our natural resources, and have guests join permitted sea turtle experiences on the nesting beach. Guests will stay at a Sea Turtle Friendly Certified hotel and will dine at locally owned and managed restaurants throughout their planned one-week vacation. All funds being requested from the TDC will be used for marketing/ads, program insurance, program supplies and equipment, and professional services required to plan and lead this program. This request complies with Florida Statute 125.0104 Section (5)(a)2. The total amount requested is $16,000. 5ummary Report Amount requested from Indian River County for 2024/2025: $16,000.00 Total Proposed Program budget for 2024/2025: $283,625.00 Percent of total Program budget: 5.64% Current Funding (2023/2024) $15,000.00 Dollar increase / (decrease) in request: $1,000.00 Percent increase I decrease in request: 6.67% EXHIBIT A