Walton Tourism Pros: “We have no voice” With Local Government

Amy Wise-Coble (Seat 6) served as chair for the meeting due to the absence of Commissioner Drake.  Statements made by TDC members revealed their frustration and perception the Board of County Commissioners has ignored or trampled on them at every turn – to the taxpayers’ detriment. 

The two bodies have begun meeting regularly to improve their working relationship. Following the last joint meeting in 2025, both groups indicated that the “work session” was productive.  However, remarks made by two of the TDC members (Amy Wise-Coble and Tim Taylor, (Seat 4) this week indicated a chasm exists between the two boards – as well as accusations some TDC members have abandoned their responsibilities.  

Wise-Coble said, “We have got to try and get on the same page with the BCC, because I think we have members of this Council [referring to the TDC] that likely aren’t attending because they don’t feel like they are being heard.”  With reference to a decision the BCC made to purchase property, she added, “If you [referring to the BCC] write a resolution to buy a piece of property, that’s great, but you shouldn’t reference the Tourism Development Council anywhere in the resolution.  It should say the Board of County Commissioners because we [the TDC] weren’t involved.  Nobody asked [for] our opinion.”  

We Can’t Make a Recommendation and We’re Not Listened To

At the very end of the meeting, Tim Taylor affirmed the comments regarding disconnect and disregard for the TDC by saying, “We’re appointed by the County Commissioners.  We’re [the TDC] all experts in our fields, truly experts, entrepreneurs that really make the engine go…I understand it’s the County and the County Commissioners are elected and they can do whatever they want.  But why come [here and serve on the TDC]?  You’ve heard me say we’re marionettes.” Taylor continued, “I like it because it gives me a chance just to use it [my role in the TDC] as a bully pulpit, but we’re not listened to.”  He concluded by saying that he and the other TDC members lack value and have no authority in their volunteer roles.  He said, “we can’t even make a recommendation.”

The recommendation Taylor referred to was a request from Grayton Beach resident Billy Buzzett (representing the Grayton Beach Neighborhood Association) for $ 2,500 in financial assistance to cover expenses for the annual Fourth of July Parade, which has become very popular in the Grayton Beach community and Walton County. Buzzett took time to discuss the atmosphere and attraction that the community parade brings.  He mentioned that Commissioner Tony Anderson (District 5) called Buzzett five years ago and encouraged the team coordinating the event to implement additional organization and structure, at the County’s request.  Buzzett said, “So, we reluctantly have taken on the responsibility of the parade.  I say reluctantly – we’re really glad to do it!  It’s a historical thing.  It’s a fun thing, but it’s become something much bigger than Grayton Beach.”  

A Little Ask for the Nation’s 250th Birthday Celebration in Grayton Beach

Buzzett listed the requirements that are now involved with the growing event, and some of these steps include:  An application to the county for the event, a process for getting a street closure, hiring 8 off-duty deputies for support with the event [safety], and also the purchase of a million-dollar insurance policy.  Buzzett said the community can afford the $ 2,500 it is requesting, but the community believes Grayton Beach should be able to seek financial assistance from the TDC for this event, which is also popular with tourists on 30A.

Although the TDC seemed supportive and very complimentary about the July 4th Parade, there was hesitation to commit because the event does not currently fit the annual program that supports local events with marketing grants.  It was suggested that the parade could qualify for the new TDC Sponsorship Program, which will open applications later in 2026 for fiscal year 2027.  That won’t help Grayton Beach with the parade this year. 

Barbara Morano, a resident of Santa Rosa Beach and former candidate for Walton County Commission, suggested that there might be a way to help fund the parade and suggested potentially taking money from the Sheriff’s Department budget.  Morano reasoned that if money was being spent for public safety, the use of funds by the Sheriff’s Department seemed reasonable.  The County Attorney Clay Adkinson clarified, “…if you hold a private event that closes roads, you have to provide sufficient law enforcement, security, and protection for the public outside of traditional law enforcement services.”  Seeking to support this event and find a means for funding it, Morano said, “Well, Mr. Bizzett has the opportunity, I hope, to talk to Matt [Algarin, Director of Tourism] and see if they [the TDC] could work through getting money from the beach vending services.”

Why the Hesitation to Move Forward With TDC Directives?

In this instance, a roadblock appears to prevent some of the smallest items from being completed on a TDC checklist.  Perhaps the frustration runs deeper than the cost of a parade.  The TDC has made recommendations to the BCC that are continually put on hold.  At the last BCC meeting, Commissioner Donna Johns (District 4) brought up the tabled discussion of hiring an Executive Director of Tourism.  The TDC has supported and recommended that the County hire an Executive Director.  Currently, the County has a Director of Tourism and a Director of Beach Operations who work together to oversee the county’s largest revenue stream, tourism.  The BCC is split on the TDC’s recommendation, and Commissioner Danny Glidewell (District 2) believes the current leadership is sufficient and that hiring an Executive Director for Tourism would be fiscally wasteful.  Commissioners have also shared that they cannot agree on who the Executive Director of Tourism should report to (either the County Administrator or directly to the BCC). 

A joint meeting of the BCC and TDC is scheduled for March 17.