Tourist taxes down in April

Osceola County’s tourist development tax revenue fell 9.2 percent in April following a 4.5 percent increase in March, according to the latest report from the Osceola County Tax Collector’s office.

Tax revenue for the first seven months of the fiscal year, which started Oct. 1, is down 7.1 percent compared to last year for the same period. Monthly revenue from the tax has been below previous year totals for five out of seven months, with three of those dips into the double digits. Only one month besides March showed a positive number: November revenue was up 7.9 percent.

The average daily room rate in April was down 5 percent – at $73.82 this year versus $77.70 last year. The hotel/motel occupancy rate for the month fell 8.8 percent, dropping to 57.1 percent this year compared to 62.6 percent last year. The occupancy and average daily room rates do not include Disney All-Star resorts.

About $2.8 million was collected in tax in April compared to $3.01 million for the same month a year earlier. If the current 7.1 percent fall in revenue holds for the rest of the 2009-10 fiscal year, the amount collected would be $28.96 million compared to $31.18 million for 2008-09.

Osceola County collects a 6 percent tax on overnight stays of 180 days or less.

Rodeo results are in

The results of the 125th Silver Spurs Rodeo, held June 5-6 at Osceola Heritage Park, are in, with more than $30,000 in cash and prizes awarded to rodeo contestants.

In bull riding, presented by Clancy and Theys Construction Company, David Hudson, of Athens, Texas, scored 83 points, earning him first place.

Justin Caylor, of Andulusia, Ala., scored an 81 in saddle bronc riding to take first place and Tim Hensley, of Butler, Ga., scored a 76 in bareback riding, taking first place for this event. The Osceola News-Gazette sponsored both of these events.

In steer wrestling, sponsored by the Kissimmee Convention & Visitors Bureau, Ivon Nelson, of Williston, had a time of 5.1 seconds for his champion spot.

Will Lane, of Norman Park, Ga., won the tie down roping event with a time of 8.5 seconds. Jimmy Tanner, of Tifton, Ga., and Derick Freeman, of Dadeville, Ala., partnered to bring in a time of 5.6 seconds, earning them first place in team roping.

In the barrel race, sponsored by Poffenbaugh Ford of St. Cloud, Brittany Pozzi, of Victoria, Texas, won with a time of 16.05 seconds.

The Silver Spurs Riding Club, a nonprofit volunteer organization, sponsors the annual rodeo, which is sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.

Florida traffic fatalities fall to a record low in 2009

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and the Florida Department of Transportation have announced that more lives than ever are being saved on Florida’s roadways.

Based on an analysis of vehicle miles traveled in 2009, Florida’s fatality rate dropped to 1.3 fatalities per 100 million miles traveled, the lowest rate ever reported in the Sunshine State.

Safety officials pointed to the recent passage of the primary safety belt law, as well as numerous education and awareness campaigns and the strategic enforcement efforts of law enforcement throughout the state. This marks the fourth consecutive year in which both the number of traffic fatalities and the fatality rate have declined.

“The safety of our residents and visitors is a top priority, and reducing fatalities on our roadways is a step in the right direction,” Florida Gov. Charlie Crist stated in a press release. “I commend our safety advocates and law enforcement officers who ensure that Florida remains a safe place to work and play.”

FDOT Secretary Stephanie Kopelousos and DHSMV Executive Director Julie Jones also noted the positive effect of educational campaigns such as those targeting motorcycle safety and teen drivers, as well as law enforcement’s strategic approach to enforcing DUI and other traffic laws.

In coming weeks, the DHSMV will publish the 2009 Traffic Crash Statistics Report, which will provide detailed information regarding Florida’s traffic crashes, injuries and fatalities, including driver demographics and trend analyses. For previous reports and information about the DHSMV’s education and enforcement efforts, visit www.flhsmv.gov.