Top administrative positions filled at Osceola County

The Osceola County Commission on Sept. 7 at a special meeting filled two top positions under the county manager.

Dave Tomek will serve as the county’s new community development director. He previously was the county’s planning/zoning manager, and was hired by the county Feb. 11, 2008.

Sherry Johnson was approved by commissioners as the new Corrections Department director. Hired by County Manager Don Fisher on Sept. 2, Johnson’s first day was Sept. 11.

Media and residents will be invited to attend a meet and greet with Johnson within the next few weeks.

For more information, contact the Osceola County Public Information Office at 407-742-0100.

Tourist taxes up 11.1 percent in July

Osceola County’s tourist development tax revenue climbed 11.1 percent in July following a 12.4 percent increase in June, according to the latest report from the Osceola County Tax Collector’s office.

Tax revenue for the first 10 months of the fiscal year, which started Oct. 1, is still down 2.8 percent compared to last year for the same period, mainly because of a 21.1 percent decline in October as well as double-digit declines in January and February.

The average daily room rate in July was up 1.9 percent – at $63.63 this year versus $62.45 last year. The hotel/motel occupancy rate for the month was up 9.4 percent, climbing to 65.4 percent this year compared to 59.8 percent last year. The occupancy and average daily room rates do not include Disney All-Star resorts.

About $3.2 million was collected in tourist taxes in July compared to $2.9 million last year. So far this fiscal year, about $26.3 million has been collected.

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

The tax collector also reported sales tax receipts for June compared to the same month the prior year, based on a report from the Florida Department of Revenue:

• Lunchrooms, restaurants and catering services, up 0.3 percent.

• Hotel/motel accommodations, up 3.4 percent.

• Gifts, cards, novelty, hobby, crafts and toy stores, down 3.5 percent.

• Admissions, amusement and recreation services, up 20 percent.

City seeks support letters for grant applications

The city of Kissimmee is requesting a letter of support from community organizations to supplement its competitive application for an Environmental Protective Agency Brownfields Assessment grant.

The city is requesting federal funds to assess brownfields, which are potential hazardous substances and/or properties located in the city limits that are impacted by petroleum products.

Community groups or agencies can submit a letter in support of the city’s revitalization/redevelopment efforts and request the EPA give every possible consideration to the city’s application for the funds.

Agencies that commit to providing the city with a letter of support also will have the opportunity to provide assistance with public outreach and marketing, through meetings and membership or providing assistance with the identification of potential redevelopment projects.

Additionally, members of the community can volunteer to serve on advisory boards or committees that are developed in support of this grant and brownfields redevelopment in the community.

To download a copy of the Letter of Support, visit the city’s website at www.kissimmee.org and access the link on the home page or call Randy Schrader in the city’s Development Services Department at 407-518-2244.