February 3, 2015 Island Times PAGE 5 New Visitors Center To Open Soon, Levin Rinke Leases Former Location Out with the old and in with the new. The Santa Rosa Island Authority Full Board approved a contract for Levin Rinke Resort Realty and Premier Island Management to begin operations of an eco-adventure business, offer Starbucks coffee and establish a vacation rental office in the old Visitors Information Center at their Special Full Board meeting January 28. The board members discussion revolved around concerns about contract termination should the building need to be moved or removed to make way for road improvements. Board attorney Mike Stebbins will give that item further review. The building was built in 1993 by the Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce. Eventually, it was given to the SRIA who maintains, insures and pays the Chamber to manage the Visitors Center operations. The management contract has been in place for over two decades. The SRIA and Beach Chamber will move the Visitor Center operations into the new building in the Casino Beach parking lot Sunday, February 8. A ribbon cutting and grand opening is planned for 4 p.m. on February 11. “I think you will be excited when you see the finished product,” said Buck Lee, SRIA executive director. “It’s twice as big as the previous location.” The Full Board voted unanimously to approve the Levin Rinke-Premier Management contract subject to legal review. Regional Planner Vikki Garrett with the West Florida Regional Planning Council received approval to begin the task of visioning what the future of the SRIA may look like in the wake of reduced lease fees. The SRIA’s request for proposals went unanswered until the WFRPC brought forth a contract for review. The collection of ad valorem taxes by Escambia County increases the desire of leaseholders to receive services and to seek remedies to alleviate the financial burden of paying both lease fees and taxes. Board Member Janice Gilley wanted at least two public input sessions which were not included in the original scope of services. The Board ensured that the final contract included opportunities for ample public input, interviews with residential and commercial stakeholders and county officials. The contract was unanimously approved with results due to the board in 90 days at a cost of $50,000. The SRIA committee meetings followed the full board meeting where Dottie Ford Director of Finance told the Administrative Committee that the collection of lease fees in October and November of 2014 outpaced the previous year by 11 percent. The year-todate collections are $780,857. The SRIA received a $35,000 stipend from Tourist Develop- ment Tax Collections granted by Escambia County Commissioner Grover Robinson, IV, whose district includes Pensacola Beach. They voted immediately to dedicate $2,500 of the unexpected windfall to offset the costs of hosting the January 29 Snowbird event. Janice Gilley asked about a plan for the remainder of the money. Staff did not present a plan. Elected Board Member Thomas Campanella reminded other Board members that the Krewe of Wrecks Mardi Gras celebration has not been returned to the pre-Ivan funding level of $30,000. Costs to host the variety of public events which include the parade continue to rise. Board Chairman Tammy Bohannon discussed ways for the Tourist Development Tax to be used to fund or offset some of the sponsorship requests that come before the SRIA board. Dr. Tom Schneider approached the board requesting a $7,500 advertising stipend for a first year Coastal Rowing event scheduled for April 17-19 in the Gulf near the Hilton. “This is the fastest growing sport in Europe right now,” said Schneider. “The industry officials are fascinated with this area. Perhaps we could be established as the Coastal Rowing center for the entire U.S.” The event will bring 30 pro- fessional rowers from worldwide locations to Pensacola Beach. There will be an amateur division and demos to introduce the sport to others. Board Member Dave Pavlock’s motion to allocate $5,000 to the new event, passed unanimously. He commented, “I want an exacting post-event report so that we may adjust and make good decisions for this event in future years.” In other business: p The request to renew a staffing contract with Landrum Staffing passed the Administrative Committee by a 2-1 vote. Bohannon opposed the renewal stating that she did not approve of the contract when it was first presented years ago, and still has the same concerns about the cost. According to SRIA Director Lee, Landrum has provided outstanding service and cur- rently the contract services two employees. That number will rise to 6 or 7 staff members who are hired seasonally to help keep the beach clean. p Delivery Dudes, a food delivery service, was approved to open at the Soundside Market. p Jeff Walton was given approval to operate a scooter rental concession located at The Dock. p Dave Kelly and Brent Maggio were approved to open The Stand at the Tiffany’s building on Casino Beach. They will offer walk-up window service and provide outdoor seating. p Innerlight and the Pensacola Beach Marina renewed their use agreement to use the unpaved area north of their location as overflowed parking. The SRIA Full Board will meet Wednesday, February 11 at 5 p.m. at #1 Via de Luna. The meetings are open to the public. VALENTINE’S DAY ONLY · STARTING AT 4 P.M. 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