Following a brief history of the Tourist Development Council (TDC) by Suzanne Hutton, Assistant County Attorney & TDC Counsel, the panelists gave brief remarks regarding their respective relationships with the tourist industry, then answered prepared questions regarding tourism, tourist development, how TDC

Commissioner Scales enumerated several Key West projects (beach maintenance, several "bricks & mortar" projects) which have received TDC funding, and generally agreed that spending the "bed tax" on capital projects, which benefit visitors and residents alike, is a good thing, and said he favors more capital expenditure of TDC funds.

Michael Browning, representing the Key West Chamber of Commerce, defended vigorous tourist advertising, saying that it's money well spent and that by trickle-down effect, everyone benefits from it.

Rosalind Brackenbury related her impression as a resident that Key West has been over-promoted and overdeveloped, and that many of the attributes that brought people to Key West in the first place are being destroyed.

Elliot Baron's remarks focused on a survey commissioned by Monroe County in 2000, which asked: "Should Monroe County try to attract: More visitors, Same number of visitors, or Fewer visitors?".  The response: an overwhelming 80% wanted the Same number or Fewer, with 2/3 of those choosing "Fewer".  Just under 15% wanted More tourists, and 5% were undecided.  Baron raised the question of whether it's time for a new survey, or to make adjustments to TDC spending based on the 2000 survey.

Janet Flatley, who has stayed in Key West a couple weeks a year for 15 years, described what attracted her to Key West... the small-townness and uniqueness of Key West, some degree of quiet, freedom from heavy traffic and crowding, lack of chain stores ...  and said that those qualities have been sacrificed for the sake of cramming in more tourists.

All the panelists were asked if there could be such a thing as too many tourists, and whether tourist advertising has been effective.  All said that advertising has been effective, some saying "too effective".  Four of the six panelists said that there is such a thing as too many tourists and that we've reached that point, and the other two had "no opinion" on that question.

Nobody can deny that some very worthwhile things are being done with TDC funds:  beach maintenance, projects to repair some public facilities, help with cultural events and facilities, support for the arts, and other good things.  There seems to be popular support for putting more of the "bed tax" into capital projects, commonly referred to as "bricks and mortar", and less into advertising.  The county's survey in 2000 certainly suggests that advertising should be throttled back, and maybe a new survey could specifically ask if that is what the voters want.

The program was followed by refreshments and socializing.  Last Stand heartily thanks the panelists for participating, those who attended and helped with the program, and NOAA for use of their space.