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Tourist Development CouncilTourist Development Council Accomplishments: Re-established Get Out & See Tallahassee program in April and May 2005 inconnection with National Tourism Week, inviting Tallahassee residents to visit 15local attractions for free on a Saturday in May. Participating attractions reportedmore than a 100% increase in visitation throughout the day. Captured more than 12.6million consumer impressionswith features in publications suchas Coastal Living, Atlanta JournalConstitution, AAA Home & Away,and Red Hat Lifestyle Magazine. Showcased the Tallahassee/Leon County area to more than adozen travel journalists on mediatours and conducted more than 25one-on-one meetings in Orlando,Jacksonville, and Miami/Fort Lauderdale with regional newspapers, magazines, andtrade publication editors. Attracted more than 36,000 visitors, 8.6 million in direct spending, and 14.9million in economic impact by hosting and assisting with 66 sporting events in fiscalyear 2004/05. The Sports Council coordinated the “Big Bend Shootout” boys’ basketballtournament, which brought 34 elite teams to town for three days in June. The eventattracted 800 visitors, with direct spending of 158,000. Total expenses for the eventwere less than 40,000, while generating an economic impact of 273,340. Leon County hosted prominent national automobile shows, such as the Hot RodMagazine Power Tour, which attracted 4,000 visitors who booked 2,012 room nightswith an economic impact of 546,680. The Ford Retractable Club Fall 2005 BoardMeeting and National Conference were also held in Leon County, drawing 200visitors over five or more nights with an economic impact of 136,670. Fiscal year 2004/2005 reservations for meetings and conventions through June 2005generated 2 million in local economic impact.Executive Director: Guy Thompson606-2300thompsongu@leoncountyfl.govThe Leon County Tourist Development Council(TDC) works to enhance the local economyand quality of life through the benefitsassociated with a strong visitor industry.The tasks are to maximize the number,length of stay, and economic impact ofvisitors to Leon County. TDC programs andservices are coordinated by three servicecontract organizations - the TallahasseeArea Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB),The Zimmerman Agency, and Florida StateUniversity. The CVB is a private, non-profitmembership organization, which marketsthe Tallahassee area as a visitor destination,under a contract with the TDC. The CVB “sells”Tallahassee as the site for sporting events,meetings/conventions and bus tours.Website Earns Top HonorsThe Hospitality Sales and MarketingAssociation International honored the TouristDevelopment Council/Tallahassee AreaConvention & Visitors Bureau website withthe top award in the “CVB/Destinations BestOverall Website” category for its creativeappeal. The website (www.seetallahassee.com) provides an online Visitors Guidewith information on what to do and see inTallahassee and the surrounding areas. Italso has an events calendar and an emailnotification feature that allows visitors toreceive information on special events andpromotions.Website Notes: 7,000 unique visitors visit the website eachmonth, on average. More than 2,000 visitors have registeredwith the site to receive visitor information. 851 website visitors plan a visit toTallahassee. 923 requested a Tallahassee VisitorsGuide.5

Office of Management & BudgetDirector: Alan Rosenzweig606-5100rosenzweiga@leoncountyfl.govThe Office of Management and Budget(OMB) ensures that program managers,based on the availability of revenues, receivethe exact amount of resources needed tooperate effectively and efficiently. OMBis responsible for the development andmonitoring of the annual operating andcapital improvement budgets, fiscal policyanalysis, and special projects research. OMBalso coordinates program evaluations andprovides management consulting servicesas requested by the Board, the CountyAdministrator, and Program Managers.Staff continuously reviews and streamlinesthe budget process. Other programs inOMB include Risk Management and GrantsCoordination.Office of Management & Budget Accomplishments: Moody’s Investors Service assigned a high rating to Leon County government forits sale of a 53.5 million bond to fund capital improvements. The savings to theCounty will be approximately 1.1 million or 110,000 annually. Leon County ranks lowest in operating budget among like-sized counties, with a netbudget of 191 million. Leon County remains the lowest for dollars spent per County resident compared tosimilar counties. Leon County has consistently maintained or lowered the millage rate since fiscalyear 1993.Fiscal Year 2005-06Where the 210 million comes from.Property Taxes51%Fund Balance6%State Share11%GrantsLeon County participates in theCommunity Human Service Partnership(CHSP) process. It is an annual fundingprocess open to any non-profit agencyproviding direct human services.Agencies submit one application. Adiverse group of volunteers reviewsagencyapplications,conductssite visits, and provides fundingrecommendations based on the program’srelevancy, fiscal accountability, agencymanagement, and demonstrated needfor CHSP funding. Staff from the City ofTallahassee, Leon County, and the UnitedWay reviews the recommendations andallocates the funds. For the 2004/05 fiscalyear, the CHSP received applications from 80agencies, requesting a total of 6.8 million.The partnership awarded 4.7 million to 123programs, managed by 74 agencies. LeonCounty contributed funds to 27 agenciesand 32 programs with its available funding.For additional information, the LeonCounty budget can be viewed atwww.leoncountyfl.gov/omb. Licenses& Fees2%.and where it goes.GeneralGovernment15%Transportation7%Public Safety35% erdepartmentalBilling3%PhysicalEnvironment (SolidWaste, Stormwater,and other)15%IntergovernmentalServices (Fleet,Insurance, Reserves,and other)9% Miscellaneous2% Other Taxes ( .01 option sales tax, TDC,Public Services, Communication)9%Culture & Recreation6%6Charges for Services (EMS,Solid Waste Fees)14% EconomicDevelopment3% HumanServices5%Courts1% DebtServices4%

Public ServicesPlanning for the FutureOn Thursday, May 19, 2005, County Commission Chairman Cliff Thaell andTallahassee Mayor John Marks signed a historic agreement between Leon County andthe City of Tallahassee that will guide the local governments’ roles and responsibilitiesfor the next 15 years. The agreement addresses the provision of parks and recreationservices, fire services, andwater and sewer services.This agreement is anotherexample of the twogovernments’ collaborationon important issues thatimpact our community.CountyCommissionChairman Thaell andCityCommissionerAllan Katz negotiated theagreement on behalf oftheir commissions. Thetwo commissioners wereappointed by their peersto finalize the details,resolving several complexissues between the Cityand County.Intergovernmental Affairs Accomplishments: Helped secure 16.1 million in federal funding for the expansion of Capital CircleNW/SW (SR263) from Tallahassee Regional Airport to I-10. Helped secure 500,000 for the restoration of Harbinwood/Lake Jackson. Coordinated a work group made up of representatives from the City of Tallahassee,Florida State University, Florida A & M University, Tallahassee Community College,the Leon County School Board, and the Leon County Economic DevelopmentCouncil to ensure the best possible use of downtown state-owned surplusproperties. Coordinated the Airport Gateway Corridor Advisory Committee, and provided areport on transportation improvements to the Board. Completed a comprehensive review of the Economic Development Council, whichresulted in a performance-based contract. Completed a comprehensive review of Innovation Park with recommendations forfurther economic development at the park. Contracted with the Leon County School Board to improve driver education inLeon County by providing 114,000 in earmarked funding to purchase computersimulators that test reaction times, difficult road conditions, and overall driverperformance. Managed the Targeted Business Pilot Program, which is an initiative to inducebusiness growth in Leon County. Also, managed the Qualified Target IndustryMatch Program, which is a state incentive program that targets companies that createhigh-wage jobs in targeted industries.Director: Vincent S. Long, AssistantCounty Administrator606-5300vincel@leoncountyfl.govThe mission of Public Services isto maintain Leon County’s highquality of life through the provisionof services that address the public’shealth, safety, and welfare. ThePublic Services department iscomprised of IntergovernmentalAffairs, Library Services, VeteranServices, the Volunteer Center,CooperativeExtension,Healthand Human Services, EmergencyMedical Services, the PlanningDepartment, and the Elder ReadyCommunity Project. The AssistantCounty Administrator, Vincent Long,provides direction to the divisiondirectors, as well as the core group ofprofessional staff who perform policyanalysis, legislative coordination andpublic relations related activities insupport of the Board. Long also works closelywith the County Administrator to execute theBoard of County Commissioners’ highestpriorities.Intergovernmental AffairsThe Division of Intergovernmental Affairsprovides coordination and assistance tothe Board and ensures that Public Servicesdivisions receive the resources, guidance,and support they need to best serve thecommunity. Specifically, this division isresponsible for: researching, analyzing, anddeveloping policy recommendations for theCounty’s high priority issues; developing andimplementing the Board’s annual federaland state legislative priority package;monitoring all legislative issues impactingLeon County; and assisting in Countywideprogram research, development, andimplementation.Contact: Benjamin H. PingreeAssistant to the County Administrator606-5300pingreeb@leoncountyfl.gov7

Public Information OfficeJennie KhoenPublic Information Officer606-5300khoenj@leoncountyfl.govPublic Information Office Accomplishments:The Public Information Office (PIO) isresponsible for public information andeducation, communications strategy andmessage development, media and publicrelations, and the marketing of Countyprograms and services. The PIO aimsto develop and maintain a continuouspositive image of Leon County governmentby fostering proactive and responsivecommunication with the public. Conducted a survey among County employees to evaluate current internalcommunications practices in order to make meaningful improvements to theCounty’s communication efforts. The PIO enhanced communication methodsbased on the survey results.A New LookThe PIO enhanced the County’s brandingefforts to give Leon County governmenta fresh, new look. The County’s new colorsare navy and gold, and are reflected in theofficial County seal. Developed and adopted a Strategic Communications Plan that outlines publicinformation initiatives to enhance the overall communication effectiveness of LeonCounty government. Developed an electronic employee newsletter called “In the Loop” that is distributedto County employees bi-weekly. Enhanced television programming on Comcast Cable Channel 16 to includerebroadcasts of Commission meetings, public service announcements, and enhancedCounty news and information on the scrolling message board. Coordinated ground-breaking ceremonies, dedications, and ribbon cuttingceremonies for County projects, including the Orange Avenue Construction Projectand the opening of the new Center for Dental Care and Prevention. Coordinated press conferences and community/public meetings and events, anddistributed numerous news releases to promote County services and programs. Developed media guidelines, including protocols for employees who are contactedby the media, and tips for dealing with the media. Developed a Public Information page on the internal website that includes PIOinformation, such as templates for news release and media guidelines. Developed a photo gallery on the Leon County Website to display photos of citizenswho receive County Commission resolutions, County projects, and other events.The Public Information Officer serves asLeon County’s United Way Campaign Chairand works with Leon County employees tocoordinate events and activities to help theCounty reach its fundraising goal. Here,local leaders search for hidden keys as partof a “Survivor” challenge at the 2004 LocalGovernment Campaign Kickoff. UnitedWay of the Big Bend awarded Leon Countywith the “2004 Most Creative Campaign”award.8

Hurricane ResponseHurricanes Wreak Havoc in Florida and SoutheasternGulf Coast: Leon County Opens Doors to Evacuees andAssists with Relief EffortsThe past year was a tumultuous one for residents living in Florida and the southeasternUnited States. In 2004, five hurricanes and several tropical storms devastated parts ofFlorida, leaving death and destruction in its wake. On August 29, 2005, HurricaneKatrina, one of the most deadly natural disasters in American history, hit the Louisiana,Mississippi, and Alabama areas of the Gulf Coast, killing hundreds and forcingthousands to seek refuge.Emergency preparedness begins witheach resident. However, the coordinationof responding to any disaster is the primaryresponsibility of your County government.We continually strive to improve our efforts tobe able to respond to any natural or manmade disaster.Thankfully, Leon County was spared any major damage from these severe weatherevents. Leon County became the staging ground for volunteers headed to the disasterareas, and the State Emergency Operations Center became the coordination center forthe hurricane relief effort. Due to the catastrophic nature of Hurricane Katrina, morethan 2,000 evacuees sought refuge in Leon County. The County was, and continues tobe, instrumental in the coordination efforts with the local Red Cross and other localagencies during the recovery period.As part of the response efforts, Leon County EMS personnel were deployed along withLeon County Sheriff’s Office deputies to impacted areas; VolunteerLeon, the County’sVolunteer Services Division, played a critical support role to the Red Cross in recruitingand training thousands of volunteers; and, the County’s Public Information Office staffhelped disseminate important information to the press and community. Additionally,County employees dedicated many hours volunteering at the Red Cross shelter, servicecenter, and some even traveled to the disaster areas, utilizing the County’s Disaster LeaveProgram. The County also waived library and campground fees for evacuees.The Leon County Division of EmergencyManagement (DEM) is charged withcoordinating the activities of more than50 local response agencies in the eventof a disaster, including the Red Cross, EMS,and volunteer relief. DEM is responsible foractivating and maintaining an emergencyoperations center during times of emergency,coordinating the opening of shelters forcitizens evacuating from at-risk areas, andcoordinating local response activities withour 13 regional County agencies, as well asthe State EOC.Leon County Emergency Medical Servicespersonnel joined other emergency medicalpersonnel from the Big Bend to help with theemergency response effort from HurricaneIvan. Leon County was the largest EMScontingent in the convoy. The group assistedin evacuating patients and responding toemergency calls until the local EMS unitscould meet the call demand on their own.9

Emergency Medical ServicesEMS Chief: Tom Quillin606-2100quillint@leoncountyfl.govThe EMS division provides clinically superior,cost-effective emergency medical servicesand transport to the citizens and visitors ofLeon County. Since the County launchedthe EMS system in December 2003, theEMS team has provided the highest qualityemergency care available. The Countycontinues to enhance this vital service.EMS Accomplishments: LCEMS was a founding partner of the TallahasseeSAFE Kids Coalition, an educational programthat aims to reduce the number of unintentionalchildhood injuries and deaths. Contributed to the Leon County/TallahasseeHeart Ready Coalition, which is a communitypartnership between public and privateorganizations.The healthcare providersfacilitate CPR training and Automated ExternalDefibrillation (AED) availability, resulting inincreased survival rate from cardiac emergencies.Improved Dispatch ServicesThe EMS Division and the Leon County Sheriff’sOffice have worked cooperatively to improveEMS dispatch services. The dispatch servicereceived national attention this year after adispatcher and EMS paramedic providedlife-saving CPR instructions to a 9-1-1 callerwhose newborn baby had stopped breathing.CNN, ABC’s Good Morning America, andNBC’s The Today Show featured the story.The County has upgraded the computerprogram designed to give pre-arrivalinstructions in first aid and CPR, as well asprovided additional medical training todispatchers.In addition, the County has installed anAutomatic Vehicle Location system in all EMSDivision vehicles. The system identifies whichambulance is closest to an emergency call.The Computer Aided Dispatch system hasalso been upgraded to improve functionality — further streamlining the dispatchprocess and improving response times.10 Established a Countywide public access AED program. The life-saving devices wereinstalled at eight County locations. If used in the first few minutes of a cardiac arrest,AEDs have proven to significantly increase survival rates. Developed and implemented a comprehensive injury prevention program. LeonLifesaver, an interactive robotic ambulance, delivered injury prevention and safetyeducation to children in classrooms and at numerous community events. Leon Lifesaver (robot) taught children about the 9-1-1 emergency number, pedestrianand animal safety, the importance of wearing seatbelts, helmets, and other safetyequipment, and the dangers of strangers and guns. Implemented the Smith System Driver Training program and DriveCam DriverFeedback System that aim to improve driving habits and decrease accidents. Established progressive medical treatment protocols, including enhancing protocolsrelated to cardiac emergencies and strokes. Paramedics can now electronicallytransmit 12-lead EKGs from the emergency scene to a local hospital for review by theemergency physicians prior to the patient’s arrival, allowing adequate preparation. Participated in the North Florida Regional Domestic Security Task Force and theLocal Emergency Planning Committee in an effort to improve services and preparefor a potential disaster. Utilized federal grant funding to add equipment and training necessary to respondto major emergency scenes. Transferred Volunteer Fire Departmentresponsibilities from the Sheriff to LCEMS.(VFD)administrativeoversight

LeRoy Collins Public Library SystemMore Than Just BooksThe LeRoy Collins Leon County Public Library System has soared into the informationage with new interactive computer programs intended to help patrons. The librarykicked off its “Live Homework Help” program that directly links a student to a specialistwho helps the student understand homework concepts and assists in solving problems.The program has helped students succeed in their studies. Also, the “Learning Express”program offers practice tests for portions of the FCAT and interactive mock exams forthe ACT, SAT, GED, ASVAB, Firefighter, Police Officer, Paramedic, EMT Basic, U. S.Citizenship, Cosmetology, and many others.In addition, computer use in the six library facilities increased more than 150%. Usersenjoy free access to the internet for job searching, submitting employment applications,and searching general, business, and medical information. Twenty additional comp

Bob Rackleff District 3 Dan Winchester District 2 Jane G. Sauls District 1 Bill Proctor 2 Commissioners (from left to right) Tony Grippa, Bill Proctor, Bob Rackleff, Jane G. Sauls, Cliff Thaell, Ed DePuy and Dan Winchester. District 1 Bill Proctor, 2004-05 Vice-Chairman Term: 2002-2006 60