Monroe County residents are encouraged to share their views on tourism via a survey mailed to 48,000 Keys voters. Results from the study are to assist the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and the Monroe County Tourist Development Council (TDC) in developing strategies and plans for future TDC programs.
"The growth of tourism in the Keys has been extraordinary during the past 10 years," said Shirley Freeman, Monroe County mayor and a TDC member. "This survey is to provide Keys voters an opportunity to share their feelings and experiences relating to benefits and burdens of tourism on our communities."
The survey was formulated by the BOCC, in conjunction with its Growth Management Division and the TDC. Funding for the $26,500 project is being shared evenly between the BOCC and TDC. Survey responses, via postage-paid envelopes, are due back at the Growth Management Office by Tuesday, Jan. 25. Replies are to be kept completely confidential and responses will not be traceable back to individuals, said Freeman.
Survey responses are to be tabulated by a research professor at the University of Miami and findings are to be discussed at the March BOCC meeting.
As a volunteer advisory board in the BOCC, the TDC coordinates the spending of revenues from a three-percent resort tax paid by visitors.
This year's Key West Literary Seminar which this year explores "The Memoir," is sold out. But two events are still open to the public and are free. Sunday, Jan. 16, 12-2, meet the authors at a reception sponsored by the Friends of the Library at the Key West Library, located at Fleming and Elizabeth Streets. At 2 p.m. there will be a panel discussion at the San Carlos Institute, 516 Duval St., entitled "Memoir: The Literature of Witness," featuring Pulitzer Prize Winner, Frank McCourt, author of Angela's Ashes and 'Tis. Other panelists include: Rosemary Bray, Marie Chaix, and Anchee Min. Be sure to arrive early as seating is limited. For more information call the Key West Literary Seminar, 292-3275.