RICHARD PRIOR
rechard.prior@staugustine.com
Publication Date: 08/22/09
Thirty-four persons have submitted their names to fill nine vacancies on St. Johns County's Tourist Development Council's board of directors.
The County Commission will consider the applications during a special meeting that begins at 9 a.m. Tuesday.
County commissioners voted Aug. 11 to "sunset" the TDC board, ending their terms of service.
Of the nine council members, three represent the city commissions of St. Augustine and St. Augustine Beach and the County Commission.
At least three, but no more than four, members have to be involved in the tourist industry and collect the bed tax.
At least two, but no more than three, members have to show a demonstrated interest in tourism but don't have to collect the bed tax.
One seat is designated for the County Commission chair.
The current members of the Council, whose positions were "sunseted," serve until Tuesday, when their replacements are named.
They current membeers are Cyndi Stevenson, chairwoman of the County Commission; Joseph Boles, mayor of St. Augustine; Richard O'Brien, St. Augustine Beach City commissioner; Fred E. Cozby, owner/operator; John E. "Jack" Peter, tourism-related representative; Jason Fort, owner/operator; Frank D. Usina, owner/operator; and Christopher Way, tourism-related representative.
All of the members who were "sunseted" are seeking reappointment, except for Way, who owns Barnicle Bill's restaurants, and Fort.
Applications, resumes and backup information were examined by the staff in the County Attorney's Office, said County spokeswoman Karen Pan.
The staff determined that seven of the 34 applicants did not meet the statutory requirements to serve on the board, she said.
Those who disagree with that decision and want to provide additional information are encouraged to attend the Tuesday meeting and address the commission, said Pan.
Following are the designated seats and the applicants' names:
One seat designated for an elected municipal official from the most populous municipality.
(One applicant)
Joe Boles, mayor of St. Augustine.
One seat designated for an elected municipal official.
(Two applicants)
* Rich O'Brien, St. Augustine Beach commissioner.
* Andrea Samuels, St. Augustine Beach commissioner.
At least three but no more than four seats designated for hotel/motel/accommodation owner/operators.
(Five applicants)
* Fred E. Cozby, director of lodging, Ponte Vedra Inn & Club.
* Frank D. Usina, owner, North Beach Camp Resort.
* John B. Yanni, owner/operator of Rodeway Inn, U.S. 1.
* Jeffrey Mayers, Sawgrass Golf Resort and Spa.
* Conrad Matt, owner/manager of Pirate Haus Inn and Hostel.
At least two but no more than three seats designated for persons involved in tourist industry and have demonstrated an interest in tourist development.
(13 applicants)
* Rick Ambrose, Rick Ambrose Productions/Mojo Man Music Entertainment.
* Edwin O. Swift IV, director of operations, Historic Tours of America (St. Augustine and Savannah).
* James Bullock, tour guide.
* Gerald Eubanks, tour guide, retired education.
* Elaine Fraser, general manager, Oldest Wooden School House & Old School Gifts.
* Bill Hughes, general manager, TPC Sawgrass.
* Danny Johns, farmer (Blue Sky Farms), agro-tourist guide.
* Howard E. Lewis, tour guide.
* Philip McDaniel, director, St. Johns Cultural Council.
* Christine MacLeod McMillian, owner, Opus 39 Restaurant, The Tasting Room.
* John E. "Jack" Peter, PGA Tour, COO, World Golf Hall of Fame, World Golf Village.
* Robert Samuels, tour guide (Ancient City Tours).
* Albert Syeles, independent musician, founder of Romanza! - A Cultural Festival.
Appears to be unqualified for appointment to the TDC according to submitted application.
(At one time involved in tourist industry or an elected official, but not currently.)
(Five applicants)
* Donald Dickhens, hotel/resort manager (Hawaii/Florida).
* George C. Fetherston, general manager, Sawgrass Country Club (retired).
* George Gardner, former mayor/commissioner, St. Augustine.
* LeeAnn S. Kendall, advertising consultant for The St. Augustine Record, creator of the Restaurant Times for St. Augustine.
* Judith Seraphin, former bed and breakfast owner in Philadelphia, CEO of Global Wrap.
Application does not demonstrate current involvement in tourist industry.
(Six applicants)
Scott M. Bartosch, retired, VP Sales, The Wiremold Co.
Carolyn Francis, Realtor.
William C. Mayer, self-employed CPA.
Mark Middlebrook, owner of Middlebrook Co., Wetland Consulting Services.
Jamin Douglas Rubenstein, attorney-volunteer attorney for the arts.
William R. Buzzi, director of research and development for Carr Specialty Baits.
Apparently unqualified for appointment to TDC.
(Two applicants)
Steven C. Cupolo, owner/broker, Premier Properties Realty Group.
Jessica Ward, general manager of Cruisers Grill.
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