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Citizen Portal News Washington

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2 days ago

House approves allowing snack-bar licenses to sell wine by the glass House passed House Bill 15-26 to permit snack-bar licensees to sell wine by the glass; sponsors said the change aligns licensing across categories and supports small businesses and tourism.

House Bill 15-26 just passed, allowing snack bars to serve wine by the glass, a win for small businesses and community events!

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#WA #CitizenPortal #SmallBusinessSupport #RegulatoryReform #TourismDevelopment

Citizen Portal News North Carolina

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3 days ago

Vance County outlines 20-acre convention/welcome center plan near I‑85 to boost Henderson tourism Vance County Tourism Director Pam Hester presented a plan to build a convention/welcome center on 20 acres on Parham Road (across I‑85 from the old Howard Johnsons) funded by the 6% hotel-occupancy tax; bids expected within about four weeks and completion is projected in 18 months to two years.

Vance County is set to transform tourism with a new 20-acre convention center, promising to host thousands and boost local economy!

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#HendersonCityVanceCounty #NC #CitizenPortal #EconomicGrowth #CommunityEvents #TourismDevelopment

Citizen Portal News Alabama

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4 days ago

Cullman County Tourism unveils new website and downloadable visitor savings pass The Cullman County Tourism Bureau launched a redesigned tourism website with itineraries, a partner directory and a downloadable 'Cullman Adventure' savings pass intended to keep visitors in the local economy.

Cullman County just launched a new mobile-friendly tourism website packed with curated itineraries and exclusive savings to make your next visit unforgettable!

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#CullmanCityCullmanCounty #AL #VisitorEngagement #CullmanCity #TourismDevelopment

Citizen Portal News Utah

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6 days ago

Millard County to sign MOU with BLM on High Desert Trail environmental review Millard County commissioners voted to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Bureau of Land Management to serve as a cooperating agency on environmental reviews for the High Desert Trail; staff said the MOU carries no direct financial obligation and would give the county notice and a seat at the table for assessments.

Millard County is stepping up to ensure its voice is heard in the environmental review process for the High Desert Trail, with no financial strings attached!

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#UT #CitizenPortal #TourismDevelopment #EnvironmentalAssessment

Citizen Portal News Missouri

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1 week ago

Missouri Military Academy urges official-state designation, citing tourism and $20–22 million impact Supporters told the House tourism committee that designating Missouri Military Academy in Mexico as the state's official military academy would raise the school's profile, aid recruitment and tourism, and—per the academy's president—support an estimated $20'$22 million regional economic impact; no opposition was recorded at the hearing.

Missouri Military Academy is on the verge of becoming the state's official military academy, promising to boost tourism and generate up to $22 million in economic impact!

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#MO #CitizenPortal #MexicoMilitaryAcademy #EconomicImpact #EducationPrestige #TourismDevelopment

Citizen Portal News Florida

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1 week ago

Commissioners suspend North Walton TDC spending, send tractor-museum funding back to the Tourist Development Council After heated public comment and legal questions about TDC authority, the board voted 5–0 to suspend spending of North Walton TDC reserves and to ask the Tourist Development Council to reconsider a proposal to use reserve funds for purchasing a tractor collection; staff were also asked to seek alternative funding sources.

Walton County is debating a bold move to transform tourism with a $1.5 million tractor museum, but will it find the funding without draining reserve funds?

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#WaltonCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #CivicEngagement #TourismDevelopment #CulturalInitiatives

Citizen Portal News Utah

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2 weeks ago

Santaquin council agrees to draft letter supporting Via Ferrata study, with traffic and conservation caveats At a Feb. 17 work session, the Santaquin mayor and council discussed a proposed Via Ferrata climbing route in Santaquin Canyon and agreed to have a councilmember draft a letter of support for state/federal funding while asking the applicant to address parking, traffic and environmental protections.

Santaquin's mayor is pushing for an exciting new Via Ferrata climbing route that could boost tourism and economic growth while raising important questions about traffic and conservation.

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#UT #CitizenPortal #TrafficManagement #EnvironmentalProtection #TourismDevelopment

Sarawak Daily

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2 weeks ago

Sri Aman is turning Chap Goh Mei into a tourism highlight! The festival now attracts thousands from all communities, proving its role as a unifying celebration.

Read more: sarawakdaily.com/chap-goh-mei...

#SriAman #Sarawak #TourismDevelopment #SarawakDaily #KuchingKing

Citizen Portal News Washington

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2 weeks ago

House approves industry-funded tourism program, adopts technical amendment The Washington House passed an industry-led tourism assessment (Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2325) after adopting a technical amendment aimed at protecting small communities; final vote was 84 yeas, 5 nays, 9 excused.

The Washington State House has just passed a groundbreaking tourism program aimed at boosting local economies and supporting small communities!

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#WA #CommunityBenefits #CitizenPortal #TourismDevelopment #LocalJobSupport

Citizen Portal News Florida

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2 weeks ago

Hillsborough tourism leaders say first-quarter bed-tax collections lag year ago; timing tied to hurricane-season effects At the Feb. 12 Tourist Development Council meeting, staff reported first-quarter bed-tax outlays outpaced collections and that 3¢ collections were about 17% below the prior year, a difference officials attributed largely to last year’s hurricane-season timing and not an underlying long-term decline.

Hillsborough County's bed-tax collections are lagging behind last year, but experts say not to panic—hurricane season's timing may be the key factor!

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#HillsboroughCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #HurricaneImpact #RevenueTrends #TourismDevelopment

Citizen Portal News Florida

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3 weeks ago

Visit Pensacola to run $250,000 campaign after Conde Nast beach ranking; ADR and room demand roughly steady Visit Pensacola announced a $250,000 marketing push to leverage a Conde Nast No. 1 U.S. beach ranking, detailed digital/print placement and audience targeting, and presented FY25 hotel performance showing modest increases in supply and demand and largely stable ADR.

Pensacola is gearing up to launch a $250,000 marketing campaign to capitalize on being ranked the No. 1 beach in the U.S. by Conde Nast—what exciting strategies are in store?

Learn more here!

#EscambiaCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #EconomicGrowth #DigitalMarketing #TourismDevelopment

Citizen Portal News West Virginia

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3 weeks ago

Museum commission unveils adaptive‑reuse plan for courthouse, asks county for planning and matching funds The county’s Museum Commission and the Mills Group presented designs to adaptively reuse the historic courthouse and annex, proposing phased work, a display 'jewel box' for the Norwalk car, and a multi‑line budget request to support design studies, exhibit work and fundraising; presenters cited potential grant avenues and a program cost range.

A visionary plan to breathe new life into Berkeley County's historic courthouse promises to blend preservation with modern accessibility and tourism potential.

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#BerkeleyCounty #WV #AdaptiveReuse #CitizenPortal #BerkeleyCountyMuseum #TourismDevelopment #CulturalHeritage

Citizen Portal News Tennessee

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3 weeks ago

Council hears community updates: MediView task force, child-wellbeing report, school TISA funds and MeadowView events Board members highlighted a positive MediView task force meeting, a troubling Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth report showing high child-poverty rates locally, news that Kingsport City Schools will receive one-time TISA funding, and upcoming collegiate events at MeadowView that boost tourism.

Kingsport's council meeting revealed both promising initiatives and alarming statistics, highlighting the urgent need for community action on child poverty.

Get the details!

#KingsportSullivanCounty #TN #CitizenPortal #KingsportCommunity #EducationFunding #ChildWellbeing #TourismDevelopment

Citizen Portal News Illinois

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3 weeks ago

Community enrichment director previews Pontiac’s Route 66 centennial events and marketing push Community Enrichment Director Liz Vincent outlined a full slate of Route 66 centennial events in Pontiac for 2026, noted state grant support and a match marketing grant that will leverage partnerships and content creators to boost tourism and local programming.

Pontiac is gearing up for an unforgettable celebration in 2026 with a jam-packed lineup of Route 66 centennial events and exciting community programming!

Get the details

#IL #CulturalCelebration #CitizenPortal #CommunityEnrichment #PontiacEvents #TourismDevelopment

Citizen Portal News Oklahoma

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3 weeks ago

Committee approves minutes, creates cultural-retreat work group; tourism and outreach reports highlight exhibits and programs The Cherokee Nation cultural committee approved last meeting minutes, formed an eight-member cultural-retreat work group, and received reports noting more than 357 participating Cherokee artists and over 14,000 cultural-site visitors in the first quarter; staff will share additional design submissions by email.

The Cherokee Nation cultural committee is making waves with new initiatives that celebrate heritage, boost tourism, and empower artists—don't miss the exciting updates!

Learn more here

#OK #CulturalOutreach #CitizenPortal #ArtisticExpressions #TourismDevelopment

Citizen Portal News Illinois

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1 month ago

Galena Country Tourism reports strong Q2 growth; TripAdvisor names Galena a Top‑25 destination Galena Country Tourism told the Killeen City Council its fiscal‑year 2026 second‑quarter report showed rising visitation and online engagement, calling out TripAdvisor Top‑25 placement, strong social‑media reach and above‑average click‑through rates; councilmembers asked for county lodging‑tax data and raised a $70,000 delinquent lodging tax concern.

Galena Country Tourism is soaring to new heights, earning a spot as a Top-25 destination on TripAdvisor while reporting explosive growth in online engagement and visitation!

Get the details!

#GalenaJoDaviessCounty #IL #GalenaTourism #CitizenPortal #VisitorEngagement #TourismDevelopment

Citizen Portal News Mississippi

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1 month ago

Tupelo council approves Budget Amendment No. 3, shifts funds for capital projects and tourism purchase Council approved Budget Amendment No. 3 that moves carryover revenues into capital, increases the tourism fund ceiling for a planned building purchase, allocates funds for an aquatics pool liner, clears fire comp-time banks, and temporarily advances municipal reserve funds to the thoroughfare fund.

Tupelo's city council just approved a major budget amendment that reallocates millions for essential projects, including a new pool liner and a significant property purchase for tourism!

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#TupeloLeeCounty #MS #TourismDevelopment #CitizenPortal #TupeloCouncil #BudgetAmendment

Citizen Portal News Virginia

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1 month ago

Old courthouse faces demo vs. renovation debate; Ralph Bunche rehab and visitor center proposed Staff presented demolition and renovation options for the county's old courthouse, with a demolition estimate of about $550,000 and a remodel-plus-addition option substantially higher; community advocates urged phased work to open part of Ralph Bunche High School for museum and tenant use, estimating rehab at up to $10 million and seeking grant-ready public access.

The fate of the old courthouse hangs in the balance as the community debates costly renovations versus demolition, all while eyeing new opportunities for historic preservation and tourism.

Read the full story

#KingGeorgeCounty #VA #KingGeorgeCountyHistory #CitizenPortal #TourismDevelopment

Citizen Portal News Florida

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1 month ago

Manatee County approves up to $2M in TDT funds for Anna Maria pier rebuild despite ferry‑landing uncertainty The commission approved an interlocal agreement authorizing up to $2 million in Tourist Development Tax funds to help rebuild the Anna Maria City Pier; commissioners debated whether the restored pier could accommodate the county ferry landing or whether the county will need to build a separate landing. The vote passed 6–1.

Manatee County has greenlit $2 million to help rebuild the iconic Anna Maria pier, but will it accommodate the county ferry or require a costly separate landing?

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#ManateeCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #CommunityPartnership #InfrastructureRebuild #TourismDevelopment

Citizen Portal News Oregon

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1 month ago

Discover Newport reports voucher pilot and ad campaign drove bookings and local engagement Discover Newport told council its holiday voucher pilot signed 34 businesses, distributed 450 vouchers (54% redeemed by visitors) and its ad campaign delivered about 584 room nights with an estimated $12 cost to bring a visitor and a reported 9:1 return on ad spend.

Discover Newport's holiday voucher pilot exceeded expectations, with 54% of vouchers redeemed by visitors, driving impressive engagement and bookings!

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#NewportLincolnCounty #OR #CommunityEngagement #TourismDevelopment #LocalEconomy

Citizen Portal News Nebraska

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1 month ago

Lincoln leaders push lifting Pinnacle Bank Arena seating cap to attract larger events LB 1192 would repeal the statutory 16,000-seat cap on Pinnacle Bank Arena, allowing temporary configurations or potential expansions that supporters say could draw more conventions, concerts and NCAA postseason competitions.

Senator Prokop is pushing to lift the 16,000-seat cap on Pinnacle Bank Arena, paving the way for bigger events and a tourism boost in Lincoln!

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#NE #EventCapacity #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal #TourismDevelopment

Citizen Portal News Nevada

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1 month ago

Storey County pauses RFQ for Piper's Opera House, directs staff to budget and return management options After a multi-hour discussion about restoration, operations and fundraising, the Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to pause the outside RFQ process and direct staff to budget increased internal support for Piper’s Opera House and return policy options on management and restoration.

Storey County has hit pause on plans for Piper’s Opera House, focusing instead on a homegrown approach to restore and manage the historic venue!

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#StoreyCounty #NV #CitizenPortal #ArtsManagement #StoreyCountyCulture #HistoricPreservation #TourismDevelopment

Citizen Portal News Florida

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1 month ago

Flagler Beach seeks July 4 fireworks in 2027–28; officials flag logistics, safety and funding questions Flagler Beach told the joint workshop it would like to host July 4 fireworks in 2027 (pier reopening) and 2028 (pier centennial); county and Palm Coast officials flagged safety, traffic, and funding logistics and asked staff to coordinate dates to avoid duplicated events.

Flagler Beach is planning an unforgettable July 4th celebration with fireworks in 2027 and 2028, but public safety and funding challenges are on the horizon.

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#FlaglerCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunityEvents #TourismDevelopment

Citizen Portal News Florida

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1 month ago

Ocean Center touts $126 million local economic impact as it marks 40 years Lynn Flanders told the Daytona Beach City Commission the Ocean Center generated about $11.3 million in earned revenue last year, hosted 471,000 visitors and produced roughly $126 million in economic impact for Volusia County; capital investments of about $13 million included a new arena floor and seats.

The Ocean Center has generated a staggering $126 million economic impact, proving to be a powerhouse for Daytona Beach and Volusia County as it celebrates 40 years of success!

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#DaytonaBeachCityVolusiaCounty #FL #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal #TourismDevelopment

Citizen Portal News Tennessee

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1 month ago

State parks and White County discuss paving Scotts Gulf Road and park investments at Virgin Falls A state parks official outlined long-term plans at Virgin Falls and said the state has invested about $17 million in the area; commissioners discussed paving Scotts Gulf Road and whether to use county tourism funds or seek state takeover and matching partnerships.

Tennessee State Parks is investing $17 million in Virgin Falls, but county commissioners are debating how to improve access to this natural gem!

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#WhiteCounty #TN #InfrastructureImprovement #CitizenPortal #WhiteCountyParks #PublicInvestment #TourismDevelopment

Citizen Portal News West Virginia

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1 month ago

WV Senate floor roundup: multiple bills and resolutions approved, tourism lodging added to tax credit On Jan. 30, 2026 the West Virginia Senate adopted several resolutions and passed multiple bills on third reading — largely by unanimous machine votes — including Senate Bill 167 (levying-body reporting extensions), SB 233 (polygraph licensing clarifications), SB 403 (expanding tourism tax credit to lodging) and SB 506 (county-owned wireless tower use).

The West Virginia Senate made waves by unanimously passing a series of impactful bills, including a significant expansion of tourism tax credits to lodging!

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#WV #TourismDevelopment #LegislativeAction #WestVirginiaSenate #PublicPolicy #CitizenPortal

Citizen Portal News Vermont

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1 month ago

Vermont building at Eastern States Exposition advancing to interior design; BGS seeks continued capital funding Agency of Agriculture and BGS told the committee exterior restoration at the Vermont building is largely complete, phase‑2 interior/electrical design is starting, and the project will need additional FY28–FY29 construction funds for a multi‑phase rehabilitation that includes electrical upgrades and ADA-accessible restrooms.

Vermont's historic building at the Eastern States Exposition is undergoing major renovations to enhance accessibility and boost vendor experience for the millions of fairgoers each year.

Learn more here

#VT #TourismDevelopment #AccessibilityInitiatives #VermontAgriculture

Citizen Portal News Virginia

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1 month ago

Committee receives subcommittee reports and advances multiple local governance bills The House Committee on Counties, Cities and Towns received subcommittee recommendations on a slate of bills — covering wireless siting, tourism districts, Herndon charter updates, composting requirements, zoning for housing, parking near transit and manufactured‑home placement — and reported many out of committee with recorded or voice votes.

Virginia's House Committee has advanced a slew of local governance bills, including crucial updates on wireless structures, tourism districts, and housing zoning that could reshape community landscapes!

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#VA #TourismDevelopment #ZoningReform #VirginiaLocalGovernance

Citizen Portal News Florida

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1 month ago

Florida launches America250FL campaign: state holiday, county statues, free park days and student scholarships Governor DeSantis announced America250FL initiatives in Vero Beach, including a state holiday for Washington’s birthday, statues from Mount Vernon for counties named after founders, waived admission to state lands in February, and an essay contest offering 14 Florida Prepaid scholarships.

Florida is celebrating America’s 250th anniversary with a new state holiday for George Washington's birthday, free park admissions, and scholarships for students—don’t miss the exciting events ahead!

Learn more here

#FL #TourismDevelopment #PublicHolidays #CivicEducation #CitizenPortal

Citizen Portal News California

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1 month ago

San Benito County tourism panel votes to seek Board workshop on countywide wayfinding signs The Tourism Advisory Committee voted unanimously to ask the Board of Supervisors to schedule a workshop exploring phased wayfinding and a possible Pinnacles monument, including funding, stakeholder involvement, and design options.

San Benito County is taking a bold step to enhance its tourism appeal with a new wayfinding strategy aimed at drawing visitors to the stunning Pinnacles National Park and beyond!

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#SanBenitoCounty #CA #TourismDevelopment #CommunityInvolvement #WayfindingStrategy #CitizenPortal