The Monroe County Tourist Development Council has re-elected Rita Irwin, a Marathon resident as well as president and CEO of Dolphin Research Center, as chairperson leading the volunteer board that administers tourism marketing for the Florida Keys & Key West.
Irwin was unanimously chosen Tuesday, Oct. 18, during the board’s scheduled meeting at the Murray Nelson Government Center in Key Largo.
“I’m proud to be affiliated with a dedicated team of nearly 70 residents who volunteer to oversee tourism marketing and consider funding approvals for various infrastructure improvement projects that benefit residents and visitors alike,” Irwin said. “The TDC continues to prioritize residents’ quality-of-life affairs.”
George Fernandez, co-owner of the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory, was re-elected vice chairman.
Timothy Root, vice chairperson and board member of Keys Energy Services, and Diane Schmidt, general manager of Opal Key Resort & Marina and Sunset Key Cottages, are to serve as co-treasurers.
Revenues that fund TDC come from an added sales tax that only visitors pay when they stay in a lodging facility in the Keys.
TDC’s fiscal year is Oct. 1 through Sept. 30.
