OKALOOSA ISLAND — The Tourist Development Council has recommended spending $30,000 to sponsor annual beach volleyball tournaments that would expand their reach this year.
The TDC voted last week to recommend the sponsorship to Okaloosa County commissioners, who have final approval.
“All of these events are made to bring people to town,” said Mike Minich, president of Southern Events Management, the Fort Walton Beach company behind the tournaments. “That’s our No. 1 goal.”
The company usually hosts Emerald Coast Volleyball Week in April and the Emerald Coast Fall Classic in October, both on Okaloosa Island. This year, Southern Events will add a third tournament in May to target junior players.
“Last year was the first year beach volleyball became a college sport for women,” Minich said. “I’ve seen in the past couple of years it’s really starting to grow (in popularity.)"
Emerald Coast Volleyball Week will be April 17-21 and the Emerald Coast Volleyball Juniors Open will be May 18-19. The Emerald Coast Fall Classic is scheduled for Oct. 2-6.
Minich said the events draw singles and families from the nearby states of Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia as well as from across the country.
“Some people bring, like, their whole family,” he said. “We estimate that for every player there’s at least one other person.”
The new juniors tournament is expected to attract families who also want to vacation in a beach town, Minich added.
Last year, Southern Events’ two volleyball tourneys generated about 4,280 room nights at local hotels, condos and resorts. Minich said he expects to exceed that this year.
“The history of this event and the economic impact it has brought over decades … really is phenomenal,” said Dan O'Byrne, director of the county’s tourist development department. “He’s generating room nights at a time when we really need the business.”
O’Byrne said he will present the TDC’s recommendation for the $30,000 sponsorship to commissioners at their meeting Tuesday.
Contact Daily News Staff Writer Kari C. Barlow at 850-315-4438 or kbarlow@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @KariBnwfdn.