Tourist Development Council Appointments

The Polk County Board of County Commissioners recently appointed Lakeland Center Executive Director, Mike LaPan to the Tourist Development Council. The TDC's nine member advisory board to the BoCC oversees Tourism & Sports Marketing programs and revenue, which is generated by the 5 percent tourist tax on short term rentals of six months or less (hotels, motels, vacation rental homes, condos and RV parks). "We are pleased to have Mike LaPan serve on the Tourist Development Council," said Mark Jackson, Director of Tourism and Sports Marketing for Polk County. "The Lakeland Center plays a key role in Polk County's Tourism and Sports Marketing industry and Mike has done an outstanding job there," Jackson said. In addition to the appointment of LaPan, the BoCC also reappointed current board member Jeff Vandiver. Vandiver is the General Manager of the Best Western Admiral's Inn and Conference Center in Winter Haven.