May 16, 2018 Background Current Veterans Reef (fishing) since 1999 - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

May 16, 2018

Background

• Current Veterans Reef (fishing) since 1999
• A new diving destination conceived in 2015 by Dr. Heyward Mathews
• Brighter Future Florida – non profit formed in 2017
• Pinellas County Commission provided $50k for launch
• Feasibility and Economic Impact studies completed
• Pinellas County MOU signed

Circle of Heroes Vision

• First diveable underwater memorial dedicated to men and women who served our country
• Circle of 24 life-sized statutes with five-sided center marker
• Diversity – all branches, eras, demographics
• Local artists to customize (i.e. General Norman Schwarzkopf)
• Opportunity to memorialize loved ones (i.e. Gold Star families)

Circle of Heroes Vision

• Video

Circle of Heroes Location

• 10 miles off coast in 40 feet of water
• Open to the public
• Managed by Pinellas County
• Coordinate with US Coast Guard and Army Corp

Benefits

Tourism & Economic Development

• 84 jobs and $7.4m annual impact
• National media exposure and international dive destination
• 3.5m scuba divers in the US contributes $11b to the economy
• Scuba diving in FL = 4.5m visitor-days per year

Veterans Memorial & Therapy

• Honoring those that served
• Aqua therapy for mental and physical challenges

Education and Marine Science

• Water, fish and reef monitoring

Economic Impact Study (Nov 2017)

Progress to Date

• 4 statues deployed at Sand Key Park to raise awareness
• Website and Social Media launched
• Veteran Advisory Committee
• Engaging Community Partners

Budget

Revenue Pinellas County (remaining budgeted) $35,000 Private contributions and sponsorships (estimated) $35,000 TDC (proposed maximum) $425,000 Total $495,000 Expenses Statues (6 remaining off the shelf) $25,000 Statues (15 customized) $300,000 Tug Boat and Crane (two deployments) $100,000 Materials and Ongoing Maintenance $22,000 Administrative (i.e. insurance, website, etc.) $7,000 Marketing and Contingency $30,000 Total $484,000

Timeline

Memorial Day 2019:

Deploy remaining 12 statutes

• Dec. – April:

Fundraising & Planning for Deployment

Veterans Day:

Deploy 12 Statues and dedicate the memorial

June – October:

Fundraising & Planning for Deployment

June:

Order 6 off the shelf & 2 customized statues

TDC Request

• Recommend funding Phase 1 out of cycle
• $125,000 of the $400,000 allowing for purchase of

remaining statues and contract with barge company

Project Team

• Dr. Heyward Mathews
• David Jolly
• Preston Rudie
• Dr. Daniel Sheehy
• John David White
• Paul Matthews
• Thank you - Pinellas County Department of Solid Waste

Visit: www.VetMemorial.org

Thank you