Item D11 D11
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COUNTY of MONROE �� i Mayor Holly Merrill Raschein,District 5
The Florida Keys Mayor Pro Tern James K.Scholl,District 3
Craig Cates,District 1
Michelle Lincoln,District 2
' David Rice,District 4
Board of County Commissioners Meeting
October 16, 2024
Agenda Item Number: D11
2023-3127
BULK ITEM: Yes DEPARTMENT: Tourist Development Council
TIME APPROXIMATE: STAFF CONTACT: Ammie Machan 305-296-1552
N/A
AGENDA ITEM WORDING: Appointment of one "At Large" appointment to the Tourist
Development Council District III Advisory Committee. This is Commissioner Lincoln's appointment.
ITEM BACKGROUND:
This position was advertised due to the resignation of Ms. Elise Mucha.
The applicants are:
Mr. Philip Kirtcher
Ms. Rachel Bowman
PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOCC ACTION:
On September 8, 1999, the Board of County Commissioners passed Ordinance No. 038-1999 providing
for the appointment of"At Large" members to the TDC District Advisory committees by the Board of
County Commissioners.
INSURANCE REQUIRED:
No
CONTRACT/AGREEMENT CHANGES:
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval of one Appointment
DOCUMENTATION:
DAC III At Large Appointment Memo and Applications.pdf
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
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MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
DATE: September 30, 2024
TO: Christine Hurley, County Administrator
FROM: Sydney Schuhmacher, Administrative Assistant
RE: DAC III `AT LARGE' VACANCY
Please bring forward the attached District III Advisory Committee "At Large" application
to the October 2024 BOCC meeting.
This position was advertised due to the resignation of DAC III Member Ms. Elise Mucha.
DISTRICT III - From the West End of the Seven Mile Bridge to the Long Key Bridge
"At Large" representative —Any resident who is not directly involved in a tourism
business and who shall represent the general public and shall live or work within
the tax collection district for which they are applying. (The operative word within
this description is directly. This word means someone who is not in business nor
whose business or economic activity are dependent upon tourists).
Applicants are:
• Mr. Philip Kircher
• Ms. Rachel Bowman
Approval of one (1) applicant is requested.
If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our administrative
office at 305-296-1552.
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District 111 Advisory Cornmiftee Application
LODGING INDUSTRY—shall be an owner or operating/general manager of motels, hotels,
recreational vehicle parks, or other tourist accommodations which are subject to bed tax in
the tax collection district for which they are applying.
TOURIST RELATED BI — shall be a person involved in business which is
interdependent upon the tourist industry who has demonstrated an interest in tourist
development but who shall not be employed in any position in the lodging industry (motels,
hotels, recreational vehicle parks, and other tourist accommodations) and whose business
is in the tax collection business for which they are applying.
X AT LARGE—Any resident who is not directly involved in a tourism business and who shall
represent the general public and shall live or work within the tax collection district for which
they are applying. (The operative word within this description is directly. This means no
direct involvement by an applicant in a business or economic activity that is dependent upon
tourism).
Philip Kircher
Business Name: MIE LLC
Business . 1103 South Indies Drive, Duck Key FL 33050
Home Address: 1103 South Indies Drive, Duck Key FL 33050
Business . 305902201
Cell . 30801
*Ernail Address: pskircher@hotmaii.com
*All correspondence and meeting packets will be distributed electronically via email.
Current
Self employed. I am a defense contractor selling commercial cleaning systems to military
installations around the country. I have no customers in Monroe County.
Employment History:
2022 - Present- Self employed
1998 -2022 Karcher North America (Cleaning Equipment Manufacturer)
1996 - 1998 Self employed equipment dealer
199 - 1996 RGF Environmental Systems
1986 - 199 US Army
Organ izations/Membershi Affiliations :
None
Brief Summary as to your qualifications to serve on this committee:
I first moved to the keys as a teenager in the early 1980's. I lived here for three years before going
into the US Army.
In 2009, we moved down from Jacksonville FL to Duck Key where we rented for three years before
buying a home on the island in 2011. In 2013, 1 was appointed by David Rice to the Duck Key
Security Board where I served for seven years. During that time I worked on getting the security
cameras and radar signs installed.
I am self employed as a defense contractor. I have lived in the district for 15 years and have no
connection to the tourism industry here in Florida.
I am very active in my local community. I want to see a positive relationship between the residents
who live here and the tourist that come to experience our tropical paradise.
I am a year round resident. I work from home and am available to attend local meetings.
I feel that I have lived in this community that I love long enough that I can participate and contribute
to the TDC.
I can provide many local references upon request.
Signature: Date: 9/4/2024
Application to be received no later than 5:00 p.m. September 27, 2024.
ini 1portant:
Applicants will be notified by eaira,ill that the application has been received by our office. if an
applicant does unot receive notification, it is their responsibility to contact the TDC office to
confirm r( cei t witlihiin 2 bushiness clays of the deadline date.
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District III Advisory Committee Application By .. .
LODGING INDUSTRY—shall be an owner or operating/general manager of motels, hotels,
recreational vehicle parks, or other tourist accommodations which are subject to bed tax in
the tax collection district for which they are applying.
TOURIST RELATED BUSINESS — shall be a person involved in business which is
interdependent upon the tourist industry who has demonstrated an interest in tourist
development but who shall not be employed in any position in the lodging industry (motels,
hotels, recreational vehicle parks, and other tourist accommodations) and whose business
is in the tax collection business for which they are applying.
AT LARGE—Any resident who is not directly involved in a tourism business and who shall
represent the general public and shall live or work within the tax collection district for which
they are applying. (The operative word within this description is directly. Thiv means no
direct involvement by an applicant in a business or economic activity that is dependent upon
tourism).
Rachel Lynn Bowman
Business :
Business :
Address:Home or rive Marathon FL 33050
Business :
IIPhone: 910-297-3825
*Email Address: Spearlionfish@gmaii.com
*All correspondence and meeting packets will be distributed electronically via email.
Current 1 :
Present-2016 Bartender at Keys Fisheries in Marathon, FL responsible for ordering, inventory,
pricing, scheduling, and hiring staff.
Present-2012 Commercial harvester of fish in Marathon, FL.
Employment History:
01 - 10 Manager and server at Barracuda Grill in Marathon, F .
2001-2010 Server at nne 's Steak & Lobster in Marathon, FL.
I have frequently moonlighted at bars and restaurants friends as needed andr
many privyte off-promise events duringthe year.
I also commercially harvest fish, most of which are l of Food grocerystores.
Q anizations/Membemhi Affiliations :
Present-2021 Vice President of the Marathon Friends of the Library.
Present-2017 Alternate on NOAA's FKNMS Advisory Council
Present- 2016 President, Lionfish Invitational Research Expeditions
This is what 1 currently sit on, previous affiliations and roles are listed in my attached CV.
Brief Summary as to your qualifications to serve on this committee:
I have lived in Marathon, Florida since November 14w, 2001. 1 own a house on Grassy Key
and 1 plan to live here for the rest of my life. My day-today job allows me to interact with
both tourists and residents in a social manner and I have the opportunity to listen and
engage with their opinions and viewpoints. I also am privileged to spend time on research
trips and conferences with scientists and researchers who understand both the benefits and
strain that tourism and commercial fishing bring to our area. I understand that tourism is a
vital source of income for our area of the Keys and as a DAC committee member, I hope to
help maintain the balance between tourist destination and residential community. As
someone who runs a non-profit (that conducts its activities in Texas, no conflict of interests
there!) I believe 1 have a good grasp of the funding issues that can limit the benefit that such
organizations can bring to a community. Since I am a full-time working resident with no
plans to live elsewhere, I also appreciate the ability to use tourist-derived money to make tho
Marathon area a better place to be,whether you are here on vacation or consider it your
home.
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Signature: .
Oa
Applicationc i later than 6:00 p.m. r .
Important:
Applicants ill be notifiedit that the applicationhas been received our office. If an
applicant does not receive notification, it is their responsibility to contact the TDC officet
confirm receipt i i in s f the deadline .
RACHEL LYNN BOWMAN
82 Dorsett Drive
Marathon, FL 33050
Phone: (910)297-3825
Spearlionfish@gmail.com
SCIENTIFIC, FIELD AND POLICY SUPPORT EXPERIENCE:
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission,Fish and Wildlife Research Institute(2012-Present)
• Collected lionfish samples and metadata via SCUBA diving as part of a multi-agency repopulation,habitat,
and depth preference study. Primary investigators: Gulf&Caribbean Fisheries Institute,National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration,Field Museum of Natural History,Florida International University,Florida
Atlantic University,University of Miami,SEAGRANT,Reef Environmental Education Foundation,MOTE
Marine Laboratory and Aquarium,Simon Fraser University,Netherlands University,Bangor University,
University of Western Kentucky,Columbia University,Colorado State University,and REEF.
• Lionfish outreach and education as the"Lionfish Lady"for youth groups throughout Monroe County.Primary
Investigator:Alan Pierce.
• Contributed data for Lionfish Marketing Focus Group(2015),Lionfish Summit(2013,2018)
PEW Charitable Trust(2015-Present)
• Assisted with the collection of lionfish via SCUBA diving from the Florida Keys for a forage fish impact
study.Primary investigator:Dr.Justin Grubich.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,Office of National Marine Sanctuaries(2016-Present)
• Coordinator and permit holder for invasive lionfish detection and removal SCUBA diving expedition at the
Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary.Primary investigator:Dr.Michelle Johnston.
Reef Environmental Education Foundation(2017—Present)
• Assisted with the research design and testing of innovative control methods to effectively mitigate invasive
lionfish impacts on SE Florida's coral reef systems.Primary investigator:Dr.Alli Candelmo.
• Provided habitat specific information and data via SCUBA diving for assessment of lionfish removal efforts in
deep reefs off the Florida Keys utilizing traps and spearfishing.Primary investigator:Dr.Alli Candelmo.
Okaloosa County(2017—Present)
• Collected and provided samples via SCUBA diving for a study examining annual growth rate and population
structure monitoring of northern Gulf of Mexico lionfish.Primary investigator:Alexander Q.Fogg.
Federal and Florida State Government,Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee
(2014-2018)
• Provided input and support for Senate Bill(2014) 1336 prohibiting the importation of lionfish.Primary
investigator: Senator Greg Evers.
• Provided input and support for House Bills(2017)587 and 1143 regarding invasive species control and the
creation of the Southeast Florida Coral Reef Ecosystem Conservation Area.Primary investigator:
Representatives Holly Raschein,Halsey Beshears and Ben Albritton.
• Contributed to House Report(2017) 115-1080"Measures To Combat Invasive Lionfish".Primary investigator:
Senator Robert Bishop
NON-PROFIT AND SCUBA DIVE EVENT INVOLVEMENT:
Leadership positions
• Nate Grill Scholarship Foundation,Board of Directors(2002-2013)
• Marathon Bonefish Tournament,Tournament Planning Board(2005-2008)
• Kreative Kids Thanksgiving Feast Food Drive,Director of Donations(2002-2015)
• Marathon Ladies Tarpon Tournament,Tournament Planning Board(2005-2008)
• Thats What She Shot Spearfishing Tournament,Board Directors(2013-present)
• Tilden's Spines& Spinys Lobster/Lionfish Tournament,Tournament Director(2014-2017)
• Lionfish University,Field Reporter(2014-present)
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• Sanctuary Friends Foundation of the Florida Keys,Fundraising Board(2014-2017)
• Key West Dock2Dish Community,Seafood Market Organizer(2015)
• City of Marathon,Nearshore Water Committee(2016-Present)
• Lionfish Invitational,Inc,President&Trip Coordinator(2016-Present)
• American Caribbean Charitable Trust,Fundraising Board(2017-Present)
• NOAKs Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary,Advisory Board Alternate(2017-Present)
• Marathon Friends of the Library,Vice President(202 1-Present)
• NOAA!s Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer of the Year 2023
Notable lionfish event participation
• Emerald Coast Open(2019,2021,2022)
• Placed I st with 2,241 in 2019.
• Placed I st with 1,918 in 2021.
• Placed 2nd with 1,314 in 2022.
• This is the largest lionfish event in history.
• Lionfish World Championship(2017-2018)
0 Placed I st in 2017(926 lionfish)and 2nd in 2018(1,115 lionfish)
RELATED SKILLS, CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:
• In-situ(SCUBA diving)data collection * Technical SCUBA diving(to 200fsw)
• Advanced,nitrox,rescue and dive master 0 Uninspected Passenger Vessels/OUPV(6-
SCUBA diving certifications pack)Captains License
• Saltwater Products License * First-aid,CPR,AED and oxygen provider
certifications
RELEVANT MEDIA:
• FWC Public Service Announcements 2013,2015,2016
• Cowart Media"Edible Florida",2014
• "Fishin Chicks,BIX)utdoors,2015
• Coast Conservation Association Mggazine,Ted Venker,2015
• Spearing MaZa zines Women's Issue,Jeromy Gamble,2016
• Whole Foods Lionfish Media Campaign,Doreen Christensen,2016-present
• CNL3C lionfish segment,Berkeley Lovelace,2016
• Edible Invaders Podcast,Sam Evans-Brown,NPR 2016
• Miami Herald,Kalie Atkins,2017
• New York Times,Malina Wallen,2017
• LGirls Like You and Me blog,Julia Collins,2017
• Smithsonian Magazine,Jeff MacGregor,2018
• USA Today,Mark Rodgers,2018
• "Places to to�Love Florida�Ke s,Samantha Brown,air date January 2020
• New Yorker Ma azine,D.T.Max,2022
• Y�achtin Ma gazing,Yaz�ine,Kristin Rattim,2022
REFERENCES:
• Dr.Michelle Johnston,National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations,(910)620-0567,
michelle.ajohnston@noaa.gov
• Dr. Steve Gittings,National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations,(301)529-1854,
steve.gittings@noaa.gov
• Dan Ellinor,Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission,(850)528-2530,
daniel.ellinor@MyFWC.com
• Alexander Fogg,Okaloosa County,(443)995-6416,AFogg@MyOkaloosa.com
• Dr.Alli Candelmo,Reef Environmental Education Foundation,(732)856-0332,Alli@reef.org
1
Keys Fisheries Market & Marina
3390 Gulfview Avenue Market&Restaurant 305-743-4353
Marathon, Florida 33050 Office 305-743-6727, opt 1
Fish House 305-743-6727, opt 2
September 27, 2024
To whom it may concern:
This letter is to confirm that the majority of Keys Fisheries, Inc, income is not derived from "Tourism".
The majority of our business is selling our products to local businesses and individuals.
If you have any questions,please do not hesitate to reach out to me.
Jason Boyd
General Manager
Keys Fisheries Restaurant, Market& Marina
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