The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutItem D01 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COUNTY of MONROE Mayor Michelle Lincoln,District 2 The Florida. Keys Mayor Pro Tem David Rice,District 4 p Craig Cates,District I James K. Scholl,District 3 - Holly Merrill Raschein,District 5 Regular Meeting May 20, 2026 Agenda Item Number: DI 26-15102 BULK ITEM: No DEPARTMENT: Tourist Development Council TIME APPROXIMATE: N/A STAFF CONTACT: Ammie Machan AGENDA ITEM WORDING: Approval of one At Large Appointment to the Tourist Development Council's District 11 Advisory Committee. The applicants are: Ms. Charlotte Palmer(incumbent) and Ms. Melissa Hertzog. This is Commissioner Cates' appointment. ITEM BACKGROUND: This position was advertised due to the end of term of Ms. Charlotte Palmer. The applicants are: Ms. Charlotte Palmer Ms. Melissa Hertzog PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOCC ACTION: INSURANCE REQUIRED: CONTRACT/AGREEMENT CHANGES: STAFF RECOMMENDATION Approval of one appointment is requested. DOCUMENTATION: FINANCIAL IMPACT: Effective Date: Expiration Date: Total Dollar Value of Contract: Total Cost to County: Current Year Portion: Budgeted: Source of Funds: CPI: Indirect Costs: Estimated Ongoing Costs Not Included in above dollar amounts: Revenue Producing: If yes, amount: Grant: County Match: Insurance Required: The Floridd Keys &Key A •. come as you are MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL DATE: May 4, 2026 TO: Christine Hurley, County Administrator FROM: Sydney Schuhmacher, Administrative Assistant Monroe County Tourist Development Council RE: DAC VAT LARGE' VACANCY Please bring forward the attached District II Advisory Committee "At Large" applications to the May 20, 2026 BOCC meeting. This position was advertised due to the end of term of Ms. Charlotte Palmer. DISTRICT II - From the City Limits of Key West to the West End of the Seven Mile 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: • Ms. Charlotte Palmer • Ms. Melissa Hertzog 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. f"9111 LODGING INDUSTRY—shalt be owners or operating/general manage i=s� �is ard° g,%va 1 managers, director of sales and/or marketing, director of engineering, director of food and beverage, director of operations/rooms, comptroller as executive (exempt employee level) positions 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 persons involved in business which is interdependent upon the tourist industry who have demonstrated an interest in tourist development but who shall not be employed in any position listed above within the lodging industry (motels, hotels, recreational vehicle parks, and other tourist accommodations and whose business is in the tax collection district for which they are applying). X AT LARGE—Any resident who is not direct 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 dkvdly. This means no direct involvement by an applicant in a business or economic activity that is dependent upon tourism). Name: Charlotte Palmer Business Name: Business Address: Home Address: 350 County Rd Big Pine Key, FL 33043 Business Phone: Cell Phone: 717-82"101 *Email Address: hNeetweet2u@gmaii.com *All correspondence and meeting packets will be distributed electronically via email. Current Employment: Retired Em to ment History: School Teacher 1967-2003 rganizations/Membership Affiliations): Lower Keys Women's Club Big Pine Key Botanical Society Florida Keys Council fo the Arts Brief Summary as to your qualifications to serve on this committee: Charlotte Palmer received her BS from Salem University, West Virginia,and later earned an M.Ed. in Pennsylvania. She taught sixth grade for 36 years in York, Pennsylvania, before moving to the Florida Keys in 2008. She is a past-president of the York College of Pennsylvania Alumni Board and a Pennsylvania State Education Association-Retired member. She is member of the Florida Keys Council of the Arts and is currently serving on the Board of Directors. Ballet classes were a big part of her life for three decades. In 1990 she began working with stained glass and continues to do so today. Charlotte is a member of the Big Pine Key Botanical Society and several environmental organizations involving the coral reef, recycling, and the Key Deer. Signature: Ax"�- Date: Application to be received no later than 5:00 p.m.May 1,2026. ,Ij IIl 1"rj r LIJ�� 0 i'District II Advisory Committee ppIlcati �xl �y LODGING INDUSTRY — shall be owners or operating/general managers assistant geri"'al managers, director of sales and/or marketing, director of engineering, director of food and beverage, director of operations/rooms, comptroller as executive (exempt employee level) positions 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). TOURISTI — shall be persons involved in business which is interdependent upon the tourist industry who have demonstrated an interest in tourist development but who shall not be employed in any position listed above within the lodging industry (motels, hotels, recreational vehicle parks, and other tourist accommodations and whose business is in the tax collection district for which they are applying). X AT L —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). Melissa Hertzog Business . The College of the Florida Keys Business . 5901 College Rd Key West, FL 3300 Home Address: 22415 La Fitte Dr Cudjoe Key, FL 33042 Business . 305- 09-315 1 . 91 -844-6479 *Email Address: mel4476@gmail.com *All correspondence and meeting packets will be distributed electronically via email. Current Director, Workforce Development and Continuing Education, CFK History:Employment Assistant Director, Workforce Development and Continuing Education, CFK Director of First Impressions, Histouric Tours of America Assistant Property Manager, Vacation Homes of Key West Reservation Sales Agent, At Home in Key West Server, Louie's Backyard Bartender, La Te Da Server, Latitudes Server, The Grand Cafe Server, Martin's Organizations/Membership Affiliation(s): Vice President, HOA Board, Moss Landing, Cudjoe Key Brief Summary as to your qualifications to serve on this committee: I have a strong educational background in marketing, extensive experience in community engagement, education, and hospitality, along with proven leadership, organizational, and customer service skills. My background includes managing programs, promoting tourism, and working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. My dedication to local development and reliable work ethic make me well-suited to contribute effectively to the committee's goals. g Digitally signed by Melissa Hertzog 04/28/2026 Signature: Date:Hertzo Date: 2026.04.28 13:34:34-04'00' Date: Application to be received no later than 5:00 p.m. May 1, 2026. Important: Applicants will be notified by email that the application has been received by our office. If an applicant does not receive notification, it is it responsibility to contact the TDC office to confirm receipt within 2 business days of the deadline date. MELISSA HERTZ 914-844-6479 MEL4476@GMAIL.COM EDUCATION Pace University, Pleasantville NY Graduated May 2004 Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and Advertising Team Leader and Presenter for the National Student Advertising Team Campaign for Visit Florida -Third Place Winner 2004 Knowledge,_5k ills.and AbiLities Successful at multitasking while remaining professional in a pressured environment Strong interpersonal skills that build strong relationships with guests and staff Excellent at working with the public and a wide range of people in a courteous manner Ability to work independently and perform tasks with minimal supervision Conscientious • disciplined • efficient - well organized - reliable • punctual 3MKIMERIENU The College oft a Florida Keys January 2024 to Present Director,Workforce Development and Continuing Education Responsible for developing a robust schedule of non-credit community education courses, including continuing education, lifelong learning, and recreation and leisure courses Responsible for managing the administration and expansion of testing services, including, but not limited to, PERT, Pearson VUE, PAN, CLEP, ASE, Civics Literacy,and NCCER exams Oversees all aspects of the Apprenticeship program and it's Advisory Committee Coordinates all aspects of the Commercial Driver License Third Party Administrator Agreement including but not limited to acting as the College's Responsible Party for The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Manage the Department's budgets, completes purchase requisitions, tracks billing, and reconciles vendor accounts Coordinate the preparation, review, and submission of non-credit instructor payroll and the submission of non-credit instructor recommendations to hire Oversees CFK Summer Camps, including budgeting, planning courses, and enrollment. Manages the development and processing of course information, ensuring the entry of information into the College's database The College oft a Florida Keys February 2023 - December 2023 Assistant Director,Workforce Education, Community Engagement and Testing Manages and administers testing services including Pearson, PERT, PAN,ASE,TABS, Civics Literacy, and NCCER exams Manages testing center daily, registers students for exams, proctors,and administers exams, delivers results, enters scores MELISSA HERTZOG 914-844-6479 MEL4476@GMAIL.COM Oversees Apprenticeship Program, student records, recruiting,applications, etc. Works with outside vendors to purchase materials for Apprenticeship Program Creates and develops Continuing Education Courses Collaborates with the Marketing department to promote Community Education programs, summer camps, and the apprenticeship program Oversees Summer Camp program including camper registration, course enrollment, communication with parents, and payment status with accounts payable Historic Tours of America November 2022 - January 2023 Director of First Impressions Execute daily recap of transactions across all attractions Create and distribute daily briefing material for cast and drivers Perform refunds for sales reps Respond to social media,website,and phone inquiries for all attractions Work with a strong team to manage daily operations Vacation Homes of Key West July 2022 -September 2022 Assistant Property Manager Direct contact with owners for general property upkeep, maintenance,and building projects Coordinate and schedule property maintenance with vendors to resolve issues Schedule property inspections within the maintenance department for arrivals and departures Work with maintenance and housekeeping teams to ensure property maintenance Perform empty property inspections Coordinate annual Fire Inspections Manage issues with in-house guests for a range of issues General office duties, sending emails, responding to inquiries, and updating the team At Home in Key West, Key West FL June 2020 -July 2022 Reservations Sales Agent for Vacation Rental Program Respond to phone calls and online inquiries,book online reservations, owner, and guest stays Send correspondence to guests and owners including booking reports, HOA forms, payment confirmations,rental agreements, check-in procedures, etc. Process payments for reservations Review guests and respond to their reviews of us on Airbnb,VRBO and Google Work with housekeeping and maintenance to coordinate cleans and other projects Create work orders and perform property inspections Execute City and County licensing for all vacation rental property owners and renew annually Create and manage social media posts for Facebook and Instagram Design direct mail postcards for new business leads Manage property descriptions and update property photos on website MELISSA HERTZOG 914-844-6479 MEL4476@GMAIL.COM Work with Bluetent on website content, ad campaigns, blog writing,and other projects Proficient in Outlook, Escapia,Navis, Breezeway, Beyond Pricing, RezFusion Boost, GoTo Connect Louie's Backyard,Key West FL January 2019—March 2020 Daytime server at one of the oldest and most well know destinations in Key West Provide friendly service in a fast paced yet casual environment Demonstrates an excellent knowledge of the menu for our guests Key West Yacht Club,Key West FL June 2018—January 2019 Provided fine dining and casual servers in a professional and friendly manner Worked several banquet-style events for up to 100 people LaTeDa, Key West FL January 2017—June 2018 Bartender at a heavily trafficked tourist and local bar and club Worked piano bar and outside bar in a fast paced, upbeat atmosphere Provided all cocktails, from 50 to 100 guests in a two-hour period, for busy Cabaret shows Latitudes,Key West FL November 2011 —October 2016 Server at the number one restaurant out of all Starwood properties in the United States Provided first class service to exceed the expectations of guests Worked with a highly professional staff to provide a supreme dining experience in a stunning atmosphere Grand Cafe,Key West FL October 201.0—October 2011. Server and bartender amongst a strong professional team in a high traffic, extremely busy location Able to accommodate a large section in an over 200-seat restaurant Served a 20-seat bar while simultaneously accommodating service bar for entire restaurant Created a positive work environment amongst management, staff members, and guests Martin's,Key West FL January 2010—September 2010 Server in an exclusive, upscale setting with an over 100 seat dining room Assisted guests in the selection of courses from our price fixed rnenu offerings and tapas menu Ensured that all expectations were exceeded for both the guest and management