At the forefront of the meeting was the exploration of tourism and its potential to drive economic growth. The council discussed the importance of diversifying the town’s tourism portfolio beyond its historical significance. Ideas were proposed to promote ecotourism, outdoor adventures, and retail options, including a downtown paddleboard rental shop. The concept aimed to capitalize on the area’s natural beauty while boosting local business engagement. There was also an expressed desire to see the Cultural Arts Association play a more active role in drawing visitors through cultural events.

The need for improved infrastructure was a recurring theme, with particular emphasis on completing the amphitheater’s bathroom facilities. The council also contemplated the economic benefits of establishing a facility at the amphitheater to accommodate vendors, potentially managed by local businesses. This initiative was part of a larger strategy to increase local tourism activity and generate revenue.

A marketing campaign titled “Stay Before You Stay” was introduced, targeting visitors en route to the beach, particularly from Atlanta. This initiative sought to encourage these travelers to spend a night in DeFuniak Springs, thereby alleviating travel stress and increasing local business revenue. The campaign capitalizes on the town’s existing hotel infrastructure, which already attracts visitors who prefer to maximize their time in the area.

Additionally, the council considered the possibility of hosting larger events by expanding local facilities. The Stock Theater, with its capacity of 255, was noted as insufficient for larger gatherings, leading to discussions about utilizing the old Armory as a multipurpose venue. There was a lighthearted suggestion to use the space for unconventional events like midnight raves, highlighting a desire to explore creative uses for community spaces.

The idea of promoting DeFuniak Springs as a filming location was also explored, with an emphasis on the town’s diverse landscapes that could appeal to filmmakers. Despite the lack of state tax incentives, there was optimism about the local talent pool and the potential for increased visibility through films shot in the area. The council proposed formalizing film permit policies and collaborating with local educational institutions to engage students in film projects.

A point of discussion was the proposed Scenic Byway, intended to enhance the area’s attractiveness and draw cyclists to the region’s hilly terrain. This initiative, coupled with the idea of transforming cemetery tours into ghost tours, aimed to capitalize on niche tourism markets. However, concerns were raised about the potential negative impact of supernatural-themed productions on the town’s image, though some argued that the increased visibility could outweigh any adverse effects.

The council also addressed the need for a consistent community identity and effective marketing strategies. A proposal for a city slogan, “Welcome Home, America’s Hometown,” was discussed to encapsulate the town’s character and attract visitors. The importance of maintaining a cohesive brand was emphasized, alongside the necessity of gathering public input to guide future tourism efforts.

Concerns about existing regulations were also highlighted, particularly the restrictive bed and breakfast code, which requires council approval for new establishments. Council members suggested revisiting this ordinance to encourage outside investment, especially in the historic district. Expanding camping facilities, including glamping options, was also discussed as a means to enhance tourist experiences.

The meeting concluded with a focus on the importance of documenting council actions and recommendations to track progress effectively. There was a call for improving the city’s website to ensure easy access to current documents and resources, with an emphasis on simplifying navigation and enhancing interactivity for residents.