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Letter From The Publisher Ed Bertha – Suncoast Powerboat Grand Prix

Suncoast Powerboat Grand Prix Festival Continues To Grow

By Ed Bertha & Lucy Nicandri

“As the purse is emptied, the heart is filled”

Victor Hugo

A recent Economic Impact Report released by Visit Sarasota County indicated that this year’s 31st Annual Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Festival generated an economic impact of $32 Million dollars for the local area, an increase over $26 Million in 2014. Direct expenditures also showed an increase from $17 Million to $20 Million.

From out-of-county attendees surveyed 88.7% indicated that they traveled to the Sarasota area because of the race and 85% of those surveyed plan to attend again next year. “It’s clear from the numbers in our report that thousands of visitors have now made it a tradition to spend their July 4th weekend holiday in Sarasota County to enjoy the races and this annual Festival”, shared Virginia Haley, President of Visit Sarasota County.

Photo LtR: Ed Bertha, Lucy Nicandri, Festival Director & Executive Director for Suncoast Charities for Children, Billy Glueck, World Champion Racer & Throttleman for Twisted Metal

The Grand Prix Festival and July 4th Bayfront Fireworks are produced by Suncoast Charities for Children, which also experienced an increase in net revenue this year. “With so many of the Festival events being free to the public the support received from our generous sponsors is critical for the continuation of this annual event,” said Lucy Nicandri, Festival Director & Executive Director for Suncoast Charities for Children. “The Grand Prix Festival is a prime example of the impact sports tourism brings to this community. Just adding the economic impact results over the past 5 years (not counting the 26 years before that) we’re talking $98.9 Million. That’s a very impressive number,” adds Nicandri.

For the first time the races were televised on CBS Sports Network (approx. 60 Million Households) and Fox Sun Sports (approx. 15 Million Households). Next year’s Festival is scheduled for June 25-July 4, 2016. For more information visit www.sarasotapowerboatgrandprix.org. We’ll be milling (racing term) till then!

Ed Bertha & Lucy Nicandri
October 2015

Photo by Christian Lunardi.

Thank You To Our New Sponsors In This Issue:

REAL Exclusive

Thunder by the Bay, 4; International Barter Exchange, 19; Giving Hunger the Blues, 34; SWF Home Inspections, 35.

REAL Exclusive Properties

Debra Garrett, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, 7.

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Photography used under license from Giovanni Lunardi Photography