April 26, 2007

MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. (April 26, 2007) – The Florida Gulf Coast Sports Commission (FGCSC) promotes economic development on Florida’s Gulf Islands through amateur, professional and recreational youth and adult sporting events. The communities of Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch are home to a number of professional sports facilities, including the IMG Academies, DeSoto Speedway, McKechnie Field – spring training grounds for the Pittsburgh Pirates – and several championship golf courses.

“Last year the commission generated $200,000 in revenue, provided 10,000 additional room nights for local accommodators, and supported employment at McKechnie Field, DeSoto Speedway, Manatee Civic Center and other sites," said Joe Pickett, president of FGCSC. “We also work closely with Manatee County schools to provide ample community service opportunities for area students."

During the 2006/2007 fiscal year, the FGCSC secured a wide range of events, including the AAU National SlugaRama Baseball Tournament, Florida Cheer & Dance, SWAMP Wrestling, the National Bridge Tournament, Triathlon One O One, and, most recently, the Outdoor Festival scheduled for June 23 on Anna Maria Island.

The Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (BACVB) works in conjunction with the FGCSC to promote the local sports market through sponsorships, promotions, print advertising and trade shows such as the TEAMS Conference, AAU National Convention, and National Association of Sports Commissions (NASC) Conference.

The Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau promotes tourism to Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch through domestic and international advertising, public relations and marketing efforts. For further information, contact 800-4-MANATEE or visit www.floridasgulfislands.com.