Commissioners Present: T. O’Neal Douglas (Chairman), Mae Louise Baker, Sena Black, Tess Canja, Irene DeLaby, Maritza Gutierrez, Dan Lestage, Barbara Lindstrom, Clarence McKee, Richard (Dick) Nunis, John Ruffin, and Pam Dana (Director, Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development).

Others: Eloise Williams, Horacio Soberón-Ferrer and Gail LaRosa (all of DOEA), Cynthia Barnett (Florida Trend), Mary Boyle (Indian River County Council on Aging), Ken Plonski (WCI Communities), and Peggy Bailey (private citizen).

At 9:10 a.m., Chairman T. O’Neal Douglas welcomed everyone to the meeting. He explained that Secretary White was unable to attend today’s meeting because he was attending the Governor’s budget release press conference in Tallahassee. Chairman Douglas related that he had just received a call from Laura Branker, Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff, regarding a media event to present the Final Report to the Governor, and that they would like to have as many Commissioners present at this event as possible. The location and time would be announced at a later date. The Chairman also thanked each Commissioner for their time and effort in meeting the Governor’s charge for the Commission.

Chairman Douglas stated the purpose of today’s meeting: to have an in-depth discussion and make any changes necessary to the draft of the Final Report that had been prepared by staff. The report included the prioritized recommendations from the consensus of Commissioners at the Jacksonville meeting. At that point, Chairman Douglas complimented the staff for an outstanding job in serving the Commission and the report writing. The Commissioners applauded, in unison.

During the group discussion, changes were considered and suggested. Once a consensus was reached, staff was instructed to make the noted changes. The meeting adjourned at 12:00 noon for lunch.

The Chairman reconvened the meeting after lunch. The afternoon discussion centered on selecting the placement of the Commission to implement its recommendations. Much concern was voiced about the advocacy for and coordination of the recommendations. It was agreed that the following three options would be offered to the Governor:

• Department of State and Community Partnerships 
• Department of Elder Affairs 
• Governor’s Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development 
• Regardless of which agency the Destination Florida initiative is placed in, the Commissioners also agreed that a multi-agency council, with a strong leader in charge of it, should be appointed to provide some oversight and responsibility for its implementation.

Chairman Douglas then gave each Commissioner an opportunity to speak about their experience during the last six months. All agreed it was a learning experience that brought fulfillment and enrichment to their lives. They all complimented not only the staff, but thanked Chairman Douglas for his outstanding leadership as Chairman of the Commission.

Chairman Douglas again thanked the Commissioners for their relationships, both personal and professional, while serving on the Commission and highly complimented them for their contributions and dedicated service. He then presented certificates of appreciation to each of them.

Meeting adjourned at 2:20 p.m.

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