Former Tampa state Rep. Dana Young was unanimously voted in Monday as the newest head of the state's tourism marketing department.
The vote by the board of Visit Florida means Young - who recently lost a close recount for state Senate to Tampa's Janet Cruz - won't have to stray far from Tallahassee. There was nothing but well-wishing from board members, who praised her support of the state's tourism initiatives while she was a member of the Florida House. Young said she plans to personally meet with every one of the board's 30 members.
"I can't tell you how honored I am to have your trust and your support. I am absolutely thrilled with this opportunity, and I promise you I will not let you down. You can count on that," Young said during a teleconference.
Carol Dover, of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, said in a conference call she's known Young for years.
"I can tell you on many, many occasions we have been in her office, asking for her support on tourism issues," Dover said. "She has a stellar voting record from us - 100 percent support all the time on tourism."
Visit Florida made headlines in 2017, when state House leaders attacked - among other things - a secret $1 million contract with the rapper Pitbull to promote the state.
