By Logan Neill, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, March 17, 2012
BROOKSVILLE — A little more than a year ago, Hernando County's newly hired tourism director, Tammy Heon, faced a daunting task. A prolonged economic recession and deep cuts to public services had stifled the area's ability to move beyond its singular reputation as an ecotourism destination.
Sure, the area could attract canoe and kayak enthusiasts, hikers and bikers, and all-terrain vehicle riders. And attractions such as Weeki Wachee Springs State Park were still big draws for out-of-towners.
But was there something missing? Was there more that could be done to lure visitors to the area?
Heon, who had worked as director of marketing and public relations for a popular playhouse in Maine, thought so. She wanted to focus on a multipronged approach that invited partnerships with the community and its businesses, and focused on new ways to reach the ...