Dignified Moon Pies: Small Town Shout-Out: Mrs. Donna Creamer And The TDC

Mrs. Donna Creamer. Photo Credit: Chris Rogers.

When I vacation, I tend to be drawn to small, quaint towns. I will never be a big city girl. Sure, the lights and entertainment may draw you in for a short time, but small towns will forever hold my heart.

The old Fanning Springs Bridge

In writing lately about the small towns that I recently visited in Georgia, I realized something…I haven't written a piece specifically about OUR small town charm. I don't know about y'all, but I feel so blessed and so fortunate to live in this area. This could surely be described as "God's Country." The food we serve will win your heart, and our hospitality will soothe your soul. Our Southern drawls will draw you in, and our scenic farms will take your breath away.

The Olive Tree Grove

A North Gilchrist Farm. Photo by Chester Keith Ruggles, Jr.

At the very pulse of Gilchrist County, you will find Mrs. Donna Creamer. Bless her heart, she wears a plethora of hats--one of them being a member of the Tourist Development Council. On Monday, I had a chance to sit down with Mrs. Donna and talk about Gilchrist County's Tourist Development Council (TDC).

The Suwannee River

Wannee Boat Ramp. Photo Credit: Michelle Bruckbauer.

Tell me a little bit about the Tourism Development Council.

The Gilchrist County Tourist Development Council is a nine member advisory board whose members are appointed by the Board of County Commissioners. The TDC develops the plan for tourism development and marketing and makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners for the use of Tourist Development Tax Revenue

Gilchrist County Pursuant to Section 125.0104(4), Florida Statute, Gilchrist County established the Gilchrist County Tourist Development Council, indicating the intention of the county to consider the enactment of an ordinance levying and imposing the Tourist Development Tax. The 2 percent tax was placed on the 2006 ballet and the Gilchrist County voters voted yes.

The Gilchrist County Courthouse

What is your role in the TDC?

I research, develop, and enhance visitor information for Gilchrist County to stimulate tourism growth in order to produce economic benefits. In addition, I produce promotional materials and displays, write reports, and keep the financial records.

Hart Springs Run. Photo Credit: Mrs. Donna Creamer.

What have been some of the opportunities that you’ve been given through the TDC?

The opportunity of working with the TDC and Visit North Florida Tourism Task is really a dream come true. I’ve had the opportunity to travel both nationally and internationally showcasing our beautiful rural area of Florida. I love highlighting our springs and the wonders of our aquifer system. My favorite trip so far has been Berlin, Germany. The history of Berlin, the Holocaust memorial, and the Berlin Wall were breath-taking. The reminders of a city divided are prominent; and yet the people there are so friendly.

Snorklers at Ginnie Springs. Photo credit: Bill Kilborn.

What is the most rewarding part of working with the TDC?

The opportunity to educate visitors that Florida has more to offer guests than just beaches and theme parks. Our northern region is the hidden jewel of Florida. It has a plethora of places to explore and gives visitors the opportunity to get off the well-traveled path.