PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG\/WECP) – State Rep. Griff Griffitts will not seek reelection next year, ending a four-year tenure in Tallahassee to focus on his new role as President and CEO of the Bay County Tourist Development Council and Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau.<\/p>\n
Griffitts stepped into the tourism position about six weeks ago after Dan Rowe resigned.<\/p>\n
\u201cI really started to ponder if it was possible to do both jobs and realized it really wasn\u2019t, and wanted to dedicate my time fully to this new position,\u201d Griffitts said.<\/p>\n
Griffitts said he is proud of helping pass bills on short-term rentals, construction, and insurance during his time in the state legislature.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a time to step back and reflect on some things and pass the torch and let other people go to work for us in Tallahassee,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He acknowledged the job came with challenges.<\/p>\n
\u201cSometimes the process or the sausage making can be a little ugly behind closed doors, getting something across the finish line up there can be much more challenging than you think, you can have the greatest idea ever, but sometimes there\u2019s usually a roadblock or a trap in the way,\u201d Griffitts said.<\/p>\n
Griffitts said his focus now is rebuilding trust at the TDC and CVB after past controversy.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know that we had some bad months in the past with some bad actors, so we\u2019re going to bring back the credibility. We have to make sure that every penny is accounted for and to let the public know where it\u2019s being spent wisely,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Griffitts says he and his team at the TDC and CVB will focus on educating the public about the bed tax, while also working to bring in more visitors and fill more hotel rooms.<\/p>\n
Between now and November, he says he doesn\u2019t plan to slow down much as he works to finish his term in the state legislature strong. He says he\u2019ll be traveling back and forth to Tallahassee for budget votes and an upcoming special session on property taxes.<\/p>\n
He said he will support whoever is elected next.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been an honor, it\u2019s really been one of my highest honors to serve the people of Bay County. I\u2019d say a big thank you to all those people for trusting me and for giving me the opportunity. I will always be thankful for that,\u201d Griffitts said.<\/p>\n
Griffitts says he will remain active, engaged, and committed to helping our community continue to grow and succeed for years to come.<\/p>\n
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