Palm Beach County OKs three‑year agreement with PGA Tour Inc. for Cognizant Classic

The Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve a three‑year agreement with PGA Tour Inc., authorizing continued county sponsorship and deliverables for the Cognizant Classic. The motion, made by Commissioner Flores and seconded by Vice Mayor Woodworth, was recorded as carrying by the board.

The Tourist Development Council presented the proposal and highlighted the tournament’s reach and local economic benefits. Emmanuel Perry, executive director of the Tourist Development Council, said the tournament is televised on NBC, ESPN and the Golf Channel, is featured in more than 200 countries and 33 languages, and “has an earned media value of $140,000,000.” He told the board the event supports about 2,900 jobs, generates roughly 13,000 room nights and about $13,000,000 in direct visitor spending, for an estimated total economic impact of $30,000,000 to Palm Beach County’s economy.

Todd von Laren, chief deputy administrator, told commissioners staff had worked through recent negotiation points and that two outstanding provisions related to future‑fund availability and access to certain audits would be returned to the board as an addendum. He asked for the board’s approval to move forward with the contract as presented.

Commissioner Flores moved to approve the agreement; Vice Mayor Woodworth seconded. The board recorded the vote as in favor and the motion carried. Earlier in the meeting the board also voted to permit Commissioner Marino to attend remotely; that procedural motion was recorded as carrying 5–0. After the contract vote, the board approved two off‑site proclamations—one honoring an individual’s quinceañera and a second declaring March 10 as “Julie Keim Day”—by similar voice vote.

Speaking remotely, Commissioner Marino clarified she has “absolutely no affiliation” with the event, that she is not related to PGA player Steven Marino, and that living in PGA National does not result in any personal benefit from the tournament. The transcript records the commissioner thanking the TDC for demonstrating community benefits.

The board adjourned the Board of County Commissioners session and turned the meeting over to the next chair. Staff said they will return with a written amendment addressing the two audit and funding‑availability provisions referenced by staff.