County OK’s $22.6 Million In Bed Taxes To Support Local Tourism

Hillsborough County Commissioners have approved a plan to distribute $22.6 million in Tourist Development Tax proceeds to more than 16 local tourist organizations, according to a government report.

The $22.6 million allocated represents 3 percent of the 5 percent Tourist Development sales tax collected on all overnight accommodations within the county with less than a six-month lease.

The report further notes that these tax revenues are reinvested into the local economy through the promotion of Hillsborough County as a tourism and convention destination, as well as helping to provide tourism and sports facilities.

The funding approved for fiscal years 2012 and 2013 must be used primarily for advertising outside of the area to potential overnight visitors.

According to the report:

• The majority of the funding will go to Tampa Bay & Company, the County’s Convention and Visitors Bureau, that directs the community’s tourism marketing efforts.  Tampa Bay & Company will receive $8 million in 2012 and $8.2 million in 2013.

• The Countywide Arts & Culture Cooperative Program, overseen by Tampa Bay & Company, will receive $220,000 in 2012 and $240,000 in 2013. This initiative supports small venues that cannot meet the overnight lodging requirements of the larger TDC funding process.  The Arts Council of Hillsborough County and Tampa Bay History Center will receive support through this cooperative.

• Other partners include the Henry B. Plant Museum, The Gorilla Theatre, the Florida Orchestra and the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts.

•  The Tampa Convention Center, which will receive $1 million in 2012 and $1.1 million in 2013, primarily for capital improvements. 

• The Tampa Bay Sports Commission will receive $500,000 in 2012 and $560,000 in 2013.

• The Straz Center for the Performing Arts will receive $450,000 in 2012 and $470,000 in 2013.

• The Plant City Stadium will receive $400,000 in both 2012 and 2013 to cover its debt service.

•  The "Tampa Trio” — referring to the Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI), Lowry Park Zoo and the Florida Aquarium — will receive $240,000 each year.

• The Ybor City Chamber of Commerce will receive $65,000.

• The Plant City Chamber of Commerce will receive $55,000 for both years. 

• Funding also will support the County’s designated visitor information centers located at Centro Ybor, Channelside, and two locations in Plant City: the Interstate 4 exit at Park Street and in the historic Union Depot.