Manatee County Commissioners Approve November Ballot Measure for Tourism Tax Increase

Manatee County commissioners have decided to place a new referendum on the ballot for the November general election, seeking voter approval to raise the tourism tax by 1%.

During their first meeting back after the summer recess on Tuesday, the commissioners discussed and approved this initiative, along with the purchase of the Triple Oak Preserve and millions of dollars in funding for local nonprofit programs.

Elliott Falcione, Director of the Bradenton Area Convention & Visitor's Bureau, stated that the Department of Revenue has confirmed Manatee County as a high-impact tourism county, making it eligible to levy an additional 1% tourism tax if voters approve it in November.

The referendum passed with a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge opposed and Commissioner Jason Bearden absent.

"Tourism brings over $2 billion to our local economy annually, including $30 million in tourism tax collections and over $80 million in sales tax generation," said Falcione. "Many believe that we, as residents, do not pay income tax because of tourism, Florida's number one industry."

The commissioners also approved the purchase of the 105-acre Triple Oak Preserve in Myakka City for about $3.6 million. This parcel includes diverse ecosystems and is located within the Florida Wildlife Corridor, between Myakka River State Park and conservation easements.

This acquisition is part of several recent land purchases funded by voter-approved measures for environmental protection. Last week, the county also completed the purchase of land to expand Emerson Point.

Additionally, the commissioners allocated $16.9 million to local nonprofits through the Children's Services dedicated millage. This includes significant funding for Step Up Suncoast, the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee, Just for Girls, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County, Centerstone of Florida, and the Safe Children Coalition Inc.

Specific funding requests were also approved: $100,000 for Prodigal Daughters Journey Home, $96,000 for Isaiah 117 House, and $67,500 for the county's Summer Blast Camp Scholarship.

From the Adult Human Services Department, $663,196 was allocated to various nonprofits, including United Way Suncoast, Habitat for Humanity, Keep Manatee Beautiful, Gulfcoast Legal Services, and Legal Aid of Manasota.

In response to an emergency request by Genesis Health Services, Inc., the commissioners approved $68,420 to support youth programming at the Rubonia Community Center, ensuring its continuation through September.