Storm-impacted tourism taxes enter Rays stadium debate

Pinellas County officials have touted the local tourism industry’s resiliency amid back-to-back hurricanes. Recently released metrics underscore their point.

Area lodgings collected $96.76 million in bed taxes through fiscal year 2024, just a 1.36% year-over-year decrease. Pinellas visitors generated $98 million, a new record, in 2023.

Clearwater Beach’s Suncoast Jazz Festival returns

Massive new manufacturing facility opens in St. Pete

Rays could leave St. Pete, regardless of bond votes

St. Petersburg is next at-bat to vote on a bond issuance to finance the city’s contribution to a new Tampa Bay Rays stadium. It might not matter.

The team sent a stern letter to Pinellas County commissioners before their delayed bond vote Tuesday evening. Rays presidents Brian Auld and Matt Silverman wrote that the commission's Oct. 29 decision to postpone approving a perceived formality rendered agreements approved in July financially unfeasible.

Standing In The Gap, EP18: Mike Sutton

Hosted by Dr. Tonjua Williams

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