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Sarasota News Leader February 15, 2013 Page 49 be the ���only one of its kind in the Western an impact sports tourism has on the commuHemisphere.��� nity. ���It���s exponential how things happen,��� he added. Manatee County officials are partnering with Sarasota County on the initiative, he added. Not only do hoteliers and restaurants see The Manatee County Tourist Development more income, Barbetta pointed out, but peoCouncil endorsed the bid during a meeting the ple who come to Benderson Park events from previous day, Blackketter said; he will appear areas other than Sarasota County can become before the Manatee County Commission on so interested in the community they end up Feb. 23 to seek its approval. deciding to purchase homes, adding to the tax The $24 million figure ���is a very conservative base. number,��� Blackketter said. The eight-day-long It probably has been 12 to 14 years since the World Rowing Championships would bring in athletes from all over the world well in ad- County Commission approved a property vance of the beginning of competition, so they tax increase, he noted, thanks to the overall strength of the tax base. could train, Blackketter explained. Commissioner Joe Barbetta noted members Blackketter told the commissioners the firm���s of the public might not realize how significant conservative estimates had shown a $4.5 mil- A Sarasota County graphic illustration prepared for the County Commission in January 2011 shows plans for the extension of Cattlemen Road to Benderson Park. Image courtesy Sarasota County