Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/336863
one penny of the 5-cent Tourist Development Tax (TDT) to go to new infrastructure instead of promotions. Under the current formula, 17.5 percent of the revenue from that penny goes to promotional efforts of Visit Sarasota County, which is the county's tourism office. One advisory board member, Daniel Bebak, recused himself, citing a conflict of interest with a business that could benefit from plans for new capital projects. That left the final tally in favor of the recommendation at 7-1. Patterson also cast the solitary "No" vote when the County Commission agreed on May 16 to advertise the public hearing on shifting money from tourism marketing toward cap- ital projects. That hearing has been set for July 9. Patterson has maintained that Visit Sarasota County needs to keep its promo- tional budget intact. Steve Botelho, acting assistant administrator and chief financial planning officer for the county, explained at the TDC meeting that A chart shows the total amount of Tourist Development Tax money allocated for specific purposes. 'Sports Stadium' refers to Ed Smith Stadium and 'Aquatic Nature Center' refers to the rowing facility at Benderson Park. Image courtesy Sarasota County Sarasota News Leader June 27, 2014 Page 60