Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/116876
Sarasota News Leader March 22, 2013 Page 19 However, Robinson said, she feared the Patterson pointed out that the county already $100,000 would become a recurring expense had allocated tourist development tax revefor the county. nue for Benderson Park���s bid to win the 2017 World Rowing Championships, noting that Additionally, Robinson pointed out, the Sertois ���a substantial expense,��� including funding ma Club in Venice has raised private donations each year for the fireworks show it offers on support for ���the large meets that are leading July Fourth. Referring to the Suncoast festi- up to it.��� val���s $40,000 fireworks expense on the Sarasota bayfront, Robinson added, ���I���m struggling to understand why we should pay for those opposed to Venice���s fireworks or Englewood���s fireworks or Siesta Key���s fireworks.��� Nicandri asked whether the commissioners feel people who come to the area for rowing regattas spend as much money in restaurants and bars and at attractions as those who come for the Suncoast Festival. Nicandri pointed out that the City of Sarasota stopped paying for the bayfront July Fourth fireworks in 2008. Yet, she expected only one in 10 people in the county realized that, she added. No one responded. Nonetheless, he agreed with Robinson���s concerns that the expense would become a recurring one for the county. Ideally, he said, the money should come out of tourist development tax revenue. Leader that Suncoast Charities could plan a black-tie fundraiser every year to raise $50,000 to $60,000 to replace the profit from the festival. However, she said, ���We don���t want to give [the event] up; that is not our intent.��� % ���Are we willing to walk away from this and lose it and guess that we���re going to be just as busy or even 75 percent as busy during [the July Fourth holiday period] and generate the Robinson continued, ���I can���t justify taking same economic impact?��� Barbetta asked. ���I [$100,000] out of the general fund year after think it���s a huge risk to take.��� year after year when I have so many other groups that do similar and great things for After the votes, Barbetta asked that Steve our community ��� including giving back��� but Botelho, the county���s chief of financial planwithout asking for county financial support. ning, look over the tourist development tax ���We don���t know if we���re going to be getting revenue, which is running above projections funds this year,��� Nicandri responded. ���We may again so far this year. Perhaps Botelho could very well have to pull the plug on this [festi- determine whether any extra funds might be available for the Suncoast Festival, Barbetta val].��� said. Hines concurred. Commissioner Charles Hines called the Grand Prix and its related activities a ���phenomenal ���That would be extremely helpful,��� Nicandri event that really brings recognition to Saraso- told the board. ta County.��� The next day, Nicandri pointed out to the News