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CVB budget shows $86 million transfer for beach nourishment; commissioners press for lobby and contract review
Summary
Visit St. Pete/Clearwater and county budget staff presented the Tourist Development Tax (TDT) budget, showing FY26 revenue forecasts and a planned transfer of $86 million from CVB capital reserves to fund beach nourishment projects; commissioners also directed county staff to issue a request for proposals for the county's lobbying contract.
The Pinellas County CVB (Visit St. Pete | Clearwater) and county budget staff presented the FY26 Tourist Development Tax (TDT) budget and explained a large one‑time transfer proposed for beach nourishment.
Key points: County budget staff said the FY26 TDT budget projects roughly $96.8 million in total revenues (TDT about $91.5 million). The CVB and county administrators also noted that a planned June budget amendment would transfer $86 million from CVB capital reserves into beach nourishment funding, leaving capital reserves at an estimated $53.1 million after the transfer. That transfer, staff said, together with current fund balances, would be used to fully fund an upcoming county‑led beach nourishment program. The transfer was described as separate from the CVB’s operating reserves and as consistent with the board’s prior direction to use TDT capital funds for coastal management work.
The CVB reported continuing program support for Creative Pinellas and capital commitments that include a $12.5 million grant for the Dalí Museum and $350,000 for the Florida Holocaust Museum in St. Petersburg. CVB revenues were described as down modestly in the FY26 forecast relative to FY25 projections; the agency said FY25 TDT is tracking near budget despite temporary post‑storm declines in October 2024.
Why it matters: Beach nourishment is time‑sensitive — county staff and commissioners discussed the need to proceed promptly if the board wants to place sand on beaches before fall tourism season. Commissioners expressed urgency to secure federal clarity on easement and Army Corps rules while also asking staff to move forward with local funding so projects do not slip beyond the optimal construction window.
Lobbying contract: Commissioners also discussed the county’s Tallahassee/Washington lobby contract (currently held by the Southern Group). Several commissioners said they had not been receiving regular, actionable updates and that the contract had been renewed previously; the board directed staff to exercise the contract’s notice provisions and put the lobbying contract out for competitive bids, with clearer reporting expectations and communications requirements built into any future solicitation.
Ending: County staff said they will prepare the $86 million amendment for the June agenda (to fund beach work), will coordinate with the county’s federal and state delegations and the Army Corps on permitting and funding rules, and will begin the procurement process to re‑solicit lobbying services against clarified expectations.
