Commissioners reallocate tourist‑development tax to fund stadium upkeep; approve flexible option to save for indoor arena

On May 20 the Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to move forward with Option B for Tourist Development Tax (TDT) allocations to ensure funding for stadium capital repair and debt service while retaining promotional funding for Visit Sarasota.

Nicole Resurg, identified as Director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources, presented two options called Option A and Option B to address projected shortfalls in the TDT sports stadium fund linked to existing contracts for spring‑training facilities. Option A would reallocate 25% of the third penny (promotion) to sports stadiums; Option B would do that plus allow a small flexible reallocation (up to about 5%) of the fourth penny within a stated range, creating a mechanism to shift up to about $377,000 more to the stadium fund if needed.

Resurg and county financial staff showed projections that Option B places the stadium fund into a sustainable position while keeping promotion revenues sufficient to maintain the county’s contract to fund Visit Sarasota. Commissioners stressed the need to protect tourism marketing but also to pre‑fund capital repair pools for aging stadium assets. Commissioner Cuttsinger moved approval of Option B; the motion was seconded by Commissioner Mast and passed unanimously.

Commissioners noted the county’s new Nathan Benderson Park indoor complex planning and the need to plan for long‑term capital replacement. Commissioner John Smith said Option B “maintains that $5,000,000 that the promotion folks need.” Board members asked staff to monitor TDT performance and to return if projections change.

Following the vote the board also authorized a public hearing and ordinance changes needed to implement the reallocation in July.