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Commissioners approve $2.75 tourism reimbursement to support Nathan Benderson Park partnerships after public criticism
Summary
Manatee County approved a two‑year reimbursement agreement to partner with Sarasota County on marketing Nathan Benderson Park and other regional sports events. Public speakers criticized past county funding and asked that tourist dollars remain focused locally.
The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners approved a reimbursement agreement on Dec. 2 that continues the county’s regional tourism partnership with Sarasota County and Nathan Benderson Park. The item—already included in the county’s two‑year budget—authorizes reimbursement spending intended to support regional sports marketing and event bids.
Tourism staff said the regional partnership leverages shared assets and that third‑party economic impact studies attribute roughly $30 million annually in direct expenditures to activities at Nathan Benderson Park, with an estimated split across nearby jurisdictions. Staff described the county’s contribution as brand awareness and a mechanism to bid on events; they said Sarasota County has committed matching funds for some initiatives.
Public commenters raised objections. Local resident Glenn Ghibellina and others criticized earlier county funding to the park—citing a prior $5 million county commitment they said did not produce promised physical improvements—and argued Manatee tax dollars should be spent on county parks, trails and infrastructure rather than branding that uses the ‘Bradenton area’ label. Another caller, Andrew Griffin, urged closer oversight of tourism spending and questioned whether county residents benefit directly.
Supporters on the board said the partnership brings hotel stays and spending into Manatee County during events that otherwise would not occur in slow tourism seasons; proponents argued the arrangement drives lodging occupancy and sales tax receipts that benefit local businesses. Commissioners discussed contract length (two years) and whether branding should be changed; staff said branding decisions preceded the current administration and that tourism receipts come from a regional visitor base.
After debate, Commissioner Sadiq moved to approve the reimbursement agreement; the motion passed on the record and was recorded as approved by the clerk.
