German article

Pasco Tourist Tax Rises to 5 Percent

Information from TampaBay.com

Florida’s Sports Coast, the marketing moniker for Pasco County’s tourism efforts, wants to take its pitch to international travelers.

According to Tampa Bay Times, that idea got a shot in the arm this week when the Pasco County Commission unanimously approved an increase in their tourist tax from four percent to five percent, the highest a county Pasco’s size can go.

Adam Thomas, director of the Florida Sports Coast Destination Management Organization, thanked commissioners for their ongoing support and willingness to look at the increase. He said the tourism effort has been successful but the hope is that the additional funding will help with international efforts focused first on Europe. “Tourists from that area have shown interest in Pasco,” he said.

County Commissioner Mike Moore, who serves as chairperson of the Tourist Development Council, said that board had no issues with voted unanimously to support the increase in the tax, which is paid by people who stay in shortterm accommodations.

The tax was first established at two percent in 1990 and increased to four percent in 2017 to allow for financing to build the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus in Wesley Chapel. That venue opened in 2020.

Dade City resident Kathy Lambert was the lone public speaker before the vote Tuesday. She said she is not a fan of the increase. Lambert said years ago she spoke against the tax when Saddlebrook Resort had concerns.

Moore said that the Saddlebrook representative on the tourist development board was in favor of the increase. In fact, he said he had not heard anything negative from any of the hotel operators, who might be the most likely critics of the increase. Saddlebrook’s issues with the tourist tax were resolved long ago, he said.

Commission chairperson Kathryn Starkey said she had heard “not a peep” of opposition and that she also supported the increase.

AROUND TOWN

7TH - MANATEE’S 1ST ANNUAL TACO FEST: 12-6pm. Manatee County Fairgrounds - 1402 14th Avenue West, Palmetto. This is a family friendly event and features over 150 of the Tri-State Area’s Best Taco Producers alongside a variety of Specialty Cocktails and entertainment. $10. Rain or shine. https://www.manateecountyfair.com/ 7TH - FALLEN OFFICER POKER RUN: In 2021, Pinellas County lost two police officers in the line of duty. The Four Kings LEMC Gulf Coast Chapter is standing ready to support the community and needs the public’s help in replenishing the Fallen Officer Fund, which is a 501c3 organization. All proceeds from this event, will be utilized to support a fallen officer’s family in need. $20 rider / $15 passenger /$10 adds hands. 10:45am - Kick Stands Up. Bert’s Barracuda HD., 10525 49th St N, Clearwater, FL. 12TH - BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: With a storybook romance, glorious songs, incredibly elaborate costumes, a stunning set, and magical special effects, the enchantment never ends! The show runs May 12 – June 5. Performances are Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. $30/$15. Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd. (352) 236-2274. www.ocalacivictheatre.com

14TH - THE CITY OF TARPON SPRINGS’ CULTURAL AND CIVIC SERVICES

DEPARTMENT announces a new, free community event called The Art of Health set to debut from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM in Craig Park, 5 Beekman Lane, Tarpon Springs, 34689. Live musical entertainment, Exhibitor tables, Food trucks, and more. 727-9423-5605. https://www.tarponarts.org 14TH - SALTY SOUL FOUNDATION DUNEDIN BEACH CLEANUP! Salty Soul Foundation is on a mission to help keep Florida’s beautiful beaches clean, one beach at a time. Each month the Foundation will be joining forces with different organizations as co-hosts to clear beaches around the state. 1-4pm. 61 Causeway Boulevard, Dunedin. FREE. https://www.saltysoulfoundation.org 14TH - STARGAZING AT STARKEY: The popular Stargazing event is back and will be at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, 10500 Wilderness Park Blvd., New Port Richey, 34655. This free event is organized by our friends from the Pasco Astronomers Club and will be held in the front field of the park. Telescopes will be provided to see many deep sky objects. For more information, please call 727.457.8748. 27TH - SUNSET MUSIC FESTIVAL: Fri, May 27, 3 PM – Sun, May 29, 12 AM. Raymond James Stadium, 4201 N Dale Mabry Hwy. Tickets: www.smftampa.com 29TH - FORD INTL CUBAN SANDWICH FESTIVAL: Smackdown Sunday (11th Annual). 12-6pm. Ybor City-Centennial Park, E. 8th Ave. Celebrate Memorial Day at The Cuban Sandwich Festival! Meet Celebrity VIP Judges like: Award Winning Cuban American Actor: Roberto Escobar, and the honorable Olga Gonzalez, and MORE! This is a FREE family and community festival. www.edibletampabay.com

30TH - THE ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY PICNIC IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!

11am-4pm. New Life Tabernacle 6912 Williams Road, Seffner. We will have free food and free entertainment. Come out to the church by the big white cross on I 75. For more information, call the church office at 813-740-1868. Hope to see you there! SUBMIT AROUND TOWN EVENTS AND/OR EVENT FLYERS TO: Lifestyles After 50, P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL 33583; or email to info@lifestylesafter50.com or fax to (813) 331-2634 by the 20th of the month prior to the event. (i.e. submit June events by May 20 2022).