How Tampa Bay fared in Florida's $114 billion budget
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Lawmakers in Tallahassee have at last worked out this year's budget — two months after the regular session ended— and will vote on it Friday.
Why it matters: Tampa Bay fared well in budget negotiations, with many of the region's requests funded even after being halved or omitted in earlier drafts.
- Here's what made the cut.
The big picture: The budget totals about $114.5 billion — just below last year's $115 billion — and earmarks million-dollar sums for projects in Tampa Bay.
- Yes, but: Any could still meet Gov. Ron DeSantis' veto pen.
🔎 Zoom in: State Sen. Ed Hooper (R-Clearwater) told the Tampa Bay Times that his chamber would not commit funds toward the construction of a new campus for Hillsborough College until the Rays secure local support.
- A week later, Hillsborough County and the City of Tampa voted to enter into a non-binding memorandum of understanding with the Rays — and sure enough, the college's $50 million overhaul made it into the budget.
- The stadium effort hinges on the college's makeover, which would require existing buildings to be demolished, relocated and rebuilt.
🛣️ State Rep. Adam Anderson and Hooper sought $15 million from the state to overhaul East Lake Road, a congested roadway frequented by commuters from Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough counties.
- The House left it out of its initial budget. But after weeks of behind-the-scenes negotiations, it's set to receive $7.5 million.
🍿 State Sen. Danny Burgess (R-Zephyrhills) asked for $1 million from the state for the Tampa Theatre's centennial restoration and expansion; the latest budget allocated half that.
🤔 Missing from the Senate's initial budget were $2.5 million toward construction at Hillsborough County's African American Arts & Cultural Center and $2 million for emergency generators across Pinellas County.
- The projects were filed in both chambers, but only the House included them, at half the requested amount.
- The latest budget, however, allocates $4.8 million to the African American Arts & Cultural Center and $4 million to Pinellas County for generators.
🚔 The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office requested $10 million for a state-of-the-art training center for recruits and experienced personnel alike, but neither chamber initially funded it at that level.
- The House halved it in its initial budget, and the Senate designated only $350,000. But against all odds, the project received $10 million in the latest budget.
What's next: Lawmakers will vote on the budget on Friday, and if it passes, it will be sent to DeSantis' desk, where he can trim as he pleases.
- But keep one eye on Tallahassee: DeSantis has called a special session on June 1 to consider a constitutional amendment that could eventually eliminate property taxes.