ZooTampa's expansion may receive a $75 million boost from Hillsborough County's half-cent sales tax — the same pot of money the Rays are hoping to draw from to finance a new ballpark.

Why it matters: The nonprofit zoo is an anchor institution in Hillsborough County and draws more than a million visitors each year, but it can't enhance and expand its facilities without outside investment.

Driving the news: The Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners agreed to enter into negotiations with ZooTampa last week.

• The planned expansion would double ZooTampa's size and modernize its animal care infrastructure. It carries a steep price tag: $125 million, with a request for the county to match dollar-for-dollar up to $75 million.

Between the lines: Commissioner Joshua Wostal (R) — who championed the motion to approve the funding — suggested that the county draw from the $597 million it has already reserved for "community facilities."

• That's the same funding source that will, among other things, go toward repairs and renovations at Raymond James Stadium, Benchmark International Arena and George Steinbrenner Field.
• The Rays are looking for around $400 million from that pot as well, which could be drawn from surplus revenue, funds initially planned for other facilities, or unallocated dollars.

Friction point: Commissioner Ken Hagan (R) said at last week's meeting that ZooTampa's request may be too costly, adding that the county can't "ignore the other institutions, such as the Straz or the Tampa Theatre."

Zoom in: ZooTampa has already invested $60 million toward the expansion via a combination of revenue and fundraising, resulting in a new Florida Waters exhibit that opened last month.

• The exhibit features an immersive "Manatee Rescue" experience, which allows guests to view the sea cows up close.

What's next: In the hopper — depending on funding — is a South America exhibit, which could be built alongside the Hillsborough River and feature species like giant river otters and jaguars.

• ZooTampa also wants to reimagine its Africa exhibit to feature endangered African elephants and white rhinos.

What they're saying: "It's not just about the new areas that we're trying to build," ZooTampa CEO Joseph Couceiro told Axios.

• Other priorities include caring for the facility's endangered animals, he said, and educating guests on "the plight they have to overcome in order to preserve and protect the species."

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Delta Air Lines — one of Tampa International Airport's biggest carriers — is raising checked bag fees by $10, the company announced yesterday.

The big picture: It's the third major carrier to hike fees for flyers as fuel costs soar amid the Iran war.

• Jet fuel prices have risen by nearly 88% in major U.S. cities since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran in late February, per CNBC.

What to expect: Passengers on domestic and select short-haul international routes will pay $45 for their first checked bag and $55 for the second for flights booked Wednesday and beyond.

• The cost of checking a third bag will increase from $150 to $200.

What they're saying: A company spokesperson said the changes "are part of Delta's ongoing review of pricing across its business and reflect the impact of evolving global conditions and industry dynamics."

• It's the first time in two years that the airline has increased baggage fees for domestic flights.

Worth noting: Baggage prices for long-haul international routes aren't changing.

Plus: Delta SkyMiles Medallion members, active-duty military members and travelers with eligible Delta credit cards will continue to receive their previously allotted free bags.

• Those purchasing first class, premium select or Delta One tickets will also receive complimentary checked luggage.

What we're watching: Whether more airlines follow. United Airlines and JetBlue have also announced bag-fee hikes in the past week.

Go deeper: Brace for higher ticket prices due to Iran war

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🏗️ Live Nation will run a new 4,300-seat concert venue coming to Gasworx, a housing and retail village under construction in Ybor City. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

• The announcement comes just a few months after Water Street developer Strategic Property Partners announced plans for a new 3,500-seat venue in that district.

🤑 Former Gov. and U.S. Rep Charlie Crist hasn't filed to run for St. Pete mayor yet, but a political committee supporting his likely run has already raised more than $1.2 million. (Tampa Bay Times)

🤔 The Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County is on the verge of picking as its new CEO Glenton "Glen" Gilzean, who was accused of misspending nearly $10 million in his role as Orange County supervisor of elections. (Times)

• Several board members said at a meeting this week that the board had taken a political turn, with one saying there was "something screwy" afoot.

What better way to start your Wednesday than planning for the weekend?

• Here are our picks for the St. Pete side of the bay.

🍻 A Night at the Brewseum: Great Explorations Children's Museum's annual fundraiser features beer tastings from local breweries, games and live music. Tickets are $55 with discounts for groups of five and 10.

• Friday from 6-9pm at Great Explorations.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Dunedin Highland Games & Festival: Get a taste of Scottish culture with pipe bands, Highland dancers, heavyweight athletes and more. Tickets are $20 (plus a $3.18 fee) online and $25 at the gate.

• Saturday from 8am-6:30pm at Highlander Park.

🎥 Hell on Heels: The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Dress up in your Rocky Horror best and head to downtown St. Pete for a live cast performance of the cult classic. Tickets are $12.

• Saturday at 9pm at Green Light Cinema.

🎹 Dueling pianos double feature: Not one but TWO St. Pete breweries will host dueling piano nights this weekend. Both are free — but bring cash to get your song requests in!

• Grand Central Brewhouse: Friday at 7pm.
• 3 Daughters Brewing: Saturday at 8pm.

🍰 Florida Foodies Fest: This celebration of grub will have pie-, cake-, empanada- and Cuban sandwich-eating contests plus food and craft vendors, wiener dog races and more. Free admission and parking.

• Saturday and Sunday in the parking lots behind Win! Derby.

👋 Kathryn here. Newsletter reader Sherry Rehm made my day (or, really, my month) by coming to see the final "Prince of Egypt" show at St. Pete City Theatre on Sunday.

• Thanks, Sherry!