International Museum seeks bailout again

ST. PETERSBURG -- The Florida International Museum wants the city's financial help -- again.

The museum has asked its lenders to forgive all of its debt, including $260,000 it owes the city. The City Council takes up the request Thursday.

This would be the second time in three years that the city has agreed to rescue the struggling museum. The council forgave $1-million in unpaid rent in 2004 after several touring exhibits failed to draw large crowds.

The museum has accumulated more than $1.5-million in debt in recent years. Museum officials said they want to be debt-free before a touring exhibit of Vatican artifacts opens in February. The exhibit will feature 200 art and historical objects, making St. Petersburg only the seventh U.S. city to host a tour of items from the seat of the Roman Catholic Church.

The money the museum owes the city came largely from state grants.

"This museum has paid its dues to the community," said executive director Kathy Oathout. "What this does is it makes us whole. It’s a win-win for everyone.''

- Cristina Silva, Times staff writer

Comments

[Jake]

If it can't pay it's way, let it close

[Greg]

If we closed all public facilities that do not pay for themselves, what would our community have remaining?

[Paul]

didn't we the citizens of St Pete give the Rays about 1.7 million dollars over the past four years? No one is balking about a very profitable baseball team that is owned by multimillionaires getting a handout! But, a museum that is non-profit has a bit of a hard time and its a big deal? Stop giving money to the Rays now!

[Russ]

If you really think the museum is a non-profit you are hilarious. I'm curious how much the director makes. Actually look at the whole board. I hope they are volunteer. http://www.floridamuseum.org/board.html

Can anyone find this info? If they are a charity it should be listed.

We bailout baseball, airports, and many other private enterprises. How many condo developers got tax breaks to encourage construction? Not all of these are bad - but if we can afford them, we can certainly afford to support the museum by not forcing them to payback grant monies.

[Bill]

Russ, if you review your link, you will notice each board member's employer is listed below them. they receive no pay from the museum for sitting on the board. and yes, the museum is a 501(c)(3) listed organization, meaning they are in fact listed as a non-profit, not a charity. there is a difference. hope this helps...