State Rep. wants to freeze Lightning
State Rep. Scott Randolph, a Democratic freshman from Orlando, has filed a bill that would require a public referendum before pro sports teams are given sales tax rebates.
“The fact is that professional sports teams need Florida more than Florida needs them," Randolph said in a statement. "It’s time that taxpayers have a say in whether these teams pay their fair share.”
Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, has sponsored the companion bill.
The move comes after Sen. Mike Fasano and Rep. Trey Traviesa said last week that they intend to file bills that would give the Tampa Bay Lightning and other professional teams an additional $2-million a year. Randolph is responding to implications for the Orlando Magic, which has yet to tap the initial sales tax rebate.
Gov. Charlie Crist has been generally supportive of the tax benefits.
From the writers of the St. Petersburg Times, The Buzz offers the latest news in Florida politics. This is a public forum sponsored and maintained by the St. Petersburg Times. When you post comments here, what you say becomes public and could appear in the newspaper. You are not engaging in private communication with candidates or Times staffers.
"Gov. Charlie Crist has been generally supportive of the tax benefits"
Whatever happened to lower taxes, less government, more freedom?
Posted by: | February 06, 2007 at 11:28 PM
why have all these giveaways to big business? this particular one doesn't seem to be a very successful business.
they keep losing.
Posted by: | February 06, 2007 at 11:37 PM
Until the Marlins and Devil Rays invest in winning teams, no tax breaks for them!
Posted by: | February 07, 2007 at 12:27 AM
Thanks, Rep Randolph. The voters will say no to more tax breaks for billionaire sports team owners.
Posted by: datil | February 07, 2007 at 10:12 AM
Billionnaire tax relief. Fasano: what a loser!
Posted by: slapshot | February 07, 2007 at 10:21 AM
no billionaire left behind!!! so much for "compassionate" conservatism.
Posted by: | February 07, 2007 at 10:36 AM
funny that the GLBT community wants tax issues brought to the people to decide- but social issues are best left to the courts! What gives???!!!???
Posted by: | February 07, 2007 at 11:12 AM
11:12
Outstanding point!!
Posted by: OM | February 07, 2007 at 12:46 PM
Benett - sorry babe but you screwed the pooch this time - and you're the pooch. Randolph - yeah. That statement you made is absolutely false. Pull out your calculator and see what a sports team brings to a city.
Hmmm - taxes on ticket sales. OK - how about gas to and from a game - what about those out of towners? There's hotel rooms filled, food (which by the way - stats are that more people eat out on the way home from a game), tolls, supplies purchased while tailgating. The list goes on and on.
I don't care what they do up there - but I do have experience and background in this field. They shouldn't make statements they know nothing about.
Posted by: | February 07, 2007 at 08:23 PM
ANYBODY WILLING TO RUN AGAINST FASANO? I would quit my day job to help that campaign.
another piece of useless legislation from Pasco. I WANT LATVALA BACK!
Posted by: | February 07, 2007 at 11:50 PM
11:50 - dead on!
Bring back Jack!!!!!!
Posted by: RealLegislatorWanted | February 07, 2007 at 11:51 PM