Hillsborough County Tourist Development Council Special Meeting – October 29, 2026

This special meeting of the Hillsborough County Tourist Development Council (TDC) was convened to consider recommending a modification to the county's Tourist Development Plan to allocate approximately $300 million in tourist development tax revenues toward the construction of a new Tampa Bay Rays ballpark and mixed-use development. The project, located at the Hillsborough College Dale Maverick campus, has an estimated total cost of $2.3 billion, with $876 million in public funding split between the county and the City of Tampa. The council voted unanimously to recommend the plan modification to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC).

Discussion Items

• Project Overview: Yaksa, a county staff member, presented the proposed framework. He noted that on August 28 (BOCC) and August 27 (City of Tampa), both governing bodies approved the development and funding agreement for the Rays ballpark project. The mixed-use development encompasses approximately 113 acres and includes residential, commercial, retail, office, and entertainment uses. Of the $300 million in TDT funds, $263 million would be raised through bonds secured by the 6% and the third-percent portions of the tourist development tax, with debt service repaid primarily from the 6% portion. An additional $40 million would come from reserves associated with those same tax portions.
• Fiscal Impact Questions: Mayor Ross asked what percentage of the 6% tax revenue would be consumed by debt service. Chief Financial Administrator Tom responded that the plan envisions using the majority, if not all, of the 6% portion for debt service, with the third-percent portion only serving as debt service coverage. He noted that future growth in TDT revenue could free up capacity.
• Convention Center Concerns: Mayor Castor expressed full support for the Rays stadium but raised a concern about the need for expansion of the convention center. She noted that existing conferences have outgrown available space and that the JW Marriott and other hotels have been filling the gap. Deputy County Administrator Greg Horwidale acknowledged the issue, stating that staff is in active discussions with developers about hotel capacity and convention center expansion, which remains a top priority.
• Marketing Fund Protection: Mr. Manthe voiced support for the project but warned that using the third-percent portion (even as backup) would cross the 50% threshold for capital projects, potentially diverting funds from marketing. He stressed that marketing the destination is the original intent of the tax and that the council must be sensitive to preserving those funds.
• Shortfall Contingency: Mr. Morrison supported the resolution but urged that if a shortfall in the 6% portion occurs, all recipients of TDT funds must recognize that telling the county's story (marketing) should be the priority. He advocated for developing a plan to address potential shortfalls.

Key Outcomes

• Motion and Vote: A motion was made by Mr. Manty (likely Mr. Manthe) and seconded by Mayor Castor to recommend the inclusion of the Tampa Bay Rays ballpark project in the Tourist Development Plan, thereby allowing the expenditure of TDT funds. The motion carried unanimously (all present voted "aye").
• Next Steps: The council's recommendation will be presented to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) for final action on the plan modification. The council also expressed intent to continue conversations about convention center expansion and preserving marketing funding.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public offered comments during the designated public comment period.