|
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.
Most Recent Blog Posts
About the blog
For Florida political news today, the Buzz is your can't-miss-it source. Tampa Bay Times writers offer the latest in Florida politics, the Florida Legislature and the Rick Scott administration. Keep in mind: This is a public forum sponsored and maintained by the Tampa Bay 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.
E-mail Times political editor Adam Smith: asmith@tampabay.com
Advertisement
Most Popular Categories
ON TWITTER
SPECIAL REPORTS
- Gov. Rick Scott
- Sen. Marco Rubio
- Inside the Gov. Scott's inner circle
- State government: All checks, no balance
SITES OF INTEREST
POLITICAL LINKS
- Republican Party of Florida
- Florida Democratic Party
- Division of Elections
- State of Florida
- State legislature
- Campaign contributions
- Federal campaign contributions
TIMES COLUMNS
- Tallahassee Bureau Chief Steve Bousquet
- Political Editor Adam C. Smith
- Senior correspondent Lucy Morgan
REAL CLEAR POLITICS BLOG
POLITICS HEADLINES from the AP
Comment Policy
| Please be sure your comments are appropriate before submitting them. Inappropriate comments include content that: |
| Is libelous |
| Is abusive, harassing, or threatening |
| Is obscene, vulgar, or profane |
| Is racially, ethnically or religiously offensive |
| Is illegal or encourages criminal acts |
| Is known to be inaccurate or contains a false attribution |
| Infringes copyrights, trademarks, publicity or any other rights of others |
| Impersonates anyone (actual or fictitious) |
| Solicits funds, goods or services, or advertises |
| Tampa Bay Times does not edit posts but reserves the right to delete comments that violate our policy. |
Registration FAQ
| Read our Frequently Asked Questions on how to register to comment on the site. |
