Subject:
Title
Maximum Funding for Tourist Development Council Capital Projects Funding Program Fiscal Year 2026 cycle.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval of maximum funding for Tourist Development Council (TDC) Capital Projects Funding Program Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 cycle in the amount of $30,600,000.00.
• On January 20, 2026, CVB submitted revisions to the Capital Funding Program Guidelines for FY26.
• Among the revisions to the Program Guidelines adopted in FY26 was a provision that the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) approve and establish a total pool of capital funding dollars available to fund projects for the funding cycle.
• This provision applies to Category D projects, which are the projects funded through the Program.
• Approval establishes the BCC’s $30,600,000.00 funding framework for the FY26 TDC Capital Projects Funding Program, consisting of $15,300,000.00 for traditional capital projects and $15,300,000.00 for beach park facilities.
• This action does not appropriate funds or approve individual projects; rather, it establishes the maximum funding level to guide the upcoming application and evaluation process.
• Funding will be recommended for appropriation from the Tourist Development Tax Fund closer to the time individual project awards are considered by the BCC. A budget amendment may be needed if appropriated funding is not available when an agreement is signed.
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Strategic Priorities:
Prosperity and Opportunity
3.2 Provide and promote tourism opportunities.
Summary:
Summary
With Board approval, the maximum funding available for the FY26 TDC Capital Projects Funding Program will be established at $30,600,000, consisting of $15,300,000 for traditional capital projects and $15,300,000 for beach park facilities.
Approval of this item establishes the maximum funding available for the FY26 cycle and does not constitute approval or initiation of any individual project. Following approval, the CVB will open the application cycle, evaluate submitted projects, and present funding recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners for consideration.
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Background Information:
The Capital Project Funding Program provides a significant economic benefit to the County through increased room nights and attendance at area attractions and museums.
On August 15, 2026, the TDC reached consensus on the maximum funding level for the FY26 Capital Funding Program. The maximum funding available for the FY26 TDC Capital Projects Funding Program is $30,600,000, consisting of $15,300,000 for traditional capital projects and $15,300,000 for beach park facilities.
On January 20, 2026, the CVB submitted revisions to the Capital Funding Program Guidelines for FY26. One of the adopted revisions provides that the Board of County Commissioners establish the total pool of capital funding available for each funding cycle. This funding pool applies to Category D projects funded through the Program.
In addition, on January 20, 2026, the CVB adopted an ordinance amending Section 118-32 of the Pinellas County Code relating to the Tourist Development Plan (TDP). The proposed ordinance expands authorized Capital Project Funding Program expenditures under Category D to include “publicly owned and operated beach park facilities that are directly associated with or demonstrated to be tourist attractions.” Public facilities are an allowable expenditure under Florida Statutes 125.0104. The proposed ordinance also clarifies that “the matching fund requirement does not apply to capital projects or public facilities owned by Pinellas County.”
Fiscal Impact:
Approval establishes the BCC’s $30,600,000 funding framework for the FY26 TDC Capital Projects Funding Program, consisting of $15,300,000 for traditional capital projects and $15,300,000 for beach park facilities.
This action does not appropriate funds or approve individual projects; rather, it establishes the maximum funding level to guide the upcoming application and evaluation process.
Funding will be recommended for appropriation from the Tourist Development Tax Fund closer to the time individual project awards are considered by the BCC. A budget amendment may be needed if appropriated funding is not available when an agreement is signed.
Staff Member Responsible:
Brian Lowack, Interim Director, Convention & Visitors Bureau
Partners:
Tourist Development Council
Attachments:
Capital Projects Funding Guidelines
Capital Project Funding Allocation Recommendation PPT