Do your research on Manatee's tourist tax

So roll this around your tongue a bit.

Say $2.2 billion. Then say it again. That's billion ... with a b.

That's what 3.8 million visitors generated in Manatee County in fiscal year 2023.

That's people coming to our fair county ... and here's the fun part ... they leave after spending their money.

Sure, they can make it hard to get into your favorite restaurant. Yes, you might have to avoid the Cortez bridge at the height of season. And OK, those people who set up camp right next to you on the crowded beach could be playing a Tiny Tim collection on their boom box.

In general, though, I would argue that we should be glad they are here.

Why?

Well, think of all the small businesses that get a spike because of those visitors. It's not just the hotels, liquor stores and bars. Perhaps it is the guy who rents kayaks, or the local gas station, or the corner Walgreens, or the charter fishermen, and on and on. It creates jobs.

Now besides that enormous economic impact, Manatee County also charges a tourist development tax that generated $80 million in 2023. OK, I know you cringe when I say tax, but that is not a tax that you pay. It is paid by the tourists, who again, then leave.

I will say that residents aren't completely 100% exempt from such a task. If we want to have a staycation, we could get zapped, and certainly if your friends or relatives visit, they can be affected if we don't want them under our own roof. In general, though, the tax is paid by people who come, and then go.

This all deserves some thought because on Nov. 5, we will be voting on a referendum that will be asking if we, the citizens, want to increase Manatee County's tourist development tax from 5% to 6%.

It's a decision that never has been made at the ballot box before. A state law that went into effect in 2023 now requires a referendum for a county commission to raise the tourist development tax.

Hopefully, taxpayers will do a little research because this isn't an "in-your-face" kind of tax that will generate some emotion. I would imagine that such a tax will cause many of us to shrug our shoulders and say, "Whatever."

Indifference could be the worst enemy for an increase to 6%.

If people don't care, and they walk into a ballot box and see "tax," they might just do a knee-jerk "No" and move to the next item on the ballot.

Elliott Falcione, the executive director of Manatee County’s Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, said it is important that the residents consider the importance of the tax.

No, that is not funds we can spend on the widening of Lorraine Road. The money only can be directed as the state allows.

Manatee County expects the extra penny to generate $7,800,000 per fiscal year, all money that will be put back to maintaining the tourist attractions that we have and creating new attractions or events.

Revenue from the tourist development tax pays for maintenance and improvements on amenities that both tourists and resident use, such as Premier Sports Campus and the Manatee Performing Arts Center.

It helps the county to entice attractions and events to come to our area, such as the Korn Ferry Tour golf event that comes to Lakewood Ranch on an annual basis or the World Champions Cup that now brings golf legends to The Concession. Those provide heavy economic impact, and provide entertainment.

While some of those costs are flexible, the county annually spends 1% of the tax on beach restoration and maintenance. Then there is the annual cost of maintaining Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch, a huge economic impact driver.

More examples of what the tourist tax goes toward include — Renovation of the Anna Maria Island Pier, capital improvements at LECOM Park, capital improvements at the Myaka Historic Schoolhouse Museum, the water ferry service that now runs from downtown Bradenton to Anna Maria Island, and the renovation of the Bradenton Area Convention Center, among others.

The tax began at 2% in 1980 and then increased 1 percent at a time in 1986, 2003 and 2009. Sarasota, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties all have 6% tourist development taxes so Manatee would be coming up to that level. The 6% is the maximum allowed by the state.

For those of us in East County, think of it this way. People from all over the world come to the beaches, and to events such as the World Champions Cup. If we keep our attractions pristine, and our events exciting, there is a good chance those tourists might want to relocate.

Now I know many residents are scared of growth, but you can also think of it this way. It increases demand for your home, and therefore its value.

Falcione noted that in a study of first-time visitors to Manatee County, the county found that 94% return in the next 12 months. Those returnees often become regular visitors, and eventually homeowners.

Yes, that appreciates real estate.

Falcione lists five reasons that a 6% tourist development tax will be a benefit to the county.

1. It helps sustain the economy 12 months a year. The county's tourism efforts support events almost exclusively out of season to help businesses during slow periods.
2. It builds the county's assets at a cost to tourists and not residents.
3. It sustains the beaches at no cost to the residents.
4. It provides support for the arts and cultural organizations in the county, such as museums and theaters.
5. It helps provide incentives to airlines to provide more service and choices to our airport.

So why it's not a school tax or millage, please take the time to look into the tourist tax and be well informed when it comes time to vote. For more information, go to StoryMaps.arcgis.com/stories/012e225405fd42149af87a00046c3f73.