Changed the rules for tourist tax grants to big local projects (Pinellas County, Jan 20, 2026)
How each Pinellas County commissioner voted on Jan 20, 2026: Changed the rules for tourist tax grants to big local projects. With the official record.
Result: Passed 5 to 1
Revised the guidelines for how tourist development tax money is awarded to capital projects. A point system for geographic spread was removed, and language about waivers for projects asking over $10 million was dropped.
Yes: Chris Latvala, Vince Nowicki, Kathleen Peters, Chris Scherer, Brian Scott
No: René Flowers
Official wording: Revisions to the Capital Projects Funding Program Guidelines from the Tourist Development Council for Fiscal Year 2026.