Pinellas Seeks Input On 1-cent Sales Tax Renewal

LARGO, FL – Back in 1989, the residents of Pinellas County approved a referendum to support a 1-cent sales tax increase to fund many long-term capital investments.

Now, 27 years since the tax was put into place, the residents of Pinellas will once again determine the fate of Penny for Pinellas from 2020 to 2030. On Tuesday, Nov. 7, Pinellas County residents will vote to decide this 10-year renewal.

Before the referendum vote, the Board of County Commissioners seeks input from residents on the most important areas to invest future funds throughout the community during three public meetings:

• Wednesday, March 15 from 6-8 p.m.: The Centre, 1500 16th St., Palm Harbor
• Monday, March 20 from 6-8 p.m.: Historic Gulfport Casino, 5500 Shore Blvd. S., Gulfport
• Wednesday, March 29 from 6-8 p.m.: Pinellas County Extension, 12320 Ulmerton Road, Largo

The penny sales tax is shared between Pinellas County and its 24 municipalities to fund long-term capital project such as roads, bridges, stormwater projects, public safety equipment, fire stations, parks, land acquisition, public facilities and investments in courts and jails.

The sales tax is collected only on the first $5,000 of a single purchase and is not collected on groceries or medications. According to Pinellas County, one-third of the penny tax is paid for by tourists and seasonal visitors, and all collected funds stay in the county.

For more information about the Penny for Pinellas tax, including a n interactive map of projects, visit www.pinellascounty.org/penny.

Image and video via PCCTV YouTube channel