In 2024, Pinellas County’s local visitors bureau received eight funding requests for capital projects totaling $67 million. However, tourism officials approved just $24.8 million for five area facilities on Wednesday.

Two proposed projects in St. Petersburg remain uncertain. County commissioners will decide next week on the Woodson African American Museum of Florida’s funding, while the Florida Orchestra’s $9.5 million request was disqualified due to state guidelines.

Visit St. Pete-Clearwater (VSPC), which oversees the biannual Capital Improvement Projects Program, hired a consulting firm to assess applications under new guidelines. The Tourist Development Council (TDC) voted on recommendations, with county commissioners set to make the final decision.

Commission and TDC Chair Brian Scott supported the updated scoring standards and the methodology used by Crossroads Consulting. “I appreciate that we’re using an evidence-based approach rather than making decisions based on emotion,” he said.

Project Approvals

The Eddie C. Moore Softball Complex in Clearwater earned the highest evaluation score. Facility operators requested $10 million to build a two-story structure featuring three multipurpose spaces and four broadcasting areas. Additional enhancements include nearly 2,000 new seats, LED lighting, and upgraded warm-up areas. The TDC approved a $7.75 million allocation.

Brian Lowack, CEO of VSPC, noted that the complex’s score and funding amount served as benchmarks for other recommendations. The funding comes from a 6% surcharge on overnight stays.

“Currently, ESPN can only broadcast live games from certain fields,” Lowack explained. “Every seat is taken, and spectators even climb trees for a better view.”

The Morean Arts Center and Chihuly Collection requested the largest amount—$15.2 million—for a new five-story, 46,541-square-foot facility in downtown St. Petersburg. The expansion would provide additional exhibition space, improved classrooms, a café, retail space, new administrative offices, and 93 parking spots. The TDC approved $1.1 million for the project.

The Palladium Theater, also in St. Petersburg, requested $2.5 million for renovations to its 800-seat Hough Hall and is the only project expected to receive its full funding request.

Florida Orchestra and Woodson Museum in Limbo

The Florida Orchestra’s proposed Center for Music Education & Innovation was deemed ineligible because it subleases space at the Mahaffey Theater, managed by Bill Edwards for the City of St. Petersburg.

“We would need the city to be the applicant or fully endorse the project,” Lowack said. “While they support the Florida Orchestra, they weren’t in a position—at the time of application—to fully support the request.”

The Woodson Museum’s relocation is tied to the $6.5 billion redevelopment of the Historic Gas Plant District, led by the Tampa Bay Rays. The team has clashed with county commissioners over bond authorization delays, which they claim jeopardize the city’s largest development project.

The Rays pledged $10 million to move the Woodson Museum from its small, aging facility to a modern venue. Executive Director Terri Lipsey Scott sought an additional $10 million in tourism tax funds.

In July 2024, City Councilmember Copley Gerdes assured the TDC that with additional funding, the museum could break ground during phase one and open alongside the stadium in March 2028. However, uncertainty surrounding the stadium and redevelopment deal, approved later that month, complicates the project’s future.

Lowack stated that while the museum met attendance requirements, it narrowly missed the program’s room night generation threshold. County commissioners may reconsider the application on Feb. 25. If approved, VSPC will reassess the project and bring it to the TDC for a vote on March 19.

VSPC will present its recommendations to county commissioners on March 25, allowing them to impose contractual conditions. The final agreements with approved projects will be voted on later this year. Organizations denied funding must wait until 2026 to reapply.

“I’m very proud of our team for their work on these evaluations,” Lowack said. “This was our first time using these guidelines.”

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(Image credit: Hennessy Construction Services)

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