On Nov. 7, 2017, Pinellas County voters will decide on a 10-year renewal of the Penny for Pinellas 1-percent sales tax, from 2020-2030. Before the referendum vote, the Board of County Commissioners is seeking citizen input on the most important areas to invest future funds throughout the community.
The public is invited to provide input about the Penny at three open house meetings, which will run from 6-8 p.m. as follows:
• Wednesday, March 15: The Centre, 1500 16th St., Palm Harbor
• Monday, March 20: Historic Gulfport Casino, 5500 Shore Blvd. S., Gulfport
• Wednesday, March 29: Pinellas County Extension, 12320 Ulmerton Road, Largo
Since it was initially approved by voters, the Penny has helped build a better Pinellas by supporting projects aimed at areas that matter most to citizens, including: improved roads and bridges, water quality and flood protection, public safety and environmental preservation.
The Penny is shared between Pinellas County and its 24 cities to fund long-term, capital projects, such as roads, bridges, stormwater projects, public safety equipment, fire stations, parks, land acquisition, public facilities and investments in courts and jails.
To learn more about the Penny, including an interactive map of projects, visit www.pinellascounty.org/penny.
Penny for Pinellas background
• 1-percent sales tax paid by everyone who spends money in the county
• One-third is paid for by tourists and seasonal visitors
• All collected Penny funds stay in Pinellas
• Shared between the county and 24 cities
• Funds long-term capital investments: roads, bridges, stormwater projects, parks, public facilities and environmental land
• Not collected on groceries and medications; only collected on the first $5,000 of a single purchase
• Not a new tax; the Penny has been in effect since 1990
Information courtesy of Pinellas County Government.