Four tourism projects survive proposed cuts in Brevard County

Brevard County commissioners have rejected a series of resolutions to rescind $9.4 million in funding for four tourism capital projects.

The money comes from Brevard County’s 5 percent Tourist Development Tax on hotel rooms and other short-term rentals.

Commissioner John Tobia wanted the money redirected to projects that would directly help the Indian River Lagoon, as would be allowed under state legislation approved last month that was spearheaded by Florida Rep. Randy Fine, R-Palm Bay.

“This is about priorities,” Tobia said, calling the measure pushed by Fine in the Florida Legislature “another tool in the toolbox” to help improve conditions in the lagoon.

The biggest of the tourism capital projects Tobia brought up was $7 million in Tourist Development Tax money for a proposed $23 million indoor multiuse sports arena and hotel project in downtown Titusville. The project would include both publicly financed and privately financed components. County Commission Vice Chair Kristine Isnardi joined Tobia in voting to rescind that funding, but the other three commissioners voted to retain funding.

Tobia’s other three resolutions were defeated without a formal vote when no other commissioner would second his motion.

Those projects included $1.7 million to help fund a $2 million expansion of the Palm Bay Nature Center and Campground at Palm Bay Regional Park, along with $500,000 for construction of a Keepers Cottage Museum at the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse and $199,495 for upgrades to the Oars & Paddles Park and pier area in Indian Harbour Beach.

Supporters of the sports arena, lighthouse museum and Oars & Paddles Park all addressed commissioners during Tuesday night’s meeting. They contended that the projects would help draw visitors to the area.

In comments to county commissioners during Tuesday’s meeting, Fine said the commission needs to prove that the county has spent its money wisely if it hopes to get more state funding for lagoon restoration projects.

“The problem is we can’t do that today, at least in Brevard County,” he said, citing the funding for the lighthouse museum as an example.