County to study dropping embattled sports authority
By BILL VARIAN, Times Staff Writer
Published January 20, 2005
TAMPA - Hillsborough commissioners voted Wednesday to consider disbanding the county agency that runs Raymond James Stadium and oversees operations at other sports venues.
Some commissioners noted the county already has taken ownership of the major venues for which the Tampa Sports Authority is responsible.
One board member called the sports authority "anachronistic."
"What anachronistic means is that it is out of time and out of place," Commissioner Ronda Storms said. "The entity itself has outlived its purpose."
Commissioner Brian Blair floated the proposal two weeks ago after controversy over how the sports authority doles out free tickets to a luxury suite at Raymond James.
He said that while the agency can be applauded for helping lure major sports franchises since created in 1965, it no longer serves the public good.
Blair has criticized the authority for paying its top executive a $185,000 salary and for running at a nearly $2-million annual loss. Taxpayers ultimately pick up the tab.
"In the past, the Tampa Sports Authority has served its purpose and done a good job," Blair said. "Now it's in crisis and change is overdue."
Storms said she has long supported doing away with the agency.
She said her feelings were underscored by a Times story detailing how authority members give away luxury suite tickets to the stadium - valued at $457 apiece - and dine on expensive food and liquor paid for by taxpayers.
"I had no idea some of that stuff was going on," Storms said. "I think that's vulgar. I think that's "Let them eat cake.' I think that's Marie Antoinette."
The sports authority runs Raymond James, home field for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which leases the stadium.
It has some oversight of St. Pete Times Forum, where the Tampa Bay Lightning plays, and Legends Field, where the New York Yankees play spring training games. It also runs three golf courses.
The authority used to own both Raymond James and the Times Forum but couldn't pay the property taxes. As a result, ownership recently was turned over to the county, because it is exempt from property tax.
The sports authority was created by the Legislature. Under Blair's proposal, the county will study disbanding the agency, then make a recommendation to legislators next year.
