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Council Struck Out On Sports Complex

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By JULIA FERRANTE, The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 23, 2007

NEW PORT RICHEY - For about five minutes, it looked like the Pasco County Tourist Development Council might get to vote on a proposal for a multipurpose sports complex.

Then New Port Richey City Councilwoman Ginny Miller became ill.

Miller, who represents the county's population center on the panel, left the West Pasco Government Center on Monday evening, minutes after the meeting convened. Her departure dissolved a quorum that would have allowed the council to make an official recommendation.

She did not return before the panel adjourned.

It was the second time in eight days the seven-member council assembled to consider the issue, but was unable to vote. Just four members showed up for a meeting Oct. 15, leaving them one short of the number required for decisions.

It also was the second time District 4 County Commissioner Michael Cox came before the council to pitch the sports complex, only to leave empty-handed.

'All dressed up, and no party,' the pinstripe suit-clad Cox joked after the meeting.

The Tourist Development Council, which makes recommendations to the county commission about how to spend proceeds from a 2 percent hotel bed tax, was supposed to weigh in on whether the county should solicit proposals for a sports complex. The project could be paid for with tourism tax revenue, construction impact fees and a bond issue. It would be run by a private corporation.

Eric Keaton, Pasco County's public communications manager and the liaison between the council and the county commission, said he called Miller later and she told him she felt faint and was unable to sit through the meeting.

Three other members had a variety of excuses for being absent. Dick Boehning of Saddlebrook Resort and Dade City Councilman Scott Black had work conflicts. Black also was absent last week. Dan Condella of Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club had a charity golf tournament that lasted longer than expected.

County Commissioner Jack Mariano, who is chairman of the tourist council, said it was unfortunate Miller became ill, but he did not blame the other members for failing to attend. A third meeting will not be scheduled.

Mariano plans to bring the issue to the county commission today without a recommendation.

Plans still are in the works for a $7.9 million tennis stadium, but county commissioners have been amenable to pursuing a second project.

Council members Gail Cushman and Toby Caroline, who attended both meetings, said they would support the idea.

Member Jack Phethean also was enthusiastic, but was hesitant to commit to another project before seeing the tennis stadium through.

Cox estimates the complex could cost between $15 million and $20 million. Several developers have indicated they might donate land for the project.

Reporter Julia Ferrante can be reached at (813) 948-4220 or jferrante@tampatrib.com.

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