Commission directs staff to open talks with Zoo Tampa on expansion funding and dollar-for-dollar private match

The board voted unanimously to authorize county staff to begin negotiations with Zoo Tampa on a public-private partnership for the institution's announced expansion.

Commissioner Joshua Wostal explained the board had identified community amenities in the 2024 CIT renewal and said the zoo could be eligible for a line item for attractions or public amenities. He asked staff to identify appropriate funding sources—citing the CIT line item, tourist development taxes and other mechanisms—and to strive for a dollar-for-dollar private match. The motion language in the back-up referenced the possibility of identifying up to $75 million in CIT funding over 15 years (equivalent to about $5 million a year) as one scenario staff should evaluate.

Commissioners discussed the broader set of potential requests from cultural and tourism institutions, and Chair Hagan cautioned the board to consider the total pool of CIT funds and other eligible applicants. Commissioner Gwen Myers suggested exploring adding additional funds so multiple institutions could be considered; Wostal reiterated that staff should explore available funding sources and match opportunities.

The motion to begin negotiations and explore funding mechanisms passed 6-0; staff will return with funding options and negotiation parameters for future board consideration.