Pasco County considers $250,000 tourism-fund contribution to historical miniseries; commissioners agree to delay vote
June 02, 2026 | Pasco County, Florida
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A producer representing a local historical miniseries asked the Pasco County Commission to consider a contribution from tourism-development (heads-and-beds) funds to support production and local economic activity.
The presenter, Kathleen Tomco, said the production has filmed in Pasco County locations including the Pioneer Museum and has purchased local goods and services. She said other counties and partners have contributed funding and cited Hillsborough County's $500,000 contribution as an example of outside support.
Why it matters: Commissioners framed the request as a potential tourism and economic-development opportunity that could promote Pasco County and support local vendors. At the same time, several commissioners expressed caution about committing county funds without confirming the money's source and potential appearance of conflict for voting members.
Tomco said the production is racing to schedule filming and fundraising because the industry is in a high-demand moment for content. "We are making the decision of where we're going to film next year and I know other counties have offered money for us to go," she said, urging prompt consideration but acknowledging the need for fiscal responsibility.
A commissioner asked the county attorney whether recusal or abstention would be appropriate if a commissioner had a potential conflict; the attorney said a commissioner could abstain out of an abundance of caution. One commissioner suggested delaying the item until after public hearings and requested staff meetings to confirm available funds before any appropriation.
Motion and outcome: A motion to support the request was made and seconded during the meeting, but commissioners agreed to delay final action so staff could verify funding sources and ensure there were no conflicts. The item will return for further consideration after staff provides more detail on budget impacts and possible funding sources.
Next steps: Staff and commissioners will meet to identify available tourism-development funds and return the item to the commission once financial details and any conflict questions are resolved.
The presenter, Kathleen Tomco, said the production has filmed in Pasco County locations including the Pioneer Museum and has purchased local goods and services. She said other counties and partners have contributed funding and cited Hillsborough County's $500,000 contribution as an example of outside support.
Why it matters: Commissioners framed the request as a potential tourism and economic-development opportunity that could promote Pasco County and support local vendors. At the same time, several commissioners expressed caution about committing county funds without confirming the money's source and potential appearance of conflict for voting members.
Tomco said the production is racing to schedule filming and fundraising because the industry is in a high-demand moment for content. "We are making the decision of where we're going to film next year and I know other counties have offered money for us to go," she said, urging prompt consideration but acknowledging the need for fiscal responsibility.
A commissioner asked the county attorney whether recusal or abstention would be appropriate if a commissioner had a potential conflict; the attorney said a commissioner could abstain out of an abundance of caution. One commissioner suggested delaying the item until after public hearings and requested staff meetings to confirm available funds before any appropriation.
Motion and outcome: A motion to support the request was made and seconded during the meeting, but commissioners agreed to delay final action so staff could verify funding sources and ensure there were no conflicts. The item will return for further consideration after staff provides more detail on budget impacts and possible funding sources.
Next steps: Staff and commissioners will meet to identify available tourism-development funds and return the item to the commission once financial details and any conflict questions are resolved.
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