Residents debate county funding for Florida Israel Business Accelerator during public comment

A lengthy public-comment block focused on the Florida Israel Business Accelerator (FIBA) and a $37,500 line item in the county's proposed 2027 economic development budget. Supporters said the program brings companies and jobs to Hillsborough County; Molly Finkel said she learned of "an outsized number of public comments targeting a $37,500 line item in Hillsborough County's 2027 budget proposal" and described a coordinated political campaign targeting FIBA. Several speakers cited figures, saying FIBA had helped 20 companies establish a local presence and create roughly 70 direct jobs.

Opponents urged the board to redirect funds to local priorities such as transit shelters and services. Bruce Harker, who identified himself as a disabled, low-income Hillsborough County resident, said the county should "cut ties with Israel wherever possible and spend these tax dollars and programs desperately needed by Hillsborough County residents." Speakers on both sides repeatedly said the county should evaluate FIBA by local economic results rather than foreign-policy positions. The board did not take immediate action on FIBA funding during this meeting; the comments were part of the public-comment record for upcoming budget deliberations.