Pinellas’ pro-business tax exemption measure sails to approval

in Uncategorized by

Pinellas voters approved a measure that would allow qualifying businesses to deduct new tangible buildings and things like computers on their taxes. It passed with 63% of the vote.

The sole referendum on the primary ballot is meant to entice more businesses to the area. Commissioners voted unanimously in June to place the measure on the ballot.

State law allows localities to grant the exemptions. Cities like St. Pete, Sarasota and Tampa have already jumped on board.

Commissioners would still have to approve exemption agreements with companies.

 

Janelle Irwin has been a professional journalist covering local news and politics in the Tampa Bay area since 2003. She also hosts a weekly political talk show on WMNF Community radio. Janelle formerly served as the sole staff reporter for WMNF News and previously covered news for Patch.com and various local neighborhood newsletters. Her work has been featured in the New York Daily News, Free Speech Radio News and Florida Public Radio and she's been interviewed by radio stations across the nation for her coverage of the 2012 Republican National Convention. Janelle is a diehard news junkie who isn't afraid to take on big names in local politics including Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, the dirty business of trash and recycling in St. Pete and the ongoing Pier debacle. Her work as a reporter and radio host has earned her two WMNF awards including News Volunteer of the Year and Public Affairs Volunteer of the Year. Janelle is also the devoted mother to three brilliant and beautiful daughters who are a constant source of inspiration and occasional blogging fodder. To contact, email [email protected].