The Pinellas County Commission voted today to approve $312 million in bonds backed by proceeds from the county’s Tourist Development Tax. This at least in theory puts the Gas Plant stadium deal back on track.
The Commission’s vote was 5-2 in favor of approving the bonds. The two no votes were the two newest commissioners, Chris Scherer and Vince Nowicki. Dave Eggers and Chris Latvala both had voted “no” on the project previously, but switched their vote today.
Latvala’s change of heart was perhaps the most surprising. He had been the most outspoken stadium deal opponent prior to the November election, and after November 5 he had two additional no votes that allowed him to stop the deal from moving forward.