The plan for the Braves to move into a new Spring Training home for the 2019 season proceeded further along its track yesterday, as the Sarasota County Commission approved the $22 million funding tranche that constitutes one of the many financing pieces for the new complex.
Sarasota County will borrow $22 million and pay it back using its existing tourism-based tax levies, which currently apply to hotel stays and short-term rentals within the area. The commissioners indicated smooth sailing for this portion of the financing because it involves reallocation of existing tax-based revenues, rather than the raising of additional funds through new taxes or fees.