Government Digest: Dec. 24 - Dec. 30

Economic council newly created

BONITA SPRINGS — A fully independent not-for-profit economic development council will receive $25,000 in start-up funds from the city council, instead of $100,000 requested. The request from the economic development committee of the Bonita Springs Chamber of Commerce was approved at the city council's Dec. 15 meeting.

The economic development council will operate as a public-private partnership and receive $75,000 in additional city matching funds when it raises that amount from private sources. Mayor Ben Nelson will be the city council representative on the economic development council.

Task force proposes transportation tax vote

PINELLAS COUNTY — A proposal to place a 1% transportation sales surtax on the ballot in 2012 or 2013 won the support of the Pinellas transportation task force in a 19-2 vote at its Dec. 13 meeting.

The sales tax is projected to raise about $120 million a year, or roughly $4.1-$4.4. billion in 25 years. The task force recommended that 88% of the revenue go to transit, 8% for roads and 4% for sidewalks and trails. Another recommendation is to coordinate with Pasco and Hillsborough counties, at a minimum, to place similar or identical tax measures on the other counties ballots at the same time.

No recommendation was made on another proposal to include a property tax as part of the funding, according to Gina Harvey, principal planner with the Pinellas County Metropolitan Planning Organization. The task force also voted not to proceed with a five-cent local option gas tax.

State cabinet post turns out to be popular

TALLAHASSEE — At least 28 applicants, so far, are seeking to lead the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

Among the applicants to become FDOT secretary are two from the Gulf Coast: Thomas Conrecode, vice president of government affairs for Naples-based Collier Enterprises, and state Rep. Rich Glorioso, R-Plant City.

Conrecode, a civil engineer with a masters degree in systems management, is a past chairman of Floridians for Better Transportation, and a past board member of the Florida Transportation Commission. Collier Enterprises is a real estate investment, development and agriculture company.

Glorioso, a former Air Force pilot, is a past chairman of the House transportation and economic development appropriations committee, is chairman of the House justice appropriations subcommittee and a member of the appropriations committee.

The application deadline is Friday, Dec. 31, at 5 p.m. Because that's a state holiday, applications submitted that day should be emailed to Sally Patrenos, executive director of the Florida Transportation Commission.