Hillsborough County commissioners have voted to launch a review of the Tampa Sports Authority’s (TSA) meeting minutes and members’ financial records. This move comes after commissioners learned that only the governor can remove one of their four appointees to the TSA.
Concerns Over Ethics and Oversight
Commissioner Christine Miller expressed concerns about the TSA’s inability to enforce its own code of ethics, stating that the county has a fiduciary responsibility to ensure the TSA is acting in accordance with proper ethical standards. The motion, passed unanimously, also calls for staff to draft letters expressing the county’s concerns to Governor Ron DeSantis, the Hillsborough State Attorney’s Office, and the sports authority itself.
A local attorney and state-registered lobbyist had previously sent a letter to the sports authority alleging that four board members owned property that created a conflict of interest tied to a proposal to build a Tampa Bay Rays stadium. The TSA has denied these claims, but the issue has raised questions about the agency’s ability to police itself.
Implications and Next Steps
The county review could pressure the sports authority to improve its policies and processes, according to Commission Chair Ken Hagan. However, Hagan did not consider it necessary to send a letter to DeSantis, who has publicly supported the Rays’ stadium plan. The TSA board has 11 members, with four appointees from the county, four from the city of Tampa, one from the governor, and two ex-officio members.
Original reporting: St. Pete Catalyst — read the source article.
