The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners on Dec. 2 voted to execute a reimbursement agreement with Sarasota County to support events and marketing at Nathan Benderson Park, part of a regional partnership the county says drives hotel stays and restaurant business.

Elliot, director of the county's tourism bureau, told commissioners Sarasota has committed larger sponsorships and that a coordinated brand approach helps bid for major sports events. He said third-party research estimates Nathan Benderson Park generates roughly $30 million in annual economic impact, with an estimated split between the neighboring counties.

The discussion drew lengthy public comment. Local resident Glenn Ghibellina called out a prior $5 million county contribution and asked why Manatee County branding is not used in promotions. "My tax dollars should stay in Manatee County, not Bradenton," he said. Another caller, Andrew Griffin, urged skepticism about past payouts and said he will challenge future spending decisions.

Commissioners defended the regional approach. Commissioner Sadiq said tourists do not respect county borders and that partnerships with Sarasota have delivered hotel stays and sales-tax receipts to Manatee County. The board noted the funding source is the tourist development tax — a lodging-based levy — and not ad valorem property taxes.

The motion to execute the reimbursement agreement passed on a recorded voice vote with the board voting to approve the administrative reimbursement as part of the previously approved two-year tourism budget.

What happens next: The agreement sets up the county to continue contributing to regional event marketing and to bid on major sporting events that county staff say bring year-round visitation. Residents who raised concerns at the meeting asked county staff to provide clearer reporting on deliverables and branding for future sponsorships.