In a race against the clock, local leaders and the Tampa Bay Chamber have come together once again to urge voters to renew the Community Investment Tax (CIT). Working with our Chamber Member Company, OutFront Media, new highway billboards were started this week across Hillsborough County. The digital billboards urge voters to approve the renewal of CIT to help rebuild the community's infrastructure, especially after the effects of 3 hurricanes in 3 months - Hurricane Debby in August, Hurricane Helene in September and Hurricane Milton in October. ed on I-275, I-4 and Gandy Boulevard. The strategic placement of the Renew CIT billboards includes four districts benefiting from CIT funds are possible thanks to the efforts of the OutFront Media team, which identified ideal locations from their digital inventory not impacted by hurricanes Helene and Milton. (include photo of CIT bb)
This morning, during the first full Board of Directors meeting of the Chamber since Hurricane Milton, The Tampa Bay Chamber led by Chamber Chairman Brian Adcock hosted government leaders, first responders and local officials impacted by the final decision of voters on the CIT Renewal and School referendum. Impassioned and sober messages were delivered by Plant City Mayor Nate Kilton, Temple Terrace Mayor Andy Ross, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, and Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners Vice Chair Gwen Myers. (Sheriff Chad Chronister = pending) The presentations and frank conversations delivered by this who’s who of community partners were a necessary departure from the board’s standard protocols. (include photo from BOD meeting/ and photo of Plant City Mayor who delivered his message in pre-taped video.)
Quote from Bob approved - “Unprecedented times call for unprecedented action,” said Dr. Bob Rohrlack, President & CEO of the Tampa Bay Chamber. “Our community is facing the real danger of losing critical infrastructure and education funding for decades to come, because of temporary factors of two hurricanes weeks apart and that aftermath, as well as a politically charged presidential campaign. Both are high-profile issues of major relevance, but the long-term effects of a NO vote on CIT Renewal and the Millage Referendum for Hillsborough Public Schools will have a negative impact on local residents for generations to come.”
The Chamber’s position in support of CIT Renewal: This is not a new tax. The revenue generated will be allocated to projects across Hillsborough County and all residents will benefit from this renewal. CIT funding means support for public safety, transportation and infrastructure-only projects for Hillsborough County Public Schools.
The Chamber’s position in support of Millage Referendum for Schools: Due to bus driver shortages, 8,000 Hillsborough County students arrive late to school on a typical day, quantified as 45 hours of missed class time per year. As of April, the school district had 473 teacher vacancies. Ten-thousand students did not have a full-time teacher even on the first day of school and the continued shortage has impacted the quality of education children received – undermining their prospects and undermining our community’s future workforce and quality of life.
The increased advocacy on highway billboards and within the business community comes after weeks of communication with Chamber members, the May and September votes by our BOD taking a public stand in favor of CIT Renewal and the School Referendum, plus the creation of a new webpage. In recent weeks, the Chamber’s awareness campaign has reached approximately 85,000 members by way of the weekly newsletters, and social media platforms, alone. (Sam added up follower/engagement numbers for LinkedIn/ Facebook/ X)
Quote from Brian Adcock approved – “In the wake of recent storms, the Tampa Bay Chamber must continue to be resilient and steadfast in our support of CIT renewal during this critical vote on November 5th. Not only must we continue to help our region get back on its feet right now, we must also look to its future,” said Chairman Brian Adcock of the Tampa Bay Chamber Board of Directors.
Chamber representatives are available to media partners seeking more information on these efforts or subject experts to include in your coverage of these ballot issues. To schedule, contact Lissette Campos via email. Stay tuned for Chamber video on the presentations by leaders made during BOD meeting this morning. Link to be added to this news release. ###