The Miami-Dade County Commission has now officially put its stamp of approval on the Miami Dolphin's plan to seek tax money to provide upgrades to the aging Sun Life Stadium. Only four of the thirteen commissioners voted against the measure.
The Dolphins are asking for a sales tax rebate and a one percent increase to tourism bed taxes in Miami to help pay for half of the $400 million renovations (the Dolphins would pay the other half, though the NFL may also pick up some of the bill). That plan would need to be approved by the state legislature.
Today's vote in effect will send a resolution to Tallahassee indicating that the commission supports the plan.
"I like to call it, it comes from other people's money," Commissioner Barbara Jordan said at one point. "Not from the money from Miami-Dade County residents, but people who visit our community."
Though, the dark specter of the Marlins' own stadium debacle hung over the decision. County Mayor Carlos Gimenez, who will be charged with negotiating with the Dolphins if they are successful in Tallahassee, claimed he wouldn't let the situation turn into a repeat of the Fish fiasco.
Commissioners Soto, Suarez, Sosa, and Bovo were the only members to vote against the resolution.
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