A bill that would pave the way for renovations at EverBank Field for the Jacksonville Jaguars cleared its first test at the state Capitol Monday.
A Senate committee passed legislation sponsored by Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island, that would give the Jaguars a $2 million-a-year tax break for the next 30 years.
While the bill passed a committee Monday, it will face tough questions going forward because the Jaguars already get a $2 million-a-year tax break from the state of Florida.
That deal dates back to 1994 and the Jags will continue receiving the cash through 2024.
Getting two tax breaks worth $4 million a year will take some selling in the Legislature, but Bradley says the money is needed to make EverBank Field a world-class facility for the future. (The stadium) was built in 1995 and its starting to show its age and its time to bring it up to world-class standards and this bill will help do that.
Asked why the Jags should get another tax break when they already receive an annual $2 million in tax rebates from a 1994 deal, Bradley said this:
That tax rebate goes to pay debt service on the building of the stadium, and now we have moved ahead in time. Its been almost 17 years since the stadium opened and since that time, over 20 NFL teams have either gotten new stadiums or had significant renovations to their stadiums and so in order for us to keep a world-class facility, for it to be one of the best around, and it will be if this bill passes and everything moves forward, we need a new investment in it.
Under the legislation, the city of Jacksonville and the teams owner would also contribute to the cost of renovations.
The Jaguars are currently one of eight professional sports franchises in Florida that receive the states $2 million-a-year tax break over 30 years.
Dave Heller is a Tallahassee freelance reporter/videographer.
