The North Port City Commission voted 3-2 this week to put nearly $5M- $4.7 million, to be exact- of sales tax money towards helping to fund the Atlanta Braves spring training complex. Mayor Linda Yates and Commissioner Debbie McDowell were the ‘no’ votes. Both said they felt the agreement lacked a number of important details, including a development agreement and the city’s licensing agreement. Yates also said she was concerned that the West Villages Improvement District will likely dwarf the city in the way of national exposure. The vote doesn’t mean the complex is a done deal just yet- the West Villages Improvement District is still waiting on approval for an application for a $20 million state grant.
