I don't think we have talked about BassPro coming to town. What do you all think? I will still support small shops willing to take a stand about catch shares. That is something that BassPro has - to date - refused to do. I will do some research into the issues before I make a decision. I love local shops, personally, but do stop by the place if I am west or south..you think this will hurt the tiny shops? I think the Betts' and Tqmpa Fishing Outfitters.

Read this story.

They just have a lot of stuff, the prices arent anything special. I'll go there when im bored, but ill still buy from TFO most of the time.

I think initially yes it will hurt the local guys. I do like the store to be completey honest, but I much prefer the knowledge at tfo that you would almost never get at basspro. The only thing bass pro has that I never seen anywhere else is a dry chum made by jergensen that I believe works very well. That would probably be my only reason to go to basspro. Last time I went no one knew more than was on the tag lol!

As long as Hillsborough County doesn’t come out with brown stuff on there noises and Bass Pro pays property taxes.
Giving them a tax break for 10 years is total BS.

I don't understand...

"Bass Pro Shops and/or the developer are seeking some form of taxpayer subsidy for the project"

Huh?

DavidT read this

www2.tbo.com/business/breaking-news-busi...-tax-incen-ar-12220/

I don't like it...I would totally vote against them getting taxpayer help...if my vote meant anything...but apparently because I committed crimes when I was young the government doesn't want my vote.

I agree with what South Carolina said...retailers will want to open stores here regardless of taxpayers help...maybe not bass pro shops, but others will.

Bass Pro has a lot of nerve IMO. I think altogether they have received something like $500 million in tax breaks from different communities over the years. I have gone there a few times, and have never bought anything. Prices are nothing special, they just have a lot of stuff. My wife was looking for a specific tackle box recently, and we happened to be in Captain Ks on central. Tiny little shop that doesnt have much and didnt have it, but they did tell us that West Marine just down the street had it, which they did. I dont see that happening at any big box store. Too many great shops in Pinellas for me to worry about Bass Pro. Gator Jims, Betts, or Dogfish will have what I want and probably for the same price if not less.

poyssick, IMO, if the tackle shops treat people right, have all we need in stock, have good people working for them, they will be OK. Cooks Sportsland in Venice is about one ro two blocks from Walmart with a big fishing section, and Cooks are doing fine. Always people in the shop. That is were I buy all my fishing needs. In other words, it's up to the tackle shops.

If tax break incentives is what it takes to get Bass Pro to build here I am OK with it.

Bass Pro will create jobs and jobs are what we need in this town whether it be part or full time.
It will also be a reason for people to stop in our town heading north,south,east and west.

Bass Pro is more than just a tackle shop. Fishing,Hunting,Golf,and other sporting goods.

I really do not think they are going to hurt the smaller tackle shops. Dicks and Sports Authority will feel the hit in my opinion.

I enjoy stopping at Bass Pro when I am traveling. It wont be a place I will run to for my every fishing need. They are building in Brandon and I hate going to Brandon.

I will still shop at the small shops.

I don't see myself driving over to eastern Hills. county to buy a couple bags of hooks and some gulp. When I am over in mouse land I stop in to look around but seldom buy anything unless it is something that I just can't get anywhere else.

I heard that Bass Pro shops have already picked out a location in Brandon, close to 22nd and lumsden blvd

I think this may answer the original question posted.

partialobjects.com/2012/02/how-target-kn...-if-you-pay-in-cash/

Brandon is an interesting locations close to the coast but closer to the bass angling community. Certainly in the middle of a very large largemouth community.

I love bass fishing. They will be the last fish on anybody's IFQA, so it will likely remain safe

BPS is a "let me see whats out there" store. I go to get ideas. I would like them to open up but VERY against tax breaks. They have a cost of doing business like every other business owner. Giving breaks to the top percenters and leaving everyone else to shoulder the load happens enough and we shouldn't take it. This is a large fishing community,they need us more than we need them. So BPS would be welcomed but they can't strong arm their way.