not available, a 1986 study (TBRPC) determined that the most valuable 
attribute (or benefit) provided by Tampa Bay to owners of single-family 
waterfront property was the water view. 
Tourism and recreation are major industries along the Florida 
Suncoast, generating millions of dollars each year. Tampa Bay and 
Sarasota Bay are two of the primary attractors of tourists, as well as 
permanent residents, for recreation. One useful indicator of tourism and 
recreational activity is employment, particularly in those industries 
which are sensitive to tourist expenditures. The retail trade and 
services industries, or sectors, are especially influenced by tourism, 
specifically the hotel/motel industry, eating and drinking 
establishments, and recreation services. The economic base study, 
referred to previously, identified these three sectors as being export 
industries and, therefore, key components of the local economy (TBRPC 
1986). Although the economic study focused on tourism related employment 
in Hillsborough, Manatee, and Pinellas Counties only, it is believed that 
the findings reflect the economic base of Sarasota County, as well. 
Another indicator of tourist activity is that of revenues 
generated by a tourist development (or resort) tax, presently levied by 
Hillsborough, Manatee, and Pinellas Counties on hotels, motels, and 
condominiums rented or leased for a term of six months or less. In 1987, 
26 of Florida’s 67 counties levied a resort tax. Hillsborough, Manatee, 
and Pinellas Counties accounted for approximately 13.2% ($9,248,073) of 
the state total of $69,983,047 (Department of Revenue 1988). 
When compared with Florida’s eastern seaboard and other Gulf coast 
states, the Florida Suncoast ranks as one of the leading sites of marine 
recreational activity, exceeding 25 million activity occasions per year 
in 1980 (Department of Natural Resources 1981). Recreational fishing, 
sailing, swimming, and beach activities are some of the recreation- 
related benefits provided by both the Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay systems. 
Although tourist and recreational benefits are difficult to quantify, 
there have been attempts made to identify the potential magnitude of the 
recreational benefits associated with Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay. A 1986 
economic impact statement addressing the designation of Sarasota Bay as 
an Outstanding Florida Water (OFW) estimated the total annual economic 
value of recreational fishing in the Sarasota Bay area to be $38,001,471 
(in 1983 dollars) (Dept, of Environmental Regulation 1986). The economic 
value of other types of water-related recreation, including saltwater 
boat ramp use and beach activities, was estimated to be $9,949,223, for a 
total of $47,950,694 (in 1983 dollars). The same methodology was used in 
another study published in 1986, which estimated the total annual 
economic value of recreational fishing and other types of water-related 
recreation for Hillsborough, Manatee, and Pinellas Counties to be 
$220,176,156 (again, in 1983 dollars) (TBRPC 1986). 
There are over 200 public and private marinas located on the 
periphery of Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay, some of which are included in 
Figure 7. The number of recreational (pleasure) boats registered in 
Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas; and Sarasota Counties is also indicative 
12 
