Voters in Pinellas County overwhelmingly rejected a 1-cent sales tax hike that would have paid for a light rail line and expanded bus service.
Greenlight Pinellas failed 62 percent to 38, based on 99 percent of the precincts reporting. Unlike the statewide amendments on Tuesday's ballot, the referendum needed only a simple majority to pass.
The referendum would have helped fund a 24-mile light rail line from downtown Clearwater to downtown St. Petersburg that was targeted to come online in 2024. There also would have been a gradual 65 percent expansion the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority bus service.
It enjoyed the support of numerous elected officials in Pinellas, as well as officials in Hillsborough County, who who hoped to present voters with a similar refendum in 2016. Hillsborough voters resoundingly rejected a 1-cent sales tax for light rail in 2010.
Supporters said Greenlight Pinellas would have been a step toward recreating a regional transportation system in the Tampa Bay area, and it would have helped create jobs and attract younger workers and tourists.
Critics said there were far too many uncertainties in the plan, and the train line - estimated to cost about $1.6 billion - was far too expensive.
“While tonight’s election result wasn’t the outcome we hoped for, we’re grateful to have had a conversation in our community about the need for better transportation options for the future of Pinellas County," said Pinellas County Commissioner Ken Welch, the board chair of the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority.
"... Over the coming weeks, we will review the strengths and opportunities for improvement in the Greenlight process."
A group called No Tax for Tracks fought against the referendum, and despite being outspent some tenfold in its campaign, successfully communicated its concerns about the plan.
No Tax spokeswoman Barb Haselden said her group isn't against public transportation.
"Finally now that this flawed plan has been defeated, it's time for a real conversation about public transit in Pinellas County," she said. "We believe the residents of PInellas County want a better bus system and it is desperately needed for the residents who depend on PSTA. But the rail is a non-starter."
Greenlight Pinellas would have raised the Pinellas sales tax to 8 percent, the highest in the state, but a property tax for transit would have been removed. Many homeowners with properties worth $200,000 would have come out ahead with the tax swap, but those who don't pay property tax would have paid more in taxes.