NewsFlorida PoliticsMay 7, 2026Florida
Scary Mailers Against Rays Stadium Deal Linked to Defunct Group and Deceased Activist
Mailers sent to Hillsborough County residents opposing a proposed $2.3 billion Tampa Bay Rays stadium deal are being attributed to 'Ax the Tax,' a political organization that has been defunct since 2023 and whose former leader, Doug Guetzloe, died in 2018. The mailers direct recipients to a website that redirects to a blog run by stadium critics, raising questions about the transparency and funding behind the opposition campaign.
Read the full story at Florida PoliticsWhy It Matters
Hillsborough County residents are receiving political mailers targeting four County Commissioners regarding a $1 billion public funding proposal for a new stadium, with the mailers' true origin and funding sources currently obscured.
Key Facts
Each fact below is taken from the article. Click one to see the exact passage.
Who's Mentioned
personHarry Cohen“Hillsborough County Commissioner targeted by opposition mailers.”personTom Rask“Critic of tax increases and co-operator of the blog linked to the mailers.”personMark Sharpe“Former Commissioner targeted by Ax the Tax in 2010.”personSam Rashid“Political figure and donor linked to anti-tax initiatives and opposition to stad”personChris Boles“Hillsborough County Commissioner targeted by opposition mailers.”personKen Hagan“Hillsborough County Commissioner targeted by opposition mailers.”personDoug Guetzloe“Deceased former chair of Ax the Tax.”organizationAx the Tax“Defunct political organization listed as the sponsor on opposition mailers.”locationHillsborough County“County where the stadium is proposed and mailers are being distributed.”personChristine Miller“Hillsborough County Commissioner targeted by opposition mailers.”organizationTampa Bay Rays“Professional baseball team seeking a new stadium deal.”personSharon Calvert“Critic of tax increases and co-operator of the blog linked to the mailers.”