By Ellen Gedalius, Tampa Tribune

egedalius@tampatrib.com

TAMPA — Hillsborough County Commissioner Kathy Castor said she never accepts free tickets from sports teams, but her attempt Wednesday to get some of her fellow commissioners to follow her example fizzled.

Castor's effort came after published reports that detail instances of Tampa Sports Authority members eating, drinking and watching Buccaneers games at Raymond James Stadium for free.

Castor wanted county staff to consider weaving into the county's ethics code a provision that would prohibit elected officials from accepting pricey gifts.

Board Chairman Jim Norman, who sits on the Tampa Sports Authority, said he denied Castor's request not on its merit but because she did not follow procedure in asking that it be considered.

"I was just trying to keep the rules of order of our board," Norman said after the meeting. "I embrace her bringing something forward. I have no problem with the issue."

The back-and-forth between Norman and Castor came after a discussion about whether Hillsborough County should take ownership of the St. Pete Times Forum, giving the Tampa Bay Lightning a property tax break.

Accepting tickets from professional sports teams could be a conflict of interest, she said, especially when considering deals such as the tax break Hillsborough commissioners decided Wednesday to give the Lightning.

Immediately after the unanimous Lightning vote, Castor mentioned that county staff members are working on a code of ethics. She said she wanted to direct "the county administrator and the county attorney to work on the language in that code of ethics that makes it clear that it is illegal to accept any gifts over $100."

"That is not on our agenda," Norman said. "You can add it, but I think you need to agenda that item if you want to do that. We have nothing before us."

Castor asked that the board waive the rules.

Norman ruled her request out of order.

"We don't even know what you're talking about as far as — I do not know what you're talking about," Norman said.

Castor shot back: "I think everyone knows what we're talking about."

"No, commissioner, I do not. Be specific," Norman said.

"I stated it," Castor said.

"No ma'am, you did not," Norman replied. "Be specific. I don't know what you're referring to."

Castor tried to explain, but Commissioner Tom Scott cut her off, saying, "Point of order. Point of order. ... Let's move on."

During a break in the meeting, Castor said she was disappointed by the episode. She said she plans to craft a proposal for the board's consideration at its next meeting.

Reporter Ellen Gedalius can be reached at (813) 259-7679.