Bass Pro shops opening has some local businesses concerned

Wednesday is the day Bass Pro Shops officially opens its doors.

”Tomorrow is a big day not just for bass pro shops but also for Hillsborough County,” said county commissioner Sandra Murman.

The 130,000 square foot store off I-75 in Brandon is the 10th in Florida.  County Commissioners approved $6.25 million in tax incentives to help lure the big box giant.  Commissioner Sandra Murman calls the investment a win-win.

”The impact to whole economy is going to be over $130 million that’s just people going there buying things it’s going to be a huge benefit,” she told FOX 13.

“The problem was they paid them to come in with a bunch of incentives they don’t need,” Michael Mahoney explained.

Mahoney runs T.A. Mahoney Co. on Adamo Drive.  It has been in Tampa since 1946.

”Why wouldn’t you invest back into your community with the companies that are successful and offer them incentives?” he questioned.

The dealings have left a sour taste in his mouth.

”Under the circumstances of how Hillsborough county treated Bass Pro and not willing to treat other local businesses that want to expand we're going to seek elsewhere like Pinellas or Pasco,” he added.