ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — Many people in the Pinellas County arts community said they are shocked and angered after Thursday night’s commission meeting. County leaders voted to stop funding “Creative Pinellas,” an organization that helps local artists.

Art is all over Downtown St. Pete. Some argue it’s part of the culture and is what keeps people coming there.

“It builds it up, especially for the tourists,” said one woman waiting for the trolley on Central Avenue. “I think they’re very pretty and they have been well spaced out.”

Lauren Spencer, or Miss Crit, is an artist and mural tour guide. She said 20% of her patrons are from out of state.

“But it goes without saying that the arts bring people to Pinellas County,” said Miss Crit. “The arts community in St. Pete has been strong for well over 40 years. And so all of that work culminated into what Creative Pinellas was, as far more than an institution.”

This is not enough for county commissioners. After hearing from more than 50 artists, and organizations Thursday, they voted to stop funding Creative Pinellas, which gives grants to local artists and more.

“There are many more folks that have reached out to us and have demanded that we reduce their property taxes,” said Commissioner Chris Latvala.

“There were a lot of very passionate speakers today who said that the grants changed their lives but that’s not tourism,” said Commissioner Brian Scott.

Miss Crit said these are two separate conversations.

“I am a homestead homeowner in Pinellas County, so property taxes are pretty important to me. But I would like to see my property taxes go to funding Creative Pinellas,” said Miss Crit. “Grant programs allow local artists to create the artwork, to put it in front of the tourists so that the tourists have (an) enriching experience when they get here.”

Commissioners came up with a platform to allow Visit St. Pete Clearwater to step in.

“Visit St. Pete Clearwater continues to break records this year with tourism,” said Latvala.

Miss Critt said she believes local artists will survive without this funding, but she feels disappointed with county leaders.

“Last night’s meeting signaled to me that five of those seven commissioners aren’t even in touch with the county that they represent,” said Miss Crit. “I don’t expect when I travel to Chicago that their commissioners care more about me than their residents.”

Creative Pinellas said they are exploring paths forward and will communicate decisions about the galleries and programs as soon as possible.