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St. Petersburg City Council Reverses Decision on Tampa Bay Rays’ Ballpark Repairs

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — In a surprising turn of events, the St. Petersburg City Council voted to withdraw its approval for a $23 million allocation aimed at repairing the heavily damaged roof of Tropicana Field, home to the Tampa Bay Rays. This shift occurred just hours after an initial narrow approval was secured.

The council’s reversal followed a postponement regarding revenue bonds that were intended to finance a proposed new stadium costing approximately $1.3 billion. This postponement came shortly after the Pinellas County Commission also delayed its vote on the related stadium bonds, further complicating the future of the Rays’ proposed relocations.

Council Chair Deborah Figg-Sanders expressed her dismay, stating, “This is a sad place. I’m really disappointed. We won’t get there if we keep finding ways we can’t.” The frustration is palpable as stakeholders grapple with the stalled progress regarding both the existing and future stadium plans.

The situation has been exacerbated by the substantial damage inflicted upon Tropicana Field due to Hurricane Milton, which struck the area on October 9. The storm destroyed the ballpark’s translucent fiberglass roof and caused severe water damage, prompting city officials to estimate total repair costs could reach $55.7 million.

Given the current state of repairs, city documents indicate that the renovations would not be completed before the beginning of the 2026 baseball season. Consequently, the Rays have arranged for the team to play their home games at Steinbrenner Field, an 11,000-seat venue that serves as the New York Yankees’ spring training grounds, during the coming season.

Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred emphasized the league’s commitment to supporting the Rays amidst these troubles, stating he wanted to allow local leaders time for resolution. “We’re committed to the fans in Tampa Bay,” Manfred remarked, reinforcing the league’s interest in the team’s future within the region.

The council’s initial votes aimed to initiate the roof repairs. These repairs are fundamental to the ballpark’s readiness for future use, as they would pave the way for other essential work, including field restoration and technological upgrades. However, with funding now in question, both the city and the Rays face mounting pressure to devise a new strategy that will enable the stadium to be operational by 2026.

City officials stressed the obligation to address the roof damage legally. “I’d like to pare it down and see exactly what we’re obligated to do,” noted council member John Muhammad, reflecting on the complexities involved.

Previously, the city had approved a $6.5 million expenditure to prevent further deterioration to Tropicana Field. Many council members reiterated a sense of obligation, indicating that fulfilling the contractual commitments to repair the facility is non-negotiable. Council member Gina Driscoll asserted, “I don’t see a way out of it. We have a contract that’s in place.”

The narrow initial vote of 4-3 in favor of repairing the roof faced opposition based on uncertainties regarding insurance coverage and potential aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Critics also voiced concerns over the appropriateness of investing significant taxpayer money in a sports venue when many local residents continue to face challenges in repairing their homes after recent hurricanes.

Council member Richie Floyd highlighted this tension, asking, “Why are we looking to expend so much money right away when there is so much uncertainty?”

The plans for a new Rays ballpark, now likely delayed until at least 2029, are tied to an ambitious urban revitalization project known as the Historic Gas Plant District. This initiative aims to transform an 86-acre area in downtown St. Petersburg, which historically was home to a predominantly Black community that was displaced to accommodate the construction of Tropicana Field.

The larger $6.5 billion redevelopment effort promises to bring substantial change to the community, with aspirations for a Black history museum, affordable housing, green spaces, and commercial developments projected to create numerous jobs.

Despite the setbacks, St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch remains optimistic about the project’s future, asserting, “We believe there is a path forward to success.”

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