Storm impacts delay Rays stadium bond vote

Pinellas County’s leadership postponed a supplemental bond resolution vote that would help fund a new Tampa Bay Rays stadium due to team uncertainties in Hurricane Milton’s aftermath.

County commissioners voted 5-2 July 30 to allocate $312.5 million in tourist development taxes to replace a now-roofless Tropicana Field with a new $1.37 billion ballpark. Administrator Barry Burton called Tuesday afternoon’s vote “horrible” timing as all stakeholders are still reeling from back-to-back hurricanes.

The commission’s concerns centered on where the Rays would spend the next three seasons after the Trop suffered extensive storm damage. Commissioner Chris Latvala motioned to delay the vote until the team answered that question, which could have jeopardized stadium plans and the surrounding $6.7 billion Historic Gas Plant District redevelopment project.

“One could make the argument that they’re (the Rays) kind of violating the spirit of the agreement that we approved two months ago if they go across the bridge or go to Disney World to play for the next three years,” Latvala said. “If the hurricanes hit three years from now, they would have to play their games in Pinellas County.”

Pinellas County Commissioners must approve issuing bonds to help fund a new stadium by Nov. 19 or risk jeopardizing a generational project. Rendering provided.

After ardent debate, commissioners voted 6-1 to postpone voting on a bond issuance until Nov. 19. That should give the extensive process enough time to unfold before triggering an automatic termination provision March 31.

However, Commissioner Janet Long, a staunch supporter, will retire before the Nov. 19 meeting. Commissioner Charlie Justice, who voted against the delay, questioned if his colleagues would “kill the entire” 30-year project if Rays or Major League Baseball officials decide the team should play in Hillsborough or Pasco County.

“We want to see where they’re going to play – it’s obviously a power play or a threat,” Justice said. “What enforcement is this board willing to carry through with on this threat?”

Donald Crowell, chief assistant county attorney, said the deal would “fall apart” if commissioners do not approve the bond issuance Nov. 19. Commissioner Dave Eggers said he might not approve the measure, regardless of where the team spends the next three seasons, due to storm impacts on the county’s beaches and infrastructure.

Long called the conversation premature. She said the Rays “have been a good partner with Pinellas County for a long time” and noted some team officials “lost everything” during Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Commissioner Brian Scott remained confident that the generational project would provide a significant return on investment. He also realizes that MLB and Player’s Union officials will have their say in where the team plays if damage assessments conclude that the Trop is a total loss.

However, Scott said, “This is when we need the Rays the most.” He expressed concern over the team’s lack of a public statement pledging to prioritize playing in Pinellas.

Eggers and Latvala, who voted against the stadium deal, shared that sentiment. As the latter commissioner noted, agreements state the team must make every effort to remain in the county after an act of God.

Latvala said the Rays could play at spring training facilities in Dunedin and Clearwater. “The fact that they have not said anything publicly, I think, is telling.”

Justice said some of his colleagues were “prescribing sentiment and intention to people” when they “have no idea what their sentiment or intention is.” He said the team hasn’t addressed the issue because they are still “scrambling.”

“They had their entire building destroyed,” Justice added. “We talk about people and businesses – that’s what they’re seeing. They don’t know what they’re going to do.”

Videos showing an interior view of Tropicana Field’s damage recently emerged on social media. All images: Screengrabs from X (formerly Twitter).

Burton said the supplemental bond resolution was “always anticipated.” He reiterated that the county could not legally dedicate tourist tax dollars accrued from overnight stays to improving beaches or infrastructure.

Crowell said the resolution outlines issuance conditions. Before the county sells any bonds, the Rays must secure $100 million in MLB stadium funding, spend $50 million on construction costs, and complete loan agreements.

Officials will place bond proceeds in an escrow account until the Rays satisfy county requirements. “There are protections,” Burton said.

“There are things they would have to do before we would transfer money or before we would spend a single penny.”

The commission could have two new members when it votes on the bond issuance. Democrat Cookie Kennedy and Republican Chris Scherer are vying to replace Long. Republican Vince Nowicki is running against Justice.

Commission Chair Kathleen Peters believes the Rays intend to “stay in the immediate area for the whole three years.” She said everyone is still recovering from the storms, “and I’m not sure how I feel about this approach.”

Peters, Scott, Eggers, Latvala, Long and Commissioner Renee Flowers voted to delay the vote. Justice dissented.