County approves $85M Phillies deal

Pinellas County commissioners voted 6-1 Tuesday to approve a framework for major renovations to the Philadelphia Phillies’ spring training complex in Clearwater, advancing a deal centered on an $85 million public investment.

The vote sets the stage for final agreements tied to improvements at BayCare Ballpark and the Carpenter Complex, the team’s long-standing spring training and player development facilities. County officials emphasized that the funding will come from the Tourism Development Fund, not property taxes.

The approved term sheet establishes the structure for binding agreements that will cover construction funding, lease terms and long-term use of the facilities.

Supporters framed the investment as a continuation of a relationship that dates back decades. The Philadelphia Phillies have held spring training in Clearwater since 1947, with earlier ties to St. Petersburg, and owner John Middleton said the proposed lease extension would carry that partnership through 2047.

Commission Chair Dave Eggers pointed to the broader economic picture during the discussion, noting that hundreds of thousands of visitors travel to Pinellas County each year from the Philadelphia region. He referenced those tourism patterns as part of a wider case for maintaining the team’s presence, describing the impact as extending well beyond the ballpark itself.

Several commissioners echoed that view, describing spring training as a consistent driver of hotel stays, restaurant traffic and seasonal tourism. They also highlighted the Phillies’ year-round presence through minor league operations and training activities.

Photo: Visit St Pete-Clearwater.

The vote was not unanimous. Commissioner Brian Scott cast the lone dissenting vote, reiterating concerns he had raised in earlier discussions about the scale of the public contribution. He argued that taxpayer-backed funding, even through tourism dollars, should be limited and structured so that public investment comes last.

Scott pointed to changes in the deal over time, including an increase in the county’s share of funding and adjustments to the marketing agreement. Under the current framework, the Phillies would provide $850,000 annually to the county’s tourism agency beginning in 2026, with a 3 percent annual increase starting in 2032.

He calculated that, over the life of the agreement, the public contribution would represent a significant subsidy on a per-game and per-attendee basis, and said the final terms did not strike the right balance.

Other commissioners acknowledged the concerns but said the funding source and regional benefits justified the investment. Several noted that increasing the county’s share helped reduce the financial burden on Clearwater residents, aligning with requests from city leaders.

The discussion also touched on the role of tourism development taxes, which by state law must be used to promote and support tourism-related infrastructure. Commissioners said the project fits within that mandate, particularly given the Phillies’ ability to draw out-of-state visitors.

Middleton described the agreement as the result of nearly a decade of negotiations involving multiple county and city administrations. He said the extended timeline allowed all parties to refine the project and incorporate best practices from sports facilities across the country and abroad.

He also emphasized the collaborative nature of the process, noting that no single party secured everything it wanted but that the outcome reflects shared priorities and a long-term commitment to the region.

The final agreements, still to be drafted, will define construction timelines, funding mechanisms and operational terms. Those documents will return to the commission for approval in the coming months.