What the Royal Rumble meant to stadium plans, businesses

World Wrestling Entertainment’s (WWE) Royal Rumble drew a record-breaking crowd to Tropicana Field Jan. 27 and bolstered sales for most hospitality businesses in St. Petersburg’s surrounding Edge District.

The wrestling event intertwines with plans to build a new $1.3 billion ballpark at the site. Brian Lowack, CEO of Visit St. Pete Clearwater (VSPC), told Pinellas County Commissioners in October 2023 that generated tourism taxes would help fund their $312.5 million contribution to the project.

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Would St. Petersburg launch a municipal power utility?

Duke Energy’s local roots trace back to the St. Petersburg Electric Light and Power Company, which began serving the new city's residents in 1899. After 125 years, it could be time for a change.

City Councilmember Brandi Gabbard broached the idea of forming a municipal electric utility at a Health, Energy, Resilience and Sustainability Committee meeting Thursday. The city’s 30-year contract with Duke expires in 2026, and Gabbard called that a "rare opportunity" to explore other options.

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