Immediate Demands

The St. Petersburg branch of the NAACP is demanding that the Tampa Bay Rays, St. Petersburg, and Pinellas County work together to move a stadium deal forward and avoid breaking promises to a historically displaced community. NAACP branch president Esther Matthews addressed her letter to Rays presidents Brian Auld and Matt Silverman, Mayor Ken Welch, and Pinellas County Commission chairperson Brian Scott. She listed five immediate demands, including granting the Rays a seven-week extension beyond a looming March 31 deadline, requiring a finite dollar amount to complete the deal, and engaging in open, solutions-driven dialogue.

The Stakes

The plan to redevelop 65 acres around a $1.3 billion stadium into the Historic Gas Plant District received the NAACP’s endorsement. It includes $50 million towards creating jobs and opportunities for minority-owned businesses, affordable housing initiatives, and a new home for the Woodson African American Museum of Florida. However, these benefits are contingent on the Rays moving forward with their end of the deal by March 31.

Current Impasse

The Rays must meet a list of conditions to proceed with a deal struck last summer. Delays in publicly financing the project after Hurricane Milton have strained relations between the parties, with the Rays alleging increased costs that they cannot afford alone. Mayor Welch has hinted at moving forward without the Rays as a partner.

Call to Action

In her letter, Matthews urged all parties to consider the human element of the Gas Plant project and fulfill their commitments promptly. She demanded a public update on any plan adjustments, a reaffirmation of signed agreements, and a clear schedule for creating opportunities for women, minorities, and veteran-owned businesses in the project.

Expected Outcome

Matthews emphasized the need for shovels in the ground and community businesses engaged by the end of the summer. The NAACP is prepared to take steps to hold all parties accountable and ensure the project moves forward without further delay.

Conclusion

The NAACP’s demands highlight the importance of fairness, integrity, and immediate action in fulfilling promises made to the community. It remains to be seen if all stakeholders will come together to meet these expectations.

FAQs

Q: What are the immediate demands of the NAACP?

A: The demands include granting the Rays a seven-week extension, requiring a finite dollar amount to complete the deal, and engaging in open, solutions-driven dialogue.

Q: What is at stake if the Rays do not meet their obligations by March 31?

A: The benefits of the redevelopment plan, including job creation and affordable housing initiatives, may not come to fruition.