Pinellas County Commissioners to Vote on Bond Sales for New Rays Stadium
Pinellas County commissioners are set to vote, for the third time, on whether to authorize bond sales for the construction of a new Tampa Bay Rays stadium in downtown St. Petersburg. This vote, which has been delayed twice in the past two months, has become a crucial decision point due to recent hurricanes and changes in the County Commission’s composition.
The approval of the bond sales, necessary to unlock the $312.5 million pledged by the county for the new stadium, would not guarantee the project’s success. However, it would hold the team accountable to fulfill their end of the deal or withdraw, as cost overruns have already caused concerns.
The Rays have given conflicting statements, initially declaring the deal dead but later expressing expectation for the bond authorization to pass. They have also hinted at needing additional funds to proceed with the project.
The decision hinges on swing votes from Commissioners Dave Eggers, Chris Latvala, and newcomer Chris Scherer. While some members are in favor of the plan, others like Vince Nowicki are against it. Tuesday’s meeting commences at 2 p.m., with the bond item scheduled in the middle of the agenda.
Update: Rays Absent from Meeting
As the meeting begins, it is notable that the Rays are once again not represented, aggravating the frustration among county commissioners due to poor communication from the team.
Rays Report Meeting 4 out of 13 Requirements
Rays president Matt Silverman informed the board that the team has met four out of 13 conditions required to receive public funding for the stadium construction. While progress has been made, there are still key requirements, like demonstrating available cash for their share of costs, pending completion.
Commissioner Scherer advocates for further delay until all conditions are satisfied, highlighting the need for full compliance before authorizing bond sales.
Conclusion
The decision on bond sales for the new Rays stadium remains uncertain, with ongoing discussions and challenges that need to be addressed before moving forward with the project.
FAQs
– When is the bond sales vote scheduled?
The vote is set to take place on Tuesday at 2 p.m.
– What are the key concerns surrounding the stadium project?
Cost overruns, communication issues, and compliance with conditions for public funding are among the main concerns.
