Tampa Bay Rays' $1.3B Stadium Deal Halted as Local Officials Have Reservations
November 21, 2024 — This Week's Top Stories in Florida
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$1.3B Rays Stadium Deal Halted as Pinellas Officials Delay Vote on Financing
The Pinellas County Commission voted 6-1 on Tuesday to once again delay a critical decision on financing a new Tampa Bay Rays stadium until December 17. Due to Hurricane Milton, the county commission previously delayed a vote on approving $312.5 million in bonds to help fund Pinellas County’s share of the proposed $1.3 billion Rays stadium. During the most recent meeting, Commissioner Rene Flowers cast the lone dissenting vote, citing the importance of resolving the issue swiftly to secure the team’s future in St. Petersburg. The delay is a significant setback to what was once considered a nearly finalized deal to keep the Rays in St. Petersburg. The vote has become increasingly contentious due to the postponements and the election of two new commissioners, who requested time to assess the deal and cited broader concerns over the stadium plan’s financial details. Team presidents Matt Silverman and Brian Auld warned that further postponement jeopardizes the timeline for a 2028 stadium opening, citing rising costs that could derail the project entirely. Meanwhile, some commissioners expressed frustration with the Rays' leadership, questioning their willingness to work together and their commitment to staying in Tampa Bay. This view was further emphasized as the baseball team announced last week that they would be playing the 2025 season in Hillsborough County, at the Yankees’ Steinbrenner Field. Hours before the Pinellas County Commission’s vote on Tuesday, Rays’ presidents Silverman and Auld stated that they were “ready to work on a new solution,” now that the delayed bond approvals make a 2028 opening “impossible” and a 2029 opening financially infeasible. This latest delay has cast a shadow over the future of baseball in Tampa Bay, leaving stakeholders uncertain about the project's overall viability and increasingly doubtful of reaching a mutually beneficial solution. However, Rays leadership said they are committed to “preserv[ing] the future of Major League Baseball in Tampa Bay for generations to come.”
St. Pete Plans to Pay $56M to Tropicana Field Repairs Despite Uncertainty
St. Petersburg officials plan to spend $55.7 million to repair Tropicana Field, ensuring the Tampa Bay Rays have a home for the 2026 baseball season following damage caused by Hurricane Milton. The damage assessment report presented to the St. Petersburg City Council indicates that the stadium's core structure remains sound despite significant roof damage, the latter of which accounts for $23.6 million of the projected repair costs. The estimate includes $39 million to correct direct hurricane damage and an additional $16 million for associated costs such as design, permitting, and construction contingencies. Mayor Ken Welch expressed optimism about the report's findings, suggesting the $56 million investment could extend the Rays' tenure in St. Petersburg through 2028. As the city owns Tropicana Field and is responsible for repairs, Welch emphasized the importance of fulfilling their obligations under its agreement with the team while pursuing FEMA reimbursements and insurance claims to offset expenses. However, as repairs are expected to conclude by March 2026, the planned construction of the new $1.3 billion ballpark could see delays beyond the original 2028 opening date. The decision to proceed with repairs rests with the City Council, but some members have expressed concern about the costs, especially given a $22 million insurance deductible and uncertain FEMA contributions. The City Council’s reservations also hinge on the Pinellas County Commission as a vote looms on issuing the necessary bonds for their $312.5 million portion of the new stadium. Newly elected county commissioners have cited the need to finance more pressing post-hurricane needs such as failing infrastructure over a baseball stadium, potentially jeopardizing the long-term project. Despite the challenges and uncertainty, Mayor Welch remains hopeful, saying repairs are critical for community recovery and maintaining the team’s presence in St. Pete.
Tampa Bay Rays to Play 2025 Season at Yankees’ Steinbrenner Field
The Tampa Bay Rays will play their 2025 home games at Steinbrenner Field, the spring training facility of their AL East division rivals, the New York Yankees. This decision comes after Hurricane Milton caused extensive damage to the Rays’ home at Tropicana Field, ripping off the roof and rendering the stadium unplayable. Steinbrenner Field, located in Tampa near Raymond James Stadium, seats 11,000 fans and is home to the Yankees' Class A affiliate Tampa Tarpons. The Rays selected the venue for its readiness to host Major League Baseball with minimal upgrades, including the largest seat capacity of evaluated sites in their home market. However, next season’s home games in Tampa are anticipated to sellout as the average per-game attendance at Tropicana Field in 2024 was over 16,000. The team will continue to play their Spring Training games in Port Charlotte before relocating to Steinbrenner Field just days ahead of Opening Day on March 27. Meanwhile, the Tarpons will relocate to other local fields. While the spring training ballpark offers near-major league quality, it does pose challenges. The Rays will have to adapt to outdoor games in Tampa’s summer heat and rain, with potential schedule adjustments to dodge storms. They will use the Yankees’ freshly renovated clubhouse and training facilities, but visiting clubhouses may require upgrades to meet MLB standards. Existing stadium visuals that feature the Yankees name and logos will be replaced to feature the Rays’ team colors and imagery, including advertising. They also hope to carry forward many of their game-day traditions to create a familiar atmosphere for fans. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred commended the collaboration between the Rays and Yankees to ensure baseball’s continuity in the Tampa Bay area without players disrupting their family’s lives. Yankees managing partner Hal Steinbrenner emphasized community over rivalry, saying, “In times like these, rivalry and competition take a back seat to doing what's right for our community – which is continuing to help families and businesses rebound from the devastation caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton."
Florida Lawmakers Will Not Delay Deadline on New Condo Rules
Condominium owners facing steep association fees for building repairs won’t see relief before year’s end. Republican leaders announced this week that the December 31 deadline for reserve studies to be completed on future condo building repairs will remain unchanged. Following the deadly 2021 Surfside condo collapse, the Florida Legislature instituted a series of reforms to address safety for multi-story residential buildings requiring major structural fixes. This includes requiring condo associations to complete engineering inspections and fully fund budget reserves for necessary repairs by December 31. Despite Governor Ron DeSantis' earlier statements pledging to deliver relief to condo owners facing financial strain by addressing the issue before year-end, lawmakers have decided to postpone discussions until the regular legislative session in March 2025. Senate President Ben Albritton (R-Wauchula) emphasized the need for careful consideration, stating lawmakers must fully understand the issue’s complexities. House Speaker Daniel Perez (R-Miami) expressed a commitment to affordability but called a special session unviable. Meanwhile, condo owners, including many who are seniors or on fixed incomes, will continue to face mounting fees and assessments to comply with new reserve requirements. Some lawmakers are eager to urgently address the issue and have proposed assistance options, such as offering zero-interest loans for special assessments or pushing back the reserve funding deadline.
Who Will DeSantis Appoint to Replace Rubio?
President-elect Donald Trump's nomination of Senator Marco Rubio as secretary of state has given Governor Ron DeSantis a significant decision to make: appointing a replacement in the U.S. Senate. This appointment is particularly significant as it comes just before DeSantis is term-limited out of the governorship in 2026 – coinciding with Florida law that requires a special election in 2026 if Rubio resigns. Speculation is rampant regarding potential candidates for the Senate seat. Among the frontrunners is Attorney General Ashley Moody, a close ally of DeSantis who has won her previous elections by wide margins, appealing to both Republicans and moderates. Another strong contender is James Uthmeier, DeSantis's chief of staff, boasting close ties to the governor after running his presidential campaign and leading the successful opposition campaign against Amendments 3 and 4 during the 2024 General Election. He also possesses experience in Washington after serving as an adviser to former Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross in the first Trump administration. Former Florida House Speaker José Oliva is also in the mix as a potential appointee. Serving as House Speaker from 2018 to 2020, Oliva has been a staunch supporter of DeSantis, even campaigning for him in Iowa and securing a recent appointment to the State University System Board of Governors by the governor. Also featured on the short list of names is Lara Trump, daughter-in-law of the president-elect, who has garnered attention as a potential candidate, backed by MAGA supporters and some notable Republican lawmakers. However, insiders suggest DeSantis is more likely to select someone from his trusted inner circle. As speculation builds, DeSantis remains mum, leaving Floridians guessing on Rubio’s successor until likely early January.
Florida Sues FEMA Over Alleged Discrimination Against Trump Supporters
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody has filed a federal lawsuit against the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and a former employee, alleging civil rights violations during hurricane relief efforts. The lawsuit stems from reports that the now-fired supervisor instructed agency aid workers to bypass homes displaying Trump campaign signs while providing assistance after Hurricane Milton. Moody's complaint seeks a federal court declaration that FEMA and Washington violated Florida residents' civil rights. The lawsuit alleges a broader conspiracy within FEMA, citing the former employee’s claims that she was made a "scapegoat" for following agency protocols. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, also named in the suit, previously condemned the actions as "reprehensible" and a violation of FEMA's principles. The former FEMA supervisor, however, maintains that her instructions were part of standard safety procedures to avoid potentially hostile encounters, regardless of political affiliation. The legal action aims to uncover the extent of alleged political discrimination in aid distribution. Moody is pursuing both nominal and punitive damages, asserting that FEMA workers were instructed to deny aid to Trump supporters during Florida's recovery efforts. Last week, Gov. DeSantis also announced a state investigation into the controversy.
Tampa Has Collected More than Half of Hurricane Debris, Efforts Continue
The City of Tampa has made significant progress in the enormous debris cleanup effort following hurricanes Helene and Milton. On November 15, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor announced that crews had collected over 1 million cubic yards of storm debris – equivalent to “10,000 rail cars or more than 300 Olympic-sized pools.” The city estimates that 1.7 million cubic yards of debris were produced following the back-to-back storms, leaving roughly 700,000 cubic yards remaining to be removed. About 250 trucks, including three contractors and more than 300 subcontractors, are collecting vegetative, construction, and other household debris seven days a week in 12-hour shifts. The solid waste department aims to complete debris clearance within 90 days to ensure full FEMA reimbursement. To expedite the process, Tampa increased contractor rates up to $18 per cubic yard of debris collected and disposed of. This decision, while costly, was deemed necessary to attract more workers, remain competitive with neighboring communities’ rates, and meet FEMA's reimbursement timeline.
State, Local Officials Discuss Beach Rebuilding After Hurricane Devastation
State and local leaders gathered last week to address rebuilding efforts for Pinellas County’s beaches, which were severely damaged by hurricanes Helene and Milton. Shorelines have significantly eroded as 1 million cubic yards of sand were lost due to this season's storms, according to Pinellas officials. The county is now developing its own plans to replenish shorelines after reaching an impasse with the Army Corps of Engineers, which now requires permanent easement agreements from all beachfront property owners following a 2022 policy change. The perpetual easement agreements that grant public access to private property have divided wary coastal residents, with just 48% of easements being acquired per the latest Pinellas County data. Without 100% participation, the Corps refuses to initiate the project, prompting the county to spend millions on renourishment. Florida’s Chief Resiliency Officer Wes Brooks criticized federal inaction, arguing it led to billions in preventable damages, and praised Gov. Ron DeSantis’ commitment to recovery efforts. Pinellas County Commission Chairwoman Kathleen Peters called for an emergency “workaround” without requiring Army Corps approval to expedite sand replacement. Peters emphasized the urgency of beach renourishment efforts to mitigate future storm-related damage along the shore, noting the beaches’ importance as critical infrastructure that protects the county's residents, properties, and economy.
Florida's Key Deer Face Uncertain Future Amid Rising Sea Levels
The iconic Key deer, the world's smallest subspecies of white-tailed deer, faces an uncertain future as rising sea levels threaten their unique marshy habitat in the Florida Keys. After being listed as endangered for nearly 60 years, largely due to vehicle collisions, these diminutive creatures now confront a more insidious threat from climate change. The herd of approximately 800 deer, inhabiting Big Pine Key and surrounding islands, face threats from sea level rise that is rapidly altering their environment, shrinking freshwater sources, and food supplies, and forcing them into conflict with humans. Experts warn that by 2030, 6 inches of sea rise will eliminate 16% of freshwater sources, and by 2050, 84% of preferred deer habitat on Big Pine Key will be lost. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) projects sea levels could rise between 1.5 to 7 feet in parts of the Florida Keys by 2100, potentially submerging much of the deer's habitat. Conservation efforts, including road safety measures, educating residents, and habitat protection, have helped stabilize the population. However, with a grim future in the face of climate change, these resilient but vulnerable animals have limited options for protection in their native habitat. Relocation is not viable due to interbreeding risks, and zoos are considered a last resort.
Pinellas County Seeks $79M Federal Grant for Dunedin Causeway Bridge Replacement
Pinellas County is pursuing a $79 million Federal Highway Administration grant to replace the aging Dunedin Causeway Main Bridge, which is structurally deficient and fails to meet modern engineering standards. County commissioners unanimously approved the grant application to the Federal Highway Administration. The current bridge was constructed in 1963 and faces dangers from high waves and vessel impacts. The proposed replacement features a two-lane, mid-level movable bridge with improved pedestrian and cyclist access, including a 5-foot-wide sidewalk on the north side, and a 15-foot-wide multi-use trail on the south side. The bridge will also feature 35 feet of vertical clearance over the navigation channel. Pinellas County has invested $12.5 million in planning and design, with the remaining construction cost estimated at $98.8 million. The requested grant covers 80% of eligible project costs. Construction is slated from 2028 to 2030.
Tampa International Airport’s Next CEO
Michael Stephens, Tampa International Airport’s general counsel and executive vice president, has been selected as the airport’s next CEO beginning in 2025. Stephens will succeed the accomplished Joe Lopano, who has overseen the airport since 2011 and will retire when his contract expires in April 2025. The Hillsborough County Aviation Authority board voted 4-1 in favor of Stephens, making him the fourth CEO and first Black leader in the airport's history. He will follow the successful 14-year tenure of Lopano, who oversaw key achievements for Tampa International Airport and transformed it into one of the nation’s best. This includes leading a major renovation of the main terminal, building a state-of-the-art dedicated rental car center, and expanding direct international routes to Europe and Latin America. Stephens aims to bring a vision focused on addressing the region's rapid growth and transportation challenges as the airport braces for record growth. Passenger traffic is expected to reach 41 million by 2040, and the next airport chief envisions expanding the airport’s SkyConnect rail system to connect travelers to downtown Tampa and beyond, comparing it to Miami’s 24-mile Metrorail.
Eola Food Hall Coming to Downtown Orlando
Downtown Orlando is set to welcome a new culinary destination with the announcement of a 15,000-square-foot food hall slated to open by the end of 2025. The Eola Food Hall, spearheaded by local developer James Ekbatani, will occupy the first two floors of the former University Club building at 150 E. Central Blvd. Located across from Lake Eola Park, the food hall aims to address the high demand for diverse dining options in the area among the downtown business community, residents, and visitors. A 2020 city survey highlighted food and beverage access as the top priority for parkgoers.
Cross Bay Ferry May Soon Have Permanent Home in St. Petersburg
A potential solution to St. Petersburg's long-standing struggle to secure a permanent downtown home for the Cross Bay Ferry has emerged. Pinellas officials are eyeing a $4.86 million federal grant awarded to Hillsborough County in 2021, which is nearing its expiration date. The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA), set to oversee ferry operations beginning in October 2025, is exploring the possibility of using the remaining grant funds to construct a much-needed dock in St. Petersburg. The grant, secured by U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, was intended for HART to purchase a new vessel and expand services. However, procurement issues and fiscal concerns led Hillsborough commissioners to abandon expansion plans. The potential transfer of federal funds for docking and pier facilities would fulfill the grant's intent to bolster ferry connectivity across Tampa Bay.
Local Boys & Girls Clubs Merge
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast and Tampa Bay have announced a merger, creating one of Florida’s largest nonprofit after-school providers. The union marks one of the biggest mergers in Boys & Girls Clubs history and aims to expand services for youth in Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties. The two organizations, which had previously coordinated through a shared service agreement to streamline administration and cut costs, will now operate as a single entity. Together, they will serve over 3,000 kids and teenagers daily across 42 locations, with a focus on after-school programs, emotional wellness, mentorship, opioid prevention, and workforce readiness. With an annual operating budget of $23 million, the new entity will continue expanding to support children and families throughout the Tampa Bay region.
White Castle Expands Across Central Florida
White Castle is expanding its presence in Central Florida, with plans for new locations in Kissimmee, Clermont, and Orlando’s bustling I-Drive district. The iconic burger chain, which returned to Florida in 2021 with the opening of the world’s largest White Castle restaurant near Disney Springs, continues to see strong community support. A permit has been filed for a 5,000-square-foot quick-service restaurant at Universal Boulevard and McKenna Drive, near the upcoming Epic Universe theme park. Currently, White Castle operates two locations in Orlando.
Tampa Bay Steel Acquired by Russel Metals for $79.5M
Toronto-based Russel Metals has agreed to acquire Tampa Bay Steel, a Tampa-based metal and steel distribution company, for $79.5 million. Tampa Bay Steel has operated in Tampa for over 40 years and generated $115 million in average annual revenue over the past five years. The company recently invested $20 million in equipment and facility expansions. The merger, expected to close in December, expands Russel Metals' footprint in Central Florida, complementing its existing network of metals service centers and steel distributors across North America.
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