Dec 16, 2024
Pinellas County commissioners are just hours away from their next at-bat.After two previous delays, commissioners will soon decide whether or not to approve the funding necessary to build the Tampa Bay Rays a new stadium in St. Pete.Commissioner Ren Flowers is ready to support the measure and is hopeful a majority of commissioners will join her. Lets make up our minds, lets vote, and lets move on," she said.However, uncertainty remains in some of her colleagues, which was evident in a meeting last week when some commissioners questioned the Rays commitment to the deal after the teams on-again, off-again statements over the past few weeks.Something of this magnitude comes down to trust, and they have not given us any reason to trust them, said Commissioner Chris Latvala in the work session.He and another potential swing vote said they want more proof the Rays are financially committed to the deal before approving the countys portion of the funding.And they dont have to show us item-by-item receipts, but if they can show us evidence that theyve spent $50 million on this project, I think that would be good as well, Latvala said.Its unclear if the Rays will provide that Tuesday and unclear if the funding will ultimately have the votes necessary from commissioners.Im going to support it. I dont know where my other colleagues are, and of course, with four having reservations and concerns and whatnot, I dont know who may or may not change their mind, Flowers said.The future of the Rays could hinge on what commissioners soon decide.In a statement last week, the Rays said they believe they will get the countys support. Tuesdays meeting is set to start at 2 p.m.
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