ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — In a continuing saga for baseball fans in the region, the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners convened on Tuesday and cast yet another vote to postpone the crucial financing vote needed for the Tampa Bay Rays‘ new stadium.
Commissioner Brian Scott, expressing his concerns over the lack of support for the proposal, stated he initiated the motion to table discussions. He voiced apprehension that the current climate of support among fellow commissioners did not favor passage at this juncture.
This pivotal bond vote, which is essential for determining the county’s financial commitment to the stadium project, was originally slated for October. However, it was pushed back as commissioners sought to evaluate the fiscal impact of recent hurricane damage in the area and explore viable solutions to this pressing issue.
The commissioners have now set Dec. 17 as the next possible date to secure approval for the necessary bonds.
The ongoing delays have drawn ire from the Tampa Bay Rays organization, which expressed its deep frustration ahead of the meeting. Team officials supplied a letter to county commissioners, articulating that the uncertainty surrounding the new stadium deal has now been “jeopardized.”
The team articulated that the failure to finalize the bond agreement last month has rendered the goal of completing the stadium by 2028 unattainable, projecting that a delay until 2029 would exponentially increase costs beyond what they deem manageable.
In their correspondence, the Rays emphasized their commitment, declaring, “we stand ready to work on a new solution with any and all willing partners to preserve the future of Major League Baseball in Tampa Bay…”
During the meeting, several commissioners criticized the letter issued by Rays co-presidents Brian Auld and Matt Silverman, both present. Commissioner Scott did not hold back in his assessment, stating, “I think the Rays’ strategy sucks, to be perfectly honest with you. They are horrible communicators, and I think they’re the most politically tone-deaf organization I’ve ever met in my life.”
Scott shared that he had sensed a possible change in sentiment from the team in the lead-up to the last vote to delay, prompting him to reach out to Auld for a public affirmation of the Rays’ dedication to both St. Petersburg and Pinellas County.
In a candid reply, Scott noted that Auld communicated the challenges they faced, stating, “I’m doing everything I can to hold this deal together, because our revenue projections and our cost estimates have all gone in the wrong direction, and we are on the hook for all cost overruns.”
Commissioner Chris Latvala, a noted critic of the original deal, weighed in ahead of the meeting, asserting that the board has until March to finalize the bond vote, implying that the recent delays shouldn’t be viewed as deal breakers.
He reiterated during Tuesday’s board meeting, “The process was delayed months because of delays on the Rays’ end for things that they wanted added to the deal, things that they wanted changed. And so by delaying now two votes after a hurricane, I don’t think that kills anything.”
Hillsborough commissioner says door remains ‘open’ in Tampa
In a related development, Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan revealed he has dedicated the past 13 years to championing the effort to bring the Rays to Tampa. He has been closely monitoring the developments in Pinellas County and noted that, from his perspective, the opportunity for the Rays to reconsider Tampa remains viable.
“The bottom line was last year they chose to remain in St. Pete because St. Pete and Pinellas County would give them more upfront money, and so I wish them well,” Hagan remarked. He further indicated that if circumstances falter in St. Petersburg, “the door will be open here.”
After a meeting where county commissioners reelected him as chair of the commission and reappointed him to the Tampa Sports Authority board, Hagan spoke to Spectrum News, just prior to the Rays issuing their letter to Pinellas County commissioners.
At this moment, the Rays are preparing for the upcoming season, which will see them play at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa. Hagan clarified that he remains open to discussing a possible relocation of the Rays to Tampa, should the situation necessitate it.
“A lot of things have to occur. I would anticipate Major League Baseball likely would intervene,” Hagan noted. Over the years, his consistent message has been clear: a successful partnership is essential for the Rays’ future.
Ultimately, Hagan emphasized that the priority lies in keeping the Rays within the Tampa Bay area, whether that be in Pinellas or Hillsborough County.
What specific concerns did Commissioner Scott have regarding the financial implications of hurricane damage when considering the Rays’ stadium financing?
**Interview with Pinellas County Commissioner Brian Scott on Tampa Bay Rays Stadium Financing Delays**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Commissioner Scott. The recent postponement of the financing vote for the Rays’ new stadium has drawn significant attention. Can you share your thoughts on why you decided to table the discussions at this time?
**Commissioner Scott:** Absolutely. I initiated the motion to postpone the vote because I sensed a lack of support among my fellow commissioners. We need to have a unified front if we’re going to commit to such a significant financial undertaking. Given the current climate, I felt it was best to take a step back and reassess.
**Interviewer:** You’ve mentioned concerns about the fiscal impact of recent hurricane damage in the area. How much does that weigh into this decision?
**Commissioner Scott:** It weighs heavily. The financial realities of hurricane recovery are a pressing issue that we cannot ignore. We need to scrutinize our commitments carefully and ensure that we’re operating within feasible limits while considering the impact of these recent events.
**Interviewer:** The Tampa Bay Rays have expressed their frustration with the ongoing delays. What is your response to the letter they submitted to the commission?
**Commissioner Scott:** I understand their frustration, but I have to be honest — their communication hasn’t been the best. The tone of their letter was off, and I believe their strategy lacks clarity. It’s vital for us to be on the same page moving forward, and right now, that just isn’t happening.
**Interviewer:** In your discussions with Rays representatives, did they provide any insights into their financial challenges?
**Commissioner Scott:** Yes, they did. Rays co-president Brian Auld opened up about their struggles with revenue projections and rising costs. He conveyed that they’re fighting hard to hold this deal together, and I respect that effort. However, we need a clearer vision from them about what that looks like for us to move forward positively.
**Interviewer:** With December 17 set as the next possible vote date, what steps do you believe need to happen before then?
**Commissioner Scott:** We need constructive dialogue. The Rays need to come to the table with a concrete plan, demonstrating not just their commitment to St. Petersburg, but also addressing our concerns about financial viability. It’s imperative that we find common ground to ensure that this project can advance successfully.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, many fans remain hopeful for the future of baseball in Tampa Bay. What message do you have for those fans?
**Commissioner Scott:** I hear them, and I empathize with their passion for baseball in our community. We’re all working toward a solution that ensures the long-term future of the Rays here in Tampa Bay. It might take some time, but I believe with the right communication and collaboration, we can reach a positive outcome. Thank you for having me today.
