Page 2 - Rob Gerdes News Today

Some speakers said they were against public money for a stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays.

Welch’s family history is central to how the mayor helped broker a deal that fulfills broken promises.

Many of the city and county’s elected leaders said they are optimistic but want to know more about the deal’s financials and the team’s obligations.

The Tampa Bay Rays hope their new ballpark and surrounding development echo the project spearheaded by the Atlanta Braves.

Starting next year, construction will take about 20 years to build out the 86-acre Historic Gas Plant District.

ST. PETERSBURG — It was a pointed musical choice: Minutes before the official announcement of a deal for a new Tampa Bay Rays stadium, Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” played over a speaker system at Tropicana Field. The message, like that of the whole to-do, was that, after years of waiting and debating, a plan for a new stadium is finally here. Officially, it’s not yet ...

Pinellas County will pay its portion with tourist taxes, while St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch said the city will not use property tax money, nor raise or add taxes.

In addition to a new stadium, the Rays’ revised plan calls for an increase in affordable and workforce housing.

The Tampa Bay Rays are staying in St. Petersburg. The team announced plans for a new stadium at Tropicana Field on Tuesday.

City Council members received updates on city owned sites during a committee meeting.