Hillsborough County Votes on $1B Rays Stadium

0:00Hillsboro County commissioners are meeting this Thursday afternoon to hash out support for a new Tampa Bay Ray Stadium in West Tampa. The team wants over $1 billion in public money with $702 million from the county and $224 million from the city. They aim to lock in a deal by June 1st, but need votes from both sides to push ahead. The funding breaks down with the county pitching and $272 million from the community investment tax, $268 million. And tourist development taxes, $132 million from reserves, and $30 million from stormwater funds. The city would cover $160 million through property taxes from the Drew Park redevelopment area. Reactions are heating up, especially over that community investment tax, since voters approved it last year without mentioning stadiums. Commissioner Joshua Wastell calls it illegal, saying voter intent trumps any loose definitions of public facilities, and he predicts a lawsuit if it. Goes forward, an outside legal review backs the county, arguing the stadium counts as

1:04a lasting public work or infrastructure, and past talks aren't binding. The rays promise to cover at least $1.3 billion themselves, plus the project could create 7,400 jobs over $30, years on a 113 acre site. They're also eyeing $150 million in state funds to rebuild Hillsboro Community College right nearby. Check votes in early May, lawsuits likely, and if all lines up, the ballpark opens in 2029, reshaping West Tampa for good. I'm Corey with the story. That's your Tampa Bay News Today update, AI powered and always on.