Rays' Stadium Plan: Massive Funding, Big Vote

0:00Tampa leaders face a massive call on the raised new stadium pitch. The team dropped a draft plan for $2.3 billion ballpark right across from Raymond James Stadium on the west side. They're asking Hillsborough County for $750 million in public cash and the City of Tampa for $250 million more. County and City officials jumped in quick to review every detail. This comes after years of talks and is shaping up as the biggest boat these folks have ever handled. The raise wanted to tap community redevelopment funds and tourist taxes, but some parts raise red flags right away. Locals and council members are buzzing with concerns. Folks questioned grabbing 85% of redevelopment revenue and dipping into that new sales tax voters okayed last year for roads and schools. One commissioner even predicts lawsuits if they go that route, calling the team's offer half-baked. On the flip side, the raise promised to cover insurance and maintenance headaches, unlike past messes with Tropicana Field.

1:01Still, County bosses worry about balancing books for the raise while keeping the lightning and Yankees happy with their current deals. Expect a deep workshop next week to crunch real funding numbers with City and County votes possibly hitting by mid-May. The raise pushed for a June 1st green light, but plenty of tweaks needed before pins hit paper. From your city, powered by AI. This is Tampa Bay News today.