St. Petersburg City Council to hold vote on Rays stadium bonds Thursday

The St. Petersburg City Council is poised to vote on Thursday regarding the issuance of bonds to fund a $1. 3 billion stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays, amidst concerns about the project's viability. The council's meeting follows a previous decision to delay the bond issue on November 21, signaling ongoing debates about the stadium's future. As the Rays indicate that the current proposal may no longer be feasible, the upcoming vote is particularly significant given the council's impending transition to new members, who may be less supportive of the initiative.

Mayor Ken Welch has outlined a plan involving the issuance of $287. 5 million in bonds for the stadium and an additional $142 million to enhance roads and sewer systems in the Gas Plant District. He expressed the city's commitment to adhere to agreements made in July while awaiting further clarity from the Rays and their development partners. Welch emphasized the importance of the redevelopment as a "generational opportunity" for the community. The outcome of the council's vote could influence the County Commission's decisions regarding the project as well.

Overall, this vote represents a critical juncture in the future of the Tampa Bay Rays and their proposed stadium development in St. Petersburg.