In a surprising turn of events, the highly anticipated deal to build a new stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays in St. Petersburg has officially fallen through. Mayor Kenneth T. Welch confirmed that the Rays’ ownership had decided to terminate the agreements, leaving fans and city leaders reeling. While the end of this stadium project is undeniably disappointing, it was not entirely unexpected, as complications had arisen over the past months. Despite the setback, Mayor Welch emphasized that the city’s vision for revitalizing the Historic Gas Plant District (HGPD) remains intact.
A Major Setback, But Not the End
Mayor Welch’s statement was clear: the cancellation of the stadium deal would not deter the city from its broader goals. The city’s commitment to equitable economic development in the HGPD is unwavering. “We will continue to move forward with the redevelopment of this land, honoring our promises of inclusive growth and opportunities for the African-American community and other stakeholders,” said Welch. This resilient approach shows the city’s determination to press on with its long-term goals, regardless of the Rays’ involvement.
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