The Tampa Bay Partnership favors the Rays-Hines deal. Here’s why

As the CEO of the Tampa Bay Partnership, a coalition of regional business and non-profit leaders who support more than 120,000 jobs across eight counties, I am writing to express my full support for the Historic Gas Plant District Development proposal put forth by the Tampa Bay Rays and their global development partner, Hines. This project represents an outstanding opportunity to stimulate economic growth and enhance the quality of life throughout St. Petersburg and the entire Tampa Bay region, benefiting both residents and visitors alike.

Having a background as a former college athlete and banking executive, I deeply appreciate the multifaceted value that sports teams bring to their communities. Beyond providing entertainment, sports teams are significant economic engines. The Tampa Bay Rays, in particular, generate local pride, enrich our regional culture, and drive substantial consumer spending into surrounding businesses. The presence of the Rays in our community is a powerful testament to how sports can catalyze economic and social vibrancy.

From an economic standpoint, the investment in the Historic Gas Plant District Development is a forward-thinking decision. The project’s design, which includes new retail and office spaces, a new Woodson African American Museum, and an entertainment/concert venue, promises to significantly boost economic activity. This surge in activity will, in turn, generate considerable new tax revenues for both St. Petersburg and Pinellas County, translating into enhanced public services that will benefit all community members.

The comprehensive plan to revitalize the 86-acre site has been meticulously crafted with input from a diverse array of stakeholders, including business organizations, nonprofits, community groups and leaders from both the public and private sectors. The proposal not only aims to honor the historic significance of the Historic Gas Plant neighborhood but also seeks to integrate seamlessly with surrounding neighborhoods along the 22nd Street South corridor. This integration will spur job creation and open new opportunities for locally owned businesses, extending benefits well beyond the immediate area.

The Historic Gas Plant District Development is projected to create thousands of jobs and become a hub of activity throughout the year. It addresses critical community needs by adding affordable workforce housing and office space, ensuring that the development caters to a broad spectrum of residents. The mixed-use approach, encompassing new retail and commercial spaces, guarantees a vibrant and interconnected neighborhood. Residents will enjoy convenient access to museums, sports venues, shopping, dining, and a plethora of other activities, mirroring the success seen in other thriving metropolitan areas such as Atlanta.

This development is poised to elevate Tampa Bay’s reputation as an exceptional place to live, work and visit. Furthermore, it will secure the presence of our Major League Baseball franchise for generations to come, cementing the Rays’ role as a cornerstone of our community.

Personally, and on behalf of the partnership’s investors, I am proud to support this transformative plan. I eagerly anticipate the positive impact the Historic Gas Plant District Development will have on our region and look forward to witnessing this visionary project come to life.

Bemetra Simmons is the CEO of the Tampa Bay Partnership.