Pinellas commissioners weigh the benefits, concerns of new Rays stadium

CLEARWATER, Fla. (WFLA) — The Pinellas County commission is up to bat in the deal for the new Rays stadium.

On Thursday, commissioners meet for a workshop about whether the deal should receive their approval.

Last week, council members in St. Petersburg approved the city’s portion of the agreement. They’ll pay $287 million of the estimated $1.3 billion price tag for the new facility.

Concerns about affordable and workforce housing linger among community members.

“Council member Richie Floyd said it best, he says the public should know that this doesn’t gaurantee affordable housing the second the ink is dry,” Dylan Dames with Faith in Florida said.

St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch helped craft the proposal. He addressed the worries, “This is only a piece of our overall housing opportunities for our plan. We are targeting almost 8,000 units by 2030 and, so, the 1,250 units is substantial. I have high confidence that’s going to happen.”

Pinellas County’s investment would be $312 million. The proposal keeps the Rays in St. Petersburg until at least 2058.

Predicted economic impact, according to proposal:

• During construction
  • Nearly $443 million in total economic output
  • 4,500+ construction-related jobs
  • More than $417 million in wages (average wage of $92,658)
• Annual net new impacts in Pinellas County after construction
  • Total Economic Output: $465 million+ in total annual direct, indirect, and induced spending
  • Employment: 15,200 annual jobs throughout County
  • Wages: Nearly $387 million in annual labor income
  • Taxes: $3.5 million in incremental county sales tax and tourist development tax

Funding sources:

• Pinellas County – $312,500,000
• City of St. Petersburg – $287,500,000
• Tampa Bay Rays – $770,100,000
• TOTAL – $1,370,100,000

Commissioners expect a final vote on the project before the end of the month.

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