In March, the City of St. Petersburg made a key change to Tropicana Field’s insurance, lowering the coverage limit for wind and flood damage claims from $100 million to $25 million. The adjustment, intended to save the city $275,000 annually in premiums, significantly reduces the payout potential from insurance for storm-related damages.

This change now has financial repercussions after Hurricane Milton tore through the area, damaging the stadium roof and leaving the city with a larger repair bill than anticipated. When the coverage was adjusted, city leaders believed the lower premiums were a reasonable trade-off, as models suggested a major storm was unlikely to cause extensive damage. However, Milton’s impact was unforeseen.

D’Angelo Whicker, a St. Petersburg resident and former groundskeeper for Tropicana Field, shared his dismay. “I never thought I’d see this happen. I worked on that turf, saw the locker rooms, the field… now this,” Whicker said, reflecting on the extent of the damage.

The city has since approved a repair plan involving two construction companies, with costs potentially exceeding what would have been covered under the previous insurance terms. Whicker voiced concerns over the decision, saying, “They gambled, thinking it wouldn’t happen. Then, just like that, everything changes.”

Currently, the city’s Risk Management Department, led by Blaise Mazzola, is coordinating funding for the repairs, drawing from a mix of city funds, insurance payouts, and FEMA support. In the meantime, contractors will start removing damaged roof sections and install waterproofing measures to protect against further weather exposure.

John Fultz, another local fan, expressed a hope that city leaders exercise caution with the new Rays-Hines stadium plans. “Safety and the city’s well-being should be priorities, not just savings,” Fultz noted, underscoring the importance of prudent investments for future projects.

(Image credit: Getty Images)