Pinellas County Commissioner Dave Eggers stated on Thursday that some colleagues view the Tampa Bay Rays stadium bond authorization as a chance to revisit previously approved agreements.

During a procedural agenda review, commissioners spent half of a workshop debating the deal’s merits and the best path forward. They will formally consider approving the bond issuance for a third time on Tuesday.

Eggers, who previously opposed the county’s contribution to a new ballpark in St. Petersburg, acknowledged that the new-look commission should recognize the vote from July. New Commissioner Vince Nowicki suggested that the bond authorization offers a do-over, as the team cannot discuss relocation until St. Petersburg’s current use agreement ends in 2028.

“I think if we delay this or vote ‘no,’ it would force the Rays back to the table,” Nowicki said. “We get another bite at the apple because they literally can’t talk to anybody else.”

In July, five of seven commissioners approved allocating $312.5 million in heavily restricted tourist development tax funding to a new $1.37 billion ballpark. All but former Commissioner Charlie Justice agreed to postpone approving the financing mechanism in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton.

The team’s temporary home away from a storm-damaged Tropicana Field dominated discussions during the October 29 meeting. The commission subsequently welcomed two new members with varying levels of opposition to the stadium deal, a critical part of the Historic Gas Plant’s $6.7 billion redevelopment.

The new-look board approved a second postponement in November. The deal was thought dead before recently showing signs of life.

Commissioners have notably stopped discussing the team’s temporary home. However, already-signed contracts, including those with St. Petersburg, remain a hot topic.

“It seems like we just keep moving the goalposts,” Commissioner Flowers said. “The bond issuance has nothing to do with the city and their negotiated contract.”

The county cannot sell the bonds until the Rays prove they have completed multiple planning and funding requirements, both of which have a March 31 deadline. Team leadership maintains they have met initial obligations, but county officials said they lack proof.

Bond authorization was once a formality. Commissioner Brian Scott, who supports the deal, called for the second postponement as two new colleagues signaled their opposition.

Commissioner Chris Scherer, who joined the board with Nowicki, expressed confusion regarding the urgency. He noted that attorneys and staff, rather than the commissioners, would ensure the Rays met their obligations and sell the bonds.

“We’re out of it,” Scherer stressed.

County administrator Barry Burton said officials would control their money in an escrow account until the team meets additional construction requirements. Commission Chairperson Kathleen Peters told Scherer, “We adopt the policy, and staff executes it. That’s not unusual.”

“Our very awesome legal team would make sure all of that is followed to the letter of the law,” Peters explained. “If the Rays aren’t meeting their objectives, it comes back to us, and that’s when we make a decision.”

Eggers said Scherer’s examination of the deal reminded him of “where we were” during two years of negotiations. “Back in June – this gets to character and trust,” Eggers said of the authorization and team obligations. “It goes both ways.”

The Rays will contribute over $700 million to the project. They must also cover cost overruns and stadium expenses excluded from the Trop’s current use agreement.

Team leadership maintains that delays caused a funding gap. The average annual inflation rate for nonresidential construction is 8%. Postponing a $1.37 billion project represents a $109.6 million increase.

Peters has said the Rays will also lose about $100 million in annual revenues by playing at a minor league stadium in Tampa. Commissioner Chris Latvala, who voted against the deal but could provide an authorization swing vote, expects the team to demand “$100 million or $200 million” in gap funding or threaten relocation.

He and several colleagues have balked at that proposition. Scott believes all parties should honor the previously agreed-upon contracts.

In response to Nowicki’s comments, Scott noted there is “no guarantee you’re going to get a better deal. You open it up, and guess what? Then they are really going to want more money.”

Scott added that “nothing in life is risk-free” and said the Rays, development firm Hines, the city, and the county also face potential pitfalls throughout a generational project. He also questioned how long government officials would debate the same subject.

“We have a lot of stuff to focus on in 2025 – I don’t want this to be something hanging over our neck and weighing down every stinking meeting we have,” Scott continued. “If the Rays fail to meet their obligations by March 31, it’s on them.

“We need to get this done, and we need to move on with life.”

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(Image credit: Rendering Hindes/Tampa Bay Rays)