News Summary
The Gas Plant District deal in St. Petersburg has been terminated, but discussions may resume with a new ownership group for the Tampa Bay Rays. Mayor Ken Welch is optimistic that the city can leverage earlier agreements in ongoing negotiations, despite shifts in the Pinellas County Commission that complicate future discussions. The team is considering a 10-year lease extension at Tropicana Field, but funding challenges persist. Local officials also emphasize the need to focus on pressing civic issues like infrastructure and homelessness.
St. Petersburg — The recent deal involving the Gas Plant District in St. Petersburg has been terminated, but negotiations may continue with a new prospective ownership group for the Tampa Bay Rays. Mayor Ken Welch conveyed that discussions could potentially draw upon the previous agreement made with the current owner, Stu Sternberg, as the new ownership led by Patrick Zalupski emerges amidst the backdrop of an advanced sale for the team valued at $1.7 billion.
The development rights to the 86 acres of land connected to the Gas Plant project have been transferred to the City of St. Petersburg and remain intact despite the deal’s termination. Mayor Welch is optimistic that this shift grants the city a more advantageous position in ongoing negotiations. The previous Gas Plant agreement, which aimed at revitalizing the area, passed the City Council with a narrow margin of 5-3. Under council rules, any tie votes result in a “no,” highlighting the precarious nature of council support for such initiatives.
Complicating future negotiations, the Pinellas County Commission has seen a political shift, losing two supportive Democratic members while gaining Republican skeptics. As a result, moving forward with a new agreement may encounter additional hurdles. The collapse of the initial deal can be traced back to delays in the approval of stadium bonds, which have since been redirected to beach renourishment projects.
While Mayor Welch expressed hopes that new ownership could bring back attention to a local solution for the Rays, it is noted that this group may have preference for relocating the team to Hillsborough County. The chair of the county acknowledges a continued interest in retaining the Rays in St. Petersburg, albeit recognizing the financial challenges posed by the beach projects.
Several council members have voiced doubts regarding the feasibility of revisiting the original Gas Plant deal. Council Member Gina Driscoll has shown readiness to initiate negotiations, albeit under new terms. Conversely, other council members argue that the initial agreement no longer holds favor and advocate for prioritizing pressing civic needs, such as improvements in infrastructure and addressing homelessness.
Mayor Welch also highlighted plans for development adjacent to the Gas Plant area, which includes initiatives for affordable senior housing and expansion efforts for the Woodson African American Museum. Following the discussions surrounding the team’s future, it is expected that the Rays will continue to host games at Tropicana Field until at least the 2028 season. During this time, repair work on the stadium will continue, although the mayor remains cautious about any potential agreements that might involve extensive parking facilities.
Concerning the historic Gas Plant property, there are proposals to investigate the feasibility of establishing a convention center, pending a study to assess the project’s viability. The city is also reviewing other options for the redevelopment of the area, which could include engaging a consultant for master planning.
In terms of the Rays’ immediate plans, the team has proposed a 10-year lease extension at Tropicana Field, featuring a financial structure that calls for shared responsibility regarding upgrade costs among the team, the city, and the county. However, Mayor Welch has expressed resistance toward significant public investments directed toward this initiative.
As the discussions evolve, the landscape surrounding the Rays and the Gas Plant District remains uncertain, with various stakeholders considering their priorities and positions moving forward.
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Additional Resources
- Florida Politics: Ken Welch Open to Negotiating with New Rays Owner
- St. Pete Catalyst: Gas Plant District Redevelopment Progress
- Fox 35 Orlando: Coverage of Rays Deal Fallout
- Wikipedia: Gas Plant District
- ABC Action News: Community Reflections on Gas Plant District
- Google Search: Gas Plant District Development
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
