For the third time, the Pinellas County Commission meets Tuesday to "consider whether to go through with paying for its pledged portion" of a new ballpark for the Rays. It’s "unclear what any outcome would mean for the deal" to build a $1.3B ballpark next to the current one at Tropicana Field. The commission "could again delay a decision, perhaps sending all parties back to the negotiating table again" after two years. Commissioners "could decide against" financing the county’s $312.5M share. Even though the Rays "think the votes are there," that "doesn’t mean the team will play ball." Team representatives have said a "funding gap still must be bridged" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 12/16). Earlier this month, the St. Petersburg City Council voted to approve its share of the bonds necessary to build the new 30,000-seat ballpark (AP, 12/17).
Pinellas Co. to again vote on Rays ballpark bonds
