St. Pete Leaders Vote on $5 Million for Urgent Tropicana Field Repairs

St. Pete Leaders Vote on $5 Million for Urgent Tropicana Field Repairs

Significant progress is underway in addressing the storm damage caused by Hurricane Milton at Tropicana Field, where the winds reached a staggering 105 miles per hour. As discussions heat up at St. Petersburg City Council meetings, a proposal to approve approximately $5 million for ongoing repairs is taking center stage. The council is set to discuss this funding, which includes an increase of about $1.7 million for a contract with BMS CAT for continuing remediation and protective measures following the hurricane’s aftermath. Fox 13 News reports that the restoration aims for full weatherproofing by December.

This ambitious repair plan encompasses a variety of tasks essential to restoring the stadium. Daily maintenance activities include extracting standing water after rain, monitoring leak diverters, and cleaning affected areas to maintain a safe environment for all. In fact, the installation of nearly 5,000 ceiling tiles is also on the agenda to separate conditioned and non-conditioned spaces efficiently. To ensure the repair process stays on track, the council also considers expanding the contract with Associated Space Design, Inc. for additional architectural engineering services, increasing it by $283,390.

Vote on Key Items

On the city council’s agenda, three main items are up for discussion and vote. First, there’s the approval for critical metal panel repairs, alongside a proposal for the city to take over security duties at the stadium, a responsibility previously held by the Tampa Bay Rays. City Councilwoman Gina Driscoll expressed the urgency of taking preventive measures to protect the stadium, particularly with the rainy season fast approaching. While some community members voice opposition to further spending on the Trop, others, like Mark Ferguson, owner of Ferg’s Sports Bar and Grill, urge swift action, citing a 20% decrease in sales compared to previous baseball seasons. ABC Action News highlights that council members acknowledge their legal obligation regarding the repairs.

The council’s vote, scheduled to begin at 9 a.m., will also touch upon the proposed $2.35 million for metal panel repairs and review other repair costs amounting to around $563,050 for sports lighting and mechanical systems. Importantly, before April’s previously approved $23 million for a new roof, the total estimated repair costs for Tropicana Field stood at around $56 million, counting fixes for the playing surface, audio/visual setup, flooring, and more. Bay News 9 notes that the city intends to transfer $2.9 million from the Disaster Short Term Financing 2025 Fund to facilitate these additional repairs.

A Glimpse into the Future

City leaders remain hopeful that the stadium can be ready by Opening Day next year, contingent on the hurricane season. As they navigate the repairs, questions linger about the long-term future of the Tropicana Field and whether the Tampa Bay Rays will remain rooted in St. Petersburg. The lease has been extended through the end of 2028, following the missed season, but uncertainties remain regarding the team’s next steps. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred is optimistic about keeping the team within the region, but discussions are already brewing about potential new stadium locations in Tampa or beyond.

Community sentiment has good merit as plans for the future of Tropicana Field also involve maintaining the historical significance of the Gaslight District, which was replaced by the stadium. Kanika Tomalin, CEO of the Foundation For A Healthy St. Petersburg, advocates for a comprehensive approach that respects the area’s heritage while addressing the stadium’s future. As the city prepares to cast its vote, the path forward for Tropicana Field is both promising and essential for the community’s cultural and economic landscape.