The quarrels between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Pinellas County Commissioners continued during the Thanksgiving holiday.
About a week ago, the head of the Pinellas County Commissioners, Kathleen Peters, wrote a letter to Rays’ executives.
The letter essentially stated that the county needed an answer from the team by Sunday, Dec. 1, on whether they see the plan for the new ballpark project coming to fruition.
Peters wrote, “Pinellas County has operated in good faith, working toward the stadium deal while balancing the needs of our community after back-to-back hurricanes,” Peters wrote. “If the Rays want out of this agreement, it is your right to terminate the partnership. Clear communication about your intentions will be critical to the next steps in this partnership.”
So, the Tampa Bay Rays had the Thanksgiving holiday to respond. Eventually, they did. Co-president Matt Silverman responded regarding the temporary relocation the team is undergoing to George M. Steinbrenner Field. The usual home of New York Yankees spring training is located towards Tampa and outside of Pinellas County.
He said that this move has not violated any non-relocation agreement because hurricane damage pushed the team out of the area.
He finished his response to Peters and the commissioners by saying the following:
“In response to your question regarding the status of the various agreements, they are in effect until a party terminates or outside dates are reached. The Rays have fulfilled its obligations to date and continue to wait for decisions and actions by the City of St. Petersburg and Pinellas County.”
Therefore, the Rays are essentially waiting for Pinellas County and the city of St. Petersburg for their own decisions on finances for the new ballpark project that seems to now have a delayed opening date of 2029.
The Pinellas County Commissioners will continue as previously decided and meet on Dec. 17. During this meeting, they will discuss the bonds needed to pay for the new building and keep the Tampa Bay Rays on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
