Hillsborough County takes first step in Tampa Bay Rays ballpark talks as funding debate emerges

Hillsborough County Commissioners voted unanimously to authorize negotiations with the Tampa Bay Rays, a move that places County Administrator Bonnie Wise at the center of talks that could determine whether Major League Baseball remains in the Tampa Bay region long-term.

The vote empowers Wise to begin negotiations with the Rays and partners over potential public contributions for a proposed ballpark and mixed-use redevelopment at Hillsborough College’s Dale Mabry campus.

While the action doesn’t commit the county to funding, Commissioners made clear talks would likely require difficult decisions about financing, including whether voter-approved Community Investment Tax dollars could play a role.

– Jesse Mendoza, Florida Politics