**St. Petersburg City Council Faces Crucial Vote on Rays Stadium Financing**

In a pivotal moment for St. Petersburg, City Council members are set to decide on the financing bonds for a new Tampa Bay Rays stadium. This follows a narrow 4-3 vote to allocate $23.7 million for repairing the roof of the existing Tropicana Field. The approval of these bonds is integral to the broader $1.3 billion stadium and redevelopment project at the Historic Gas Plant District.

Tuesday's deliberations saw the Pinellas County commissioners once again postponing their vote on financing their share until December 17. This delay is significant as the recent election of two commissioners critical of the stadium could jeopardize the bonds' approval, leaving a potential $312.5 million shortfall in the project.

Adding to the complexity, Tampa Bay Rays presidents Brian Auld and Matt Silverman expressed their dissatisfaction with the county's delays. In a letter to commissioners, they stated that the Rays have halted all work on the stadium and the redevelopment project, making it clear that without county funds, the project cannot proceed as planned.

Mayor Ken Welch emphasized the importance of fulfilling all parties' obligations to move forward with the 30-year plan. He reiterated that while no additional funds are being requested, the commitment from the County Commission, City Council, Rays, and development partner Hines is crucial for the project's fruition.

The council's debate on Thursday was intense, touching upon whether the deal for the new stadium might already be in peril. Council member Lisset Hanewicz sought to delay the vote, arguing for more information on insurance and FEMA reimbursements. Meanwhile, council members Copley Gerdes, Brandi Gabbard, Gina Driscoll, and Deborah Figgs-Sanders voted for the roof repairs, citing contractual obligations and the necessity to keep stadium employees working.

As discussions continued, the uncertainty surrounding the stadium's future became evident. Rays president Brian Auld addressed the council, clarifying that the team's letter was not intended as a threat but as an honest assessment of the situation. The Rays face significant financial pressures due to hurricane damages and the prospects of higher repair costs.

With the council down one member—Ed Montanari, who resigned to pursue a state House seat—the decision-makers are under heightened scrutiny. Community members, including those from the "No Home Run" group, voiced their concerns, urging the council to delay bond issuance until a more favorable agreement can be reached.

Council member Hanewicz's questioning laid bare the legal and financial uncertainties of the plan, stressing that the city is not legally bound to approve the bonds and highlighting the absence of a penalty clause for non-approval.

As the council prepares for its crucial vote, the future of the Rays' stadium and the surrounding redevelopment hangs in the balance, with all eyes on how the city and county will navigate this intricate and high-stakes decision.