Tampa approves $80 million deal with Rays

Clearwater residents will not see new stadium construction in their city, but a major deal between Tampa and the Tampa Bay Rays was approved Thursday. The agreement sets a financial framework that affects the broader Tampa Bay region.

The Tampa City Council voted to approve an $80 million community benefits agreement. This document outlines specific contributions the Rays' owners will make to the city. Some council members expressed concerns during the vote regarding how a proposed new stadium will be funded.

The vote took place on Thursday. It resolves a long-standing negotiation between the city and the baseball team. The $80 million figure represents the total value of the community benefits included in the contract.

Ann Everett, who works with the district’s Office of Acceleration and Innovation, noted that Polk County Schools received a separate $9 million federal grant. This news is distinct from the Rays deal but occurred in the same news cycle. The grant aims to help more students graduate and access college.

Polk County Schools was not eligible for the GEAR-UP PCPS grant last year because the district had to match 100% of the funds. This year, the district received a 70% match waiver. The grant will go to select schools based on the percentage of students receiving free or reduced lunch.

A local group called Tampa Hub of Global Shapers hosted a 'party at the Polls' in West Tampa on Thursday. The event, named 'Shape the Vote,' encouraged voter participation. It happened the same day the city council approved the Rays agreement.