Hillsborough County approves key votes to advance Tampa Bay Rays stadium funding

The dream of a new Tampa Bay Rays stadium took a significant step closer to reality Tuesday as Hillsborough County commissioners approved four measures paving the way for the $2.3 billion project’s financing. The approvals, including the allocation of $90 million in renewed Community Investment Tax (CIT) funds, move the project forward but do not represent immediate funding for construction—a point county officials repeatedly emphasized. While advocates celebrate this progress, opposition remains vocal and a potential legal challenge looms.

What Happened

Hillsborough County commissioners voted 5-2 Tuesday to add the Rays ballpark to the list of infrastructure projects eligible for funding through the renewed CIT, a half-penny sales tax first approved in 1996 and recently renewed with roughly 52% voter support in 2024. The board also amended the county’s capital improvement program and approved a budget amendment appropriating the first $90 million in renewed CIT funding to the ballpark project for fiscal year 2027. Beyond the CIT allocation, commissioners authorized up to $263 million in tourist development tax revenue bonds and added the Rays ballpark to the county’s fiscal years 2026 and 2027 tourist development plan. County attorneys stressed that these actions represent steps within a larger financing process.

The Community Investment Tax, initially approved in 1996, has historically funded roads, parks, and fire stations. Prior to this decision, the only project funded by the renewed tax was the Zoo Tampa. The vote now makes the stadium the second recipient of these funds. County staff say that proof of financing from the Rays remains a condition before any money is disbursed. Hillsborough County residents who are concerned about future spending should review the county's financial reports online.

The decision to use renewed CIT revenue for a new sports stadium has been controversial, particularly given previous statements from Commission Chair Ken Hagan. During an April 2024 meeting, Hagan stated he “completely support[ed] eliminating the community stadium, not letting stadiums be built with the tax.” While the ballot language didn’t explicitly mention a new stadium, Hagan later acknowledged that CIT funding was essential to the deal, saying, “This agreement does not happen without CIT funding. It just doesn't.” The evolving nature of this commitment has fueled criticism from opponents and commissioners who feel taxpayers were misled about how the renewed tax would be used.

Community Reaction

The public hearing preceding the vote saw residents express concerns about prioritizing a stadium over other public needs. Elizabeth Braden urged commissioners to reconsider, warning against “borrowing hundreds of millions of dollars or lock[ing] up our sales taxes based on ghost projections.” Anne Hartwell argued for prioritizing “public safety, infrastructure, and administration” instead. Commissioner Joshua Wostal, who lost his re-election bid and cast a dissenting vote on the CIT allocation before walking out of the meeting, called for the deal to be canceled. “It should be canceled,” Wostal said. “Two of you should be bold and courageous right now and vote this down before it progresses any more.”

Is Using CIT Money for the Stadium Legal?

County leaders maintain they have sought legal guidance and believe the renewed CIT can legally be used for the ballpark. Commissioner Harry Cohen stated, “We covered ourselves pretty well with the legal opinions that we got that authorized the use of the CIT and determined that it was a permissible use.” However, he also acknowledged the possibility of a legal challenge and plans to pursue a bond validation process within roughly two weeks, depending on board actions. The Florida Bar provides resources for residents who have questions about legal issues.

What's Next

The bond validation process is a key upcoming step. Commissioners also have additional stadium-related agreements to consider, including the ballpark use agreement, with further documents potentially extending into the new year. County officials anticipate revisiting these items in December. The project’s final cost remains under review, and proof of financing from the Rays is still required before funds are released. These conditions underscore that while Tuesday's votes represent progress, significant hurdles remain before shovels hit the ground.

Marcus's Take

The approval of these funding measures marks a significant moment for the Rays and the region, but it also highlights a concerning trend: the increasingly blurred lines between public need and private enterprise. While a new stadium could certainly bring economic benefits, it’s vital that our elected officials prioritize the core responsibilities of government—public safety, infrastructure, and essential services—before committing taxpayer dollars to ventures driven by profit motives. The shift in messaging around the CIT renewal from “no stadiums” to essential funding for the Rays raises questions about transparency and accountability. Families are the bedrock of a strong community; stable homes, good schools, and safe streets should always be paramount. It's incumbent upon residents to stay informed, engage with their elected officials, and ensure that decisions are made in the best long-term interest of our community.

Resources

For those seeking more information about the stadium project and its financing, several resources are available. The Hillsborough County website provides updates on the project’s progress and related documents. The Tampa Bay Sports Alliance offers information about the stadium and its potential impact on the region. The City of Tampa contains information related to the City's involvement in the project. Residents can also contact their elected officials directly to voice their concerns or offer suggestions.

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