The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

City of St. Petersburg

Report: Rays’ stadium, development district to exceed initial cost estimates

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(The Center Square) — A new report shows that a new Tampa Rays stadium could cost taxpayers far more than initially thought.

The new stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays would include the development of 65 acres in the historic Gas Plant District that surrounds the field, which would offer affordable housing, shopping and entertainment venues at an initial cost estimate of $1.3 billion.

The cost of the project would be shared between the City of St. Petersburg, Pinellas County and the Tampa Bay Rays’ ownership group Rays-Hines.

Tropicana Field infield, as seen from a May 28, 2022 game. (Vmartin12, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

The city would pay an estimated $287.5 million, which would include $130 million towards infrastructure, while the county would pay $312.5 million and Rays-Hines would pay the remainder and any overruns.

However, a report from Florida TaxWatch raised concerns about the real cost of the project to the city and the county, which is estimated to be a total of $2.4 billion, not $600 million, when accounting for parking garages, infrastructure support and lost revenues.

According to the report, the city would pay an estimated $1.6 billion, including $704 million for the new stadium and supporting infrastructure, $411 million in lost property taxes and $545 million in lost city revenue from the sale of 64 acres to Rays’ ownership.

Pinellas County would pay its share of $809 million — $587 million towards the new stadium and $222 million in lost property taxes. Neither the city or the county has the funds to cover this expense.

The report further notes that as of 2022, per game attendance averaged 13,927, while revenue generated in 2022 by the franchise was $248 million, ranking the Rays 28th out of the 30 Major League Baseball teams.

“To be clear, Florida TaxWatch is not drawing conclusions as to whether the Tampa Bay Rays’ ballpark proposal is ‘good’ or ‘bad,'” said Florida TaxWatch acting president and CEO Jeff Kottkamp in a news release. “With this report, we simply outline a variety of important factors, including a few major risks, that should be taken into consideration by local officials in order to determine if the plan is in the best interest of Tampa Bay area taxpayers.

“At the end of the day, fulfillment of the deal will require hundreds of millions of local taxpayer dollars — which could be used to pay for other needed services and improvements in the community — and therefore, we believe it should receive close and careful scrutiny before a decision is made. We look forward to discussing our research and recommendations with all involved stakeholders as the matter comes before the St. Petersburg City Council and Pinellas County Commission.”

Kennesaw State professor J.C. Bradbury opposes these types of stadium deals and posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, that stadiums are “terrible development anchors,” and that the initial $600 million proposal alone would cost $5,263 per household.

However, according to the new estimated cost to the city being $1.6 billion, this would translate to $14,035 per household.

“The social benefits of hosting sports teams are difficult to measure, but they’re not incalculable. I doubt most residents would be willing to pay that much and that’s the burden they’re required to bear to fund this proposal,” Bradbury posted to X.

Published April 24, 2024

Lake Park reopens; sinkhole remains

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A popular 589-acre park in Lutz has reopened, despite the existence of a sinkhole that opened about a year ago and remains unfilled.

Lake Park, at 17302 N. Dale Mabry Highway, officially reopened on Oct. 8.

The park, which annually draws about 300,000 users, was closed on Dec. 2 because of a sinkhole that spans 6-feet wide and 90-feet deep.

Lake Park reopened on Oct. 8. It had been closed since last December after a sinkhole formed. (File Photo)
Lake Park reopened on Oct. 8. It had been closed since last December after a sinkhole formed.
(File Photo)

The sinkhole, which formed along a park roadway last October, has since been secured with $4,900 worth of heavy fencing and locked gates.

Forest Turbiville, Hillsborough County’s director of conservation and environmental lands management, said there are no immediate plans to fix the sinkhole.

“We’re going to continue to monitor it,” he said, “and, if we see there’s a change of conditions in that area, then we’ll potentially revaluate it at that time.

He said the area is “more than adequately secured.”

A recent geophysical study by Ardaman & Associates Inc., found the overall risk of future sinkhole activity to be “low” at the park. However, the report did not definitively rule out possible future sinkhole activity.

“We’ve monitored the entire park now since December,” Turbiville said, “and there’s been nothing at all that’s popped up. Our park staff is out there on a daily basis, so if we see any change in the area, we’ll get the county’s consultant back out there.”

While most normal park activities have resumed, the sinkhole “might potentially affect” the park’s archery range, Turbiville said. As a precaution, the range may be temporarily relocated to the Northwest Equestrian Park, 9400 South Mobley Road in Odessa.

Beyond the sinkhole, other issues, too, persist at Lake Park.

Recent heavy rains have created high watermarks, which has limited access in some areas of the park, including its central road.

The sinkhole, which spans 6-feet wide and 90-feet deep, has been secured with $4,900 worth of heavy fencing and locked gates. (Courtesy of Hillsborough County)
The sinkhole, which spans 6-feet wide and 90-feet deep, has been secured with $4,900 worth of heavy fencing and locked gates.
(Courtesy of Hillsborough County)

The three-quarter-mile stretch of road — which Turbiville said is currently under a few feet of water — links the park’s front and back entrances. “It almost divides the park into two halves,” Turbiville said.

To access the park’s front picnic area and main playground, park-goers now have to enter via Dale Mabry Highway. Conversely, users will have to enter off Worley Road in order to access the park’s BMX and radio-controlled car tracks.

“We’re basically having two entrances into the park,” said Turbiville.

The road—which typically experiences flooding issues most of the year—will eventually have to be repaved and elevated, Turbiville said.

That undertaking, he said, may take several years.

“That is honestly going to be a long-term project,” said Turbiville. “You can’t just go in and build up the road — you’ve got to have design plans; you have to have permits. Of course, you have to have the money to pay for that work…so it’s not a small project by any means.”

Turbiville noted the county wouldn’t repair the main road until another long-term lease agreement is reached with the City of St. Petersburg, the owners of the park.

The existing lease agreement for Lake Park expires on June 3, 2019. Under that deal, Hillsborough County pays just $1 per year to the City of St. Petersburg to operate the park.

In a third draft of a new 10-year lease agreement, the City of St. Petersburg is requesting $3,000 per month, or $36,000 per year from Hillsborough County.

If approved, county staff expects to bring a recommendation to the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners sometime in 2017. Meanwhile, Lake Park will operate under the current lease agreement.

Based on figures from 2014-2015, the park typically nets about $10,000 per month in revenue from park-goers.

Also of note, St. Petersburg is requesting $2,000 per month from the county to lease Lake Rogers Park, 6016 Gunn Hwy in Odessa. The most recent lease agreement expired on Sept. 30, but the city has extended it through Dec. 31, as negotiations continue.

Lake Park
Where: 17302 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Lutz
Fall hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Entrance fee: $2 per vehicle. Up to 8 people per vehicle. Rentals are extra.
Facilities: Rodeo, BMX track, playground, youth group campsite
Activities: Biking, bird watching, hiking, horseback riding, and canoeing/kayaking
Other features: Five lakes, cypress swamps, pine flat woods and hardwood hammocks
For information, call (813) 264-3806.

Published October 12, 2016

 

No progress yet on reopening Lake Park

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A park in Lutz that draws an estimated 300,000 users each year will not be reopening anytime soon.

Lake Park, at 17302 N. Dale Mabry Highway, has been closed since Dec. 2 due to a sinkhole that spans 6 feet across and is about 90 feet deep.

Lake Park typically draws 300,000 visitors annually. The 589-acre site features an archery range, a BMX bicycle track, two equestrian arenas and a radio-controlled car track. (File Photo)
Lake Park typically draws 300,000 visitors annually. The 589-acre site features an archery range, a BMX bicycle track, two equestrian arenas and a radio-controlled car track.
(File Photo)

No progress has been made in repairing the sinkhole because Hillsborough County has not yet negotiated a new lease with the City of St. Petersburg, which owns the park, said Forest Turbiville, Hillsborough County’s director of conservation and environmental lands management.

A meeting regarding the lease has been set for June 23.

“During those discussions, we will talk about sinkholes, who’s responsible for paying to remedy that situation, and other issues, too — like the term of the agreement,” Turbiville said.

The county prefers a lease that lasts around 30 years, Turbiville said.

“If we’re going to be spending several hundred thousands of dollars over the next few years to make various improvements, whether it’s filling in the sinkhole or paving the main road, upgrading facilities — we want to make sure we have a long-term agreement,” Turbiville explained.

The existing lease agreement for Lake Park expires on June 3, 2019. Under that deal, Hillsborough County pays just $1 per year to the City of St. Petersburg to operate the park.

However, Turbiville said the City of St. Petersburg has proposed a new lease agreement requesting $3,000 per month, or $36,000 per year. It also is requesting $2,000 per month from the county to lease Lake Rogers Park. That lease agreement expires on Sept. 30.

“One of the things we’re going to discuss in our meeting (with St. Petersburg) is what the basis is for those numbers,” Turbiville said.

The low-end estimate to repair the sinkhole is $103,000, but Turbiville said the cost could be nearly double that amount, based on the county’s previous experience in repairing sinkholes in other locations.

He also noted the sinkhole repair would likely take six weeks to eight weeks, after a new lease agreement is executed.

“We’re hopeful that (the park) will be open sometime this year; that’s the best I can say,” Turbiville said.

Flooding on Lake Park’s central road also must be addressed, Turbiville said.

Two lakes situated near the flooded road have begun to merge — caused by a significant drop-off in water pumping by the aquifer, he said.

“Those lakes are…filling up almost like a bathtub, and they’re going over the road, so about nine (months) to 10 months out of the year, we have a couple of feet of water over the road,” Turbiville explained.

“Ever since 2013, the pumping has dropped from 10 (million gallons) or 12 million gallons down to 1 million gallons per day. As a result, the lakes and the wetlands within the park have come back up, so what you have now is a much wetter park than you did even five years ago,” Turbiville said.

Turbiville believes the nearly three-quarter-mile stretch of road will have to be repaved and elevated.

The estimated cost for the project, which is about $850,000, would likely fall on the shoulders of Hillsborough County, he said.

The project would require culverts or some other type of system that would allow water to flow underneath the road, he noted.

Other long-term Lake Park improvements include renovations to the park’s main offices and restrooms, and upgrades to the concession area.

Lake Park, a 589-acre site, features an archery range, a BMX bicycle track, two equestrian arenas and a radio-controlled car track.

Based on revenue figures from 2014-2015, the park typically nets about $10,000 per month in revenue from park-goers.

Due to Lake Park’s closure, Turbiville said most of the park’s employees have been temporarily reassigned to other locations within the regional park system. A skeleton crew remains at Lake Park for upkeep and maintenance.

Published June 8, 2016

 

Panhandling off-limits in Pasco

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Pasco County commissioners have approved a ban aimed at preventing street-corner panhandling in the county.

That action came despite pleas from those who had been selling newspapers in the county on Sundays.

By adopting a total ban, the county would cost workers’ wages and jobs, opponents said.

“I’m begging you, please understand you are affecting so many people,” said Renee Contreras, who oversees workers who sell newspapers on Sundays in the Wesley Chapel area.

Commissioners were unmoved, and on April 26 unanimously approved the total ban.

The ordinance is similar to ones in Hillsborough County and the City of St. Petersburg.

It bans “soliciting or attempts to solicit employment, business, contributions, donations, or sales or exchanges, of any kind from the driver or an occupant of a motor vehicle, or distributing or attempting to distribute any goods or materials to the driver or an occupant” of the motor vehicle.

Data presented to commissioners reported 173 pedestrian-related crashes in 2015, with 13 fatalities. The highest volume of fatal crashes happened on Saturday and Sunday, and occurred more often in daylight than evening.

Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco also said that people were taking advantage of the Sunday exception to the ordinance.

“They are switching over from selling newspapers to panhandling,” he said. “By afternoon, they switch out signs. It goes back to — there is a public safety issue.”

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Wells brought up the issue in March after hearing about a veteran who was killed while selling newspapers along U.S. 19.

Commissioners then directed staff members to draft the new ordinance.

“It’s an unsafe practice for all involved,” Wells said, adding that he believes Pasco does everything possible to help residents in need.

While Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano sympathized with those selling newspapers, he said, “It’s just not working out. It’s unfortunate we have to take this strong step.”

Hugh Townsend, of the Hunter’s Ridge homeowners’ association, said panhandling “is of grave concern.”

Residents have dealt with litter, broken lights around the community’s monument sign and destruction to landscaping.

“I’d rather see them set up in a parking lot,” Townsend said.

From his wheelchair, Clifton Levigne told commissioners that he and others need the money they earn from selling Sunday newspapers.

“We have to count on selling newspapers, or else we can’t have enough to get through the week,” he said. “We’re not panhandlers.”

Contreras said the ordinance would hurt people trying to work for a living, but probably won’t stop panhandling.

“They (panhandlers) just cost us all our jobs,” she said.

Published on May 4, 2016

Lake Park closed until further notice

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Lake Park, a popular park in Lutz, has been closed until further notice because of a sinkhole.

At this time, the sinkhole is 6 feet across and approximately 90 feet deep, according to Michelle Van Dyke, a spokeswoman for Hillsborough County.

The county has closed the park, at 17302 N. Dale Mabry Highway, in an abundance of caution to protect public safety, Van Dyke said.

Lake Park, a popular regional park in Lutz, is closed until further notice. Hillsborough County, which operates the park, has confirmed the presence of a sinkhole and has closed the park as a matter of public safety. (Photos courtesy of Hillsborough County
Lake Park, a popular regional park in Lutz, is closed until further notice. Hillsborough County, which operates the park, has confirmed the presence of a sinkhole and has closed the park as a matter of public safety.
(Photos courtesy of Hillsborough County

The county hired a geotechnical firm to conduct soil borings after floodwaters receded about four weeks ago, revealing a depression on one of the main roads in the park, according to Van Dyke.

The county notified the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club about a possible sinkhole, which forced cancellation of the club’s annual arts and crafts festival at the park.

The two-day festival, held in early December, typically features around 300 vendors and attracts about 30,000 people. It’s the club’s biggest fundraiser of the year, and its cancellation will have a ripple effect on the various local organizations it supports.

Lake Park is a 589-acre sanctuary for birds and wildlife. It features five lakes, cypress swamps, pine flatwoods, and hardwood hammocks.

It also has an archery range, a BMX bicycle track, two equestrian arenas and a radio-controlled car track.

The county closed the park after receiving an engineering report on Dec. 1 confirming the presence of a sinkhole.

The immediate area affected looks like a dip in the road, but tests indicate a sinkhole beneath the surface. The exact footprint is not known, Van Dyke said.

Additional fencing has been installed on the park road leading to the affected area, she added.

County staff will be talking with the engineering firm and the City of St. Petersburg, which owns the land, to determine what the next steps will be. The county leases the property from the City of St. Petersburg.

County staff is contacting event organizers and groups that use the park, to notify them the park is closed until further notice.

Any park usage application fees for cancelled events will be refunded.

Published December 9, 2015