ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Mayor Ken Welch made the biggest decision of his political career on Monday, selecting the team led by the Tampa Bay Rays to redevelop Tropicana Field.
With the selection, Welch sought to remake history, both trying to keep the Rays in St. Petersburg after the the team’s threats to leave and to repay the mostly Black community that was plowed over for a stadium and court baseball by building a new district that creates jobs and offers affordable homes.
“The process was detailed and transparent, and as your mayor, I have done my homework.” Welch said. “I am fully confident that this decision is the best path forward for our city.
