Hillsborough County Commission

On Monday, the Rays are scheduled to announce the firm that will oversee building the ballpark. Meantime, Hillsborough College President Ken Atwater says definitive agreements on financing could reach local officials within days.

Bill Carlson says he learned of negotiated changes in the $976 million contribution during a meeting with Rays CEO Ken Babby, who recently opened individual discussions with council members.

Mayor Jane Castor says council members have been kept informed and explains her frustration was over last week's votes, but remains optimistic a deal can be done that maintains Tampa's role in the project.

CEO Ken Babby meets with councilman Bill Carlson a day after two contentious decisions by the council and CRA board. Meantime, Mayor Jane Castor rebuked council members, eliciting a sharp response from Carlson.

The privately financed development, key to a plan to use revenue from the Drew Park CRA, will include office space that Rays CEO Ken Babby said has drawn early interest from Fortune 500 companies.

CEO Ken Babby says the Rays want Tampa's 3.5% contribution to the $2.3 billion stadium, but "we can't beg." Meanwhile, an Orlando group makes a move as the eleventh hour nears for the Tampa proposal.

Ken Hagan, chair of the Hillsborough County Commission, says negotiations have included a way to transfer at least part of the city's $180 million investment to the county.

Predominant features in the new drawings are sky views through the see-thru cantilevered roof and an larger aquarium-like rays touch tank showcased in an expansive plaza entrance.

A request for qualifications offers some timeline specifics that reflect the team's sense of urgency, with site work expected to begin Aug. 14, the same day the construction manager is announced.

The board authorized Tampa Sports Authority to negotiate a final agreement with Suffolk Construction to build a sports facility, which officials envision as the hub of an entertainment and tourism district.

The state's $117.6 billion budget includes $50 million for the college to relocate on the property if the ballpark goes up However, he warned that a financing deal needs to be finalized soon.

There are a few new laws going into effect on Wednesday. Well, more than a few. There are 140. Also, Gov. Ron DeSantis was in Tampa to sign the budget for the coming year.