Pinellas County on Tuesday approved a term sheet with the Philadelphia Phillies for a major revamp of the team’s spring training complex in Clearwater.
Under the non-binding term sheet, the countywould contribute $85 million in tourist development tax money toward the project.
The vote passed 6-1, with Commissioner Brian Scott the lone “no” vote. As the county has discussed the agreement in recent weeks, Scott has shared his concerns regarding the public contribution to the project.
“I absolutely believe that we should be at the table with this, and we should be supporting the Phillies,” Scott said. “I just think this is a lopsided deal.”
County Commissioner Chris Latvala compared the deal to that of the Tampa Bay Rays, who are seeking just more than $1 billion in public money for a new stadium in Hillsborough County after a plan to keep the team in Pinellas fell through last year.
Although the Phillies’ request for touristtax money has increased from $40 million in 2019, the overall project cost has decreased.
Officials in 2022 said the renovations could total $300 million.
“Last year we dealt with another stadium issue that caused a lot of headaches for a lot of folks,” Latvala said. “I voted against that because the citizens and residents of the city of St. Pete, I believe, were getting hoaxed.”
The Phillies renovation project is expected to cost $205 million. The Phillies are planning onreceiving $20 million from the state and $30 million from Clearwater. The team will cover the rest and any costs overrun.
Clearwater would use money from the Penny for Pinellas sales tax, the city general fund and a loan from its central insurance fund to pay its part, according to a document the city provided.
Clearwater City Council is scheduled to consider the terms Thursday, but gave initial approval at a work session Monday.
“This relationship is unique,” Clearwater Mayor Bruce Rector said at the work session. “We are able to work with one of the best organizations in all of professional sports.”
The Phillies have trained in Clearwater since 1947. The team would renew its lease, which ends in 2028, through 2047 under the proposed terms.
The Phillies campus in Clearwater has the BayCare Ballpark, Carpenter Complex and a residential property. The minor league Clearwater Threshers also play at the stadium.
The revamp is expansive and will renovate the locker rooms, batting cages and increase capacity for seating and concessions.