14 replies to this topic

[TampaTKE]

Since the Tampa Bay Area will have representation in the Governor's Mansion with either Jim Davis (Tampa) or Charlie Crist (St. Petersburg) do you think that the Greater Bay Area will reap some benefits? Perhaps we'll ahve a better chance to get funding for new projects like roads or a Commuter Rail System similar to the deal that Jeb helped push for O-Town?

[cwat212]

TampaTKE, on Nov 1 2006, 11:16 PM, said:

Since the Tampa Bay Area will have representation in the Governor's Mansion with either Jim Davis (Tampa) or Charlie Crist (St. Petersburg) do you think that the Greater Bay Area will reap some benefits? Perhaps we'll ahve a better chance to get funding for new projects like roads or a Commuter Rail System similar to the deal that Jeb helped push for O-Town?

It can't hurt!!
Either will definitely have a better idea of the needs of this community.  I am not sure how much of the Otown funds were Federal though.

[bulldogger]

TampaTKE, on Nov 1 2006, 10:16 PM, said:

Since the Tampa Bay Area will have representation in the Governor's Mansion with either Jim Davis (Tampa) or Charlie Crist (St. Petersburg) do you think that the Greater Bay Area will reap some benefits? Perhaps we'll ahve a better chance to get funding for new projects like roads or a Commuter Rail System similar to the deal that Jeb helped push for O-Town?

Jeb isn't from Orlando.

Being from Orlando myself, I would like to see more rail in place in Tampa.  Once Orlando and Tampa get rail going regionally, the chance of building a statewide HSR system increases.

[tampasteve]

Actually, the Reform candidate, Max Linn, is from St. Pete; so all of the serious candidates are from the area. I think that is could be a hlep for sure; hey it could not hurt it anyway!

Steve

[TampaTKE]

Yes, I definetly think it won't hurt. I'm sure Jeb helped his area in South Florida with his clout.

[bulldogger]

TampaTKE, on Nov 2 2006, 03:51 PM, said:

Yes, I definetly think it won't hurt. I'm sure Jeb helped his area in South Florida with his clout.

You mean like when the hurricanes hit a couple years ago and the worst damaged area was Punta Gorda and most of the relief money went to restore Miami Beach??

[Florida]

Has the Tampa area seen any special treatment with the new Governor in office?

[tampasteve]

Not yet. The only things that have impacted the area to a noticable degree would be the Gov. backing the Rays new stadium and the Seminole Indian Compact for expanded gaming - neither of which are actually building/running yet....so we shall see!

Steve

[Go Gators]

tampasteve, on Nov 28 2007, 03:48 PM, said:

Not yet. The only things that have impacted the area to a noticable degree would be the Gov. backing the Rays new stadium and the Seminole Indian Compact for expanded gaming - neither of which are actually building/running yet....so we shall see!

Steve

Crist says he supports the stadium downtown, but he will say whatever he thinks you want him to hear.  No state money will go towards this stadium.  The Marlins have been trying for years, and the legislature is just not willing to do it.  Plus, building a new stadium in downtown St Pete isnt going to help their attendance once the newness wears off.

Edit:  Not 2 minutes after I posted this, FOX 13 unveilied the early renderings for the bayside stadium.  Very interesting, but nice. Heres a link to myfoxtampabay.com which has the renderings:

http://www.myfoxtamp...mp;pageId=1.1.1

Edited by Go Gators, 28 November 2007 - 05:37 PM.

[tampasteve]

Good point about the state not giving money; but, unlike the Marlins, the Rays are not looking to get state money, their plan mostly involves the sale of the Trop, and tax benefits for 30ish years. To me that is a better plan than state money, though, it is still flawed.

Steve

[Florida]

tampasteve, on Nov 29 2007, 08:08 AM, said:

Good point about the state not giving money; but, unlike the Marlins, the Rays are not looking to get state money, their plan mostly involves the sale of the Trop, and tax benefits for 30ish years. To me that is a better plan than state money, though, it is still flawed.

Steve

tsteve, when you say sale of the Trop, what are you referring to? I do like the idea of a 30-year tax savings program as an inventive. Hopefully they'll be able to take care of the few flaws, whatever they may be.

GG, thanks for the link the the picture gallery.

[poonther]

The Trop = Tropicana Field

[Florida]

Oh thanks, Poonther.

[tampasteve]

The main flaws with the financing plan is that though it is just tax benefits....it is still money out of the pockets of the people in St. Pete/Pinellas. Money now or money over 30 years is still money. Other issues involve parking...there is very little in that area of town, and unlike large cities with transit, it is not easy to get there without a car, or park further away and ride in. Overall I would love to see a new stadium, but I would love even more to see a winning team on the field. I am a big Rays fan, but we need a team that can win. They are getting better, and with the new pitching we should see marked improvement, but only time will tell.

Steve

[Florida]

So you're saying now is not the right time to pursue this baseball stadium deal. Just out of curiosity does Crispy still lease his place in that Tampa area?

Edited by Florida, 30 November 2007 - 01:58 PM.