Group seeks role in Rays' future

A regional business group says it's ready to umpire the debate over the Tampa Bay Rays' future in the area.

In a short letter to its members and supporters Friday, the nonprofit Tampa Bay Partnership said it will reach out to all stakeholders to find a way to ensure the team can prosper in the Bay area.

The letter doesn't mention a new ballpark. But it's hard to imagine any discussions that don't mention one. Rays majority owner Stuart Sternberg has said the team can't stay at Tropicana Field through the end of its stadium use agreement in 2027.

Last month, Sternberg turned up the heat in the stadium debate by saying he wants to consider potential stadium sites throughout the Bay area, including Hillsborough County.

The letter is signed by Gary Sasso, the partnership's chairman, and Stuart Rogel, its chief executive. Neither could be reached for comment Friday.

The letter says the two men respect the work already done to lure and keep the Rays in St. Petersburg.

"The city of St. Petersburg and Pinellas County played a pivotal role in bringing the Rays to Tampa Bay, and now our region must pull together in a collaborative, inclusive and transparent way to ensure that the Rays remain and prosper here," their letter says.

Government leaders in Pinellas County seemed cautious.

St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster said he'd welcome talks "as long as Mr. Sternberg is part of the discussions and the discussion remains how to keep the Rays in St. Petersburg or the greater Gateway area."

The Gateway area is just over the Howard Frankland bridge in mid-Pinellas, part of a region annexed by St. Petersburg.

Pinellas County Commission Chairwoman Karen Seel said she'll reserve judgment until she sees what the Tampa Bay Partnership wants to discuss. She said the county needs to heed St. Petersburg's contract with the Rays.

In Tampa, Hillsborough County Commission Chairman Ken Hagan applauded the partnership's move and said he hopes all local governments will participate. Hagan has said he just wants to make sure the team stays in the region.

"Absolutely, I'm very encouraged to hear the news that the Tampa Bay Partnership is taking on a leadership role," he said.

Last month, Sternberg called for discussion that would include governments on each side of the bay. Until then, an "air of uncertainty" would hang over Major League Baseball's future in the region, he said. Immediately, eyes turned to the Tampa Bay Partnership.

The non-profit group counts among its members public economic development agencies in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties. John Schueler, president of the Florida Communications Group, parent of the Tampa Tribune and a unit of Richmond-based Media General, is vice chair of the partnership.

Michael Kalt, a senior vice president of the Rays, wouldn't comment on the Tampa Bay Partnership's call for regional talks.

"We're glad that they're taking an active interest in the health of our business," Kalt said.