Tampa Bay Rays stadium, development deal wins city approval

The Tampa Bay Rays took a major step toward making a new stadium a reality Thursday when the St. Petersburg City Council voted to approve several measures that clear the way for the team to move forward with its plans.

While it was a big step, it was just that, a step. Pinellas County commissioners still need to vote on the final funding piece for the project July 30.

Despite having to wait for that one final vote, Thursday’s 5-3 decision was a historic step in a year-long process to move the team from its current home in Tropicana Field into a new stadium within the next several years.