Now that the Tampa Bay Rays have pulled out of a deal to build a new stadium and redevelop its surrounding acreage in honor of the historically Black community that preceded it, what’s next for Tropicana Field?
It’s the question that has gone asked but not answered for nearly two decades. Join the Tampa Bay Times, in partnership with the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg, on Tuesday for a free community conversation in the latest Spotlight Tampa Bay event, Beyond Baseball: New Perspectives and Possibilities for St. Pete’s 86 Most Contemplated Acres.
Longtime residents, local leaders and place-making experts will participate in a panel discussion reimagining the future of the Trop’s land and its effect on St. Petersburg’s future. The event will begin at 5 p.m. at the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg’s Center for Health Equity, 2333 34th St. S., St. Petersburg.
“We have a rare moment to pause, listen and dream big together,” said Conan Gallaty, chairman and CEO of the Tampa Bay Times. “Let’s imagine what this space can become for everyone in St. Petersburg. By uniting residents, experts and local leaders, the Tampa Bay Times is convening thoughtful ideas of what will benefit our community for generations.”
Featured panelists include Mozell Davis, a St. Petersburg resident and longtime educator; Peter Kageyama, author of “For the Love of Cities”; Erica Hall, a member of the Sierra Club’s board of directors; Jillian Bandes, an executive board member at Urban Land Institute Tampa Bay; and Dr. Elizabeth Strom, associate professor at the University of South Florida. The conversation will be moderated by Colleen Wright, who covers the city of St. Petersburg as a reporter for the Times.
The event begins with an exhibition of St. Petersburg through the ages from 5 to 6 p.m. Participating organizations include Zulu Painter, Pinellas County Schools, Reimagine 175, Saturday Morning Shoppe, RaceWithoutIsm Inc., Sofia Forte’s Catering, the Pinellas County Urban League, The Innovation District and the Florida Small Business Development Center at Pinellas County Economic Development and the Times.
“The environments in which we live, work, play and grow help shape our health,” said Dr. Kanika Tomalin, president and CEO of the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg. “Right now, we have a tremendous opportunity to reimagine this vital part of our city in a way that honors historic promises and catalyzes a healthier, more equitable future for our city’s residents.”
The panel discussion, including questions from the audience, will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Attendees should register ahead of time at tampabay.com/spotlight. Admission and parking are free.
