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# Home Runs Matter

Highlighting Hits and Misses in Our Community

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://homerunsmatter.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [When the Numbers Don't Make Sense, Why Do We Keep Going?](https://homerunsmatter.com/independent-expertise-before-city-decisions/) - Should St. Petersburg bring independent expertise into major decisions? A $12 million housing subsidy shows why the question matters.
- [Charlie Crist Is Asking the Right Questions About the Gas Plant](https://homerunsmatter.com/charlie-crist-gas-plant-right-questions/) - Charlie Crist is asking the right questions about the Gas Plant: Should the City set the vision, maintain control and preserve the property’s value?
- [Why Would Anyone Do What Ken Welch Proposes?](https://homerunsmatter.com/why-would-anyone-do-what-ken-welch-proposes/) - Ken Welch says the Gas Plant draws worldwide interest. So why accept one of only two local bids at far below the City’s own appraised value?
- [Who Should Plan the Historic Gas Plant?](https://homerunsmatter.com/historic-gas-plant-master-plan/) - Should St. Petersburg create a master plan before selecting developers for the Historic Gas Plant? Lessons from successful cities suggest it should.
- [Before We Vote, We Deserve Clear Answers](https://homerunsmatter.com/before-we-vote-we-deserve-clear-answers/) - Should St. Petersburg lead the Historic Gas Plant District redevelopment? A series exploring vision, control, value, and the choices before voters.
- [Historic Gas Plant: Create Value Before Selling](https://homerunsmatter.com/historic-gas-plant-create-value-before-selling/) - A $32.5 million land sale raises a bigger question: Should St. Petersburg create the Historic Gas Plant's value before selling it?
- [Where St. Pete Candidates Stand on the Gas Plant](https://homerunsmatter.com/st-pete-candidates-gas-plant-position/) - See where St. Petersburg mayoral and City Council candidates—including Charlie Crist—stand on the future of the Historic Gas Plant District.
- [Rick Baker on Planning the Trop Site's Future](https://homerunsmatter.com/gas-plant-rick-baker-letter/) - Former Mayor Rick Baker shares his perspective on planning, parks, and the future redevelopment of St. Petersburg’s Historic Gas Plant District.
- [When Cities Choose Developers First - Lessons from Failure](https://homerunsmatter.com/when-planning-comes-second/) - Across America, redevelopment projects that chose developers before planning often faced delays, lawsuits, cost overruns, and broken promises.
- [Value: We Should Not Give Away the Gas Plant](https://homerunsmatter.com/value-we-should-not-give-away-the-gas-plant/) - Should St. Petersburg give one developer control of the Historic Gas Plant District? Here's why the City should retain the vision, control, and value.
- [Who Should Decide What Kind of Park St. Pete Builds](https://homerunsmatter.com/who-should-decide-st-pete-gas-plant-park/) - Who should decide what kind of park belongs at the Historic Gas Plant? Why St. Petersburg should create and control its own vision first.
- [Why St. Petersburg Should Keep Control of the Gas Plant](https://homerunsmatter.com/city-control-gas-plant/) - Why St. Petersburg should retain control of the Historic Gas Plant District preserving flexibility as redevelopment unfolds over decades.
- [Why Isn’t St. Petersburg Pausing the Gas Plant Process?](https://homerunsmatter.com/why-st-petersburg-isnt-pausing-gas-plant-process/) - New appraisals raise major questions about the St. Petersburg Gas Plant redevelopment, public value, city planning, and whether the process should be paused.
- [Gas Plant Meeting Left Major Questions Unanswered](https://homerunsmatter.com/gas-plant-meeting-left-major-questions-unanswered/) - St. Petersburg’s Gas Plant meeting left key questions unanswered about housing, infrastructure costs, appraisals, and city-led development.
- [$600M Borrowing — and a $1B Giveaway in St. Pete?](https://homerunsmatter.com/st-pete-600m-borrowing-1b-gas-plant/) - t. Petersburg may borrow $600M for infrastructure while risking $1B in public value at the Gas Plant. With $5B in needs, are we making the right choices?
- [What It Looks Like When a City Leads — Denver’s Stapleton Redevelopment Story](https://homerunsmatter.com/city-led-development-denver-stapleton-gas-plant-st-pete/) - The Gas Plant site decision matters. Denver’s Stapleton shows how planning first—and leading the process—creates stronger outcomes for a city.
- [If the City Can Manage the Marina, Why Not Gas Plant?](https://homerunsmatter.com/city-manage-marina-why-not-gas-plant/) - If St. Petersburg can lead a $165M marina redevelopment, why not apply the same city-led approach to the far more valuable Gas Plant site?
- [Should I-175 Be Part of the Gas Plant Vision?](https://homerunsmatter.com/should-i-175-be-part-of-the-gas-plant-vision/) - Should I-175 be part of the Historic Gas Plant vision? Why great cities evaluate every major planning decision before development.
- [My Response to the Mayor's Selection of The Burg](https://homerunsmatter.com/who-should-plan-the-historic-gas-plant/) - Mayor Welch has selected a preferred developer. Here's why the City should lead the planning, retain control, and maximize long-term public value.
- [A Proposal for a St. Petersburg Advisory Council](https://homerunsmatter.com/st-petersburg-advisory-council/) - St. Petersburg’s leaders face complex decisions. A formal advisory council can provide independent expertise and strengthen how those decisions are made.
- [The Historic Gas Plant Redevelopment Guide](https://homerunsmatter.com/historic-gas-plant-redevelopment-guide/) - Learn the key issues shaping the Historic Gas Plant redevelopment in St. Petersburg, including city planning, public land, governance, and long-term value.
- [After 7 Years, a Parking Garage. What if it's the Gas Plant?](https://homerunsmatter.com/after-seven-years-a-parking-garage/) - Six years after a developer was selected for the former Police Headquarters, only a parking garage. Should St. Petersburg take the same risk at the Gas Plant?
- [Who Should Decide the Future of the Gas Plant?](https://homerunsmatter.com/decide-what-we-want-gas-plant/) - St. Petersburg is reviewing three Gas Plant proposals. But should the city first decide what it wants for this 86-acre site before choosing a path?
- [A Billion Dollars Will Go Out the Window](https://homerunsmatter.com/gas-plant-1-billion-at-risk-st-petersburg/) - St. Petersburg may sell the Gas Plant site at a steep discount. Why a city-led approach could preserve value, control, and long-term outcomes.
- [The Best Cities Plan First](https://homerunsmatter.com/the-best-plan-first/) - Eleven cities show how planning first created housing, jobs, parks, and lasting value. What it means for St. Petersburg's Historic Gas Plant District.
- [A Complete Disconnect in St. Pete’s Gas Plant Plan](https://homerunsmatter.com/complete-disconnect-gas-plant-site/) - Disconnect grows over St. Pete’s Historic Gas Plant site. City Council should halt the current process and ensure planning comes first.
- [Shouldn’t Someone Find Out What It’s Worth?](https://homerunsmatter.com/shouldnt-someone-find-out-what-its-worth/) - Should government determine the true value of public land before redevelopment? A look at fiduciary responsibility, stewardship, and public trust.
- [Shouldn’t Government Know What Land Is Worth?](https://homerunsmatter.com/government-independent-appraisals-public-land/) - A Florida stadium land deal raises larger questions about government stewardship, independent appraisals, public trust, and fiduciary responsibility.
- [6-2 Vote to Pause—Why Is the Mayor Moving Forward?](https://homerunsmatter.com/mayor-welch-pause-explanation-gas-plant/) - Why is St. Petersburg moving forward on the Gas Plant site despite a 6–2 vote to pause? Key questions Mayor Ken Welch needs to answer.
- [Setting the Record Straight on the Gas Plant](https://homerunsmatter.com/setting-the-record-straight-gas-plant/) - A response to recent comments by Mayor Ken Welch on the Gas Plant site, clarifying Home Runs Matter’s position on planning, process, and decision-making.
- [Four Proposals -  No Clear Direction](https://homerunsmatter.com/st-pete-gas-plant-four-proposals-no-clear-direction/) - St. Petersburg has shortlisted four Gas Plant proposals—but they point in different directions. Why planning must come before selecting a developer.
- [The Mayor’s Radio Interview on the Gas Plant — What Was Said and My Response](https://homerunsmatter.com/mayor-radio-interview-gas-plant-response/) - After meeting with Mayor Welch, Ron Diner responds to the mayor’s radio comments on the Gas Plant site and explains why planning the land first matters.
- [Pay it forward - the power of mentoring](https://homerunsmatter.com/pay-it-forward-the-power-of-mentoring/) - MENTOR, a leading organization in the mentoring movement, highlights that quality mentoring relationships have a profound impact on individuals, especially young people. Research shows that mentoring leads to stronger self-confidence, better academic and career success, and deeper connections within communities. Here are some key benefits of mentoring: Boosts Confidence & Self-Esteem Mentors provide guidance and
- [The Value of Mentoring and the Legacy It Creates](https://homerunsmatter.com/the-value-of-mentoring-creating-a-legacy-for-the-future/) - Mentoring changes lives—building confidence, skills, and opportunity for children while creating a lasting legacy for mentors and stronger communities.
- [Why Engaging with What Matters Makes a Difference](https://homerunsmatter.com/engaging-with-what-matters-is-a-great-idea/) - Why focusing on what truly matters—community, purpose, and engagement—benefits both individuals and society in meaningful and lasting ways.
- [Why Boys & Girls Clubs Matter in Our Community](https://homerunsmatter.com/boys-and-girls-clubs-matter-community/) - Boys & Girls Clubs provide a safe, structured place after school—helping kids succeed, build confidence, and strengthening our community.
- [Why Recent Litigation Supports Planning First](https://homerunsmatter.com/why-recent-litigation-supports-planning-first/) - As St. Petersburg considers the 86-acre Historic Gas Plant site, recent litigation highlights why structure and sequencing matter.
- [Gas Plant Redevelopment: Only Two Full-Site Proposals](https://homerunsmatter.com/gas-plant-eight-submissions/) - Only two full-site proposals were submitted for St. Petersburg’s 86-acre Gas Plant redevelopment. Here’s what the other six proposals include.
- [The Mayor Should Reconsider](https://homerunsmatter.com/the-mayor-should-reconsider/) - St. Petersburg City Council voted 6–2 to pause Gas Plant redevelopment and plan first. Why select a developer before defining the framework?
- [Order Matters at the Gas Plant](https://homerunsmatter.com/order-matters-at-the-gas-plant/) - Tampa Bay Times op-ed arguing St. Petersburg should pause the Gas Plant redevelopment process and define its own planning first.
- [$750,000 for a party!  Who cares when kids can't read.](https://homerunsmatter.com/750000-for-a-party/) - St. Petersburg city leaders are close to finalizing the budget for the new fiscal year. According to Bay New 9, the budget includes more than $700,000 to celebrate the five year anniversary of the new pier. At the same time the city says it won’t fund a program designed to ensure Black children in St. Pete are learning to
- [Flooding in St. Pete is getting worse, and funding remains a significant hurdle - why?](https://homerunsmatter.com/flooding-in-st-pete-funding-remains-a-signficant-hurdle-why/)
- [St. Petersburg did not do the right thing!](https://homerunsmatter.com/st-petersburg-did-not-do-the-right-thing/) - Here are the thoughts of a concerned St. Petersburg resident: I realize that “I told you so!”, may sound unsympathetic, but in this case, it’s hard to resist! Over the past year, the citizens involved in “No Home Run have repeatedly emphasized the financial risks that St. Petersburg and Pinellas County would accept if they
- [Your Vote Matters](https://homerunsmatter.com/your-vote-matters/) - Our community needs your vote. We are St. Petersburg residents who created the website No Home Run to provide taxpayers the financial facts about the proposed new baseball stadium for the Gas Plant District. Over 70% of you who responded to the Mason Dixon survey said that you did not want $700 million of your
- [Can we still afford a new stadium - Part 1](https://homerunsmatter.com/can-we-afford-it/) - According to a new article in the Catalyst, Stadium bond docs shed light on St. Pete storm losses, the St. Petersburg City Council has delayed meeting until November 21 to vote to as to whether to approve borrowing $417 million to pay for part of a new baseball stadium for the Rays. Currently, with interest,
- [Can we still afford a new stadium - Part 2 - Resiliency](https://homerunsmatter.com/can-we-afford-a-new-stadium-part-2-resiliency/) - waiting and hoping 5 years. $740 Million. Is that even enough?After two major historic storms visited St. Petersburg, we are still in the beginning stages of assessing damages, and costs. Some homeowners are hopeful to rebuild, others besides themselves with grief and despair, many deciding to sell and leave. Businesses are doing their own ROI
- [Protect our homes and our beaches - or fund a stadium? - we can't afford both](https://homerunsmatter.com/our-homes-or-a-stadium-we-cant-have-both/) - Jeremy Tollberg, a contributing columnist for Home Runs Matter writes: I’d like to know if our city council thinks we should be prioritizing every dollar spent to protect citizens after these devastating storms. Do any council members think a stadium should take priority over its people? After hearing the most recent reports on the damage
- [St. Petersburg City Council - Protect our Homes. Pinellas County Commissioners - Protect our Beach.  We can't afford a stadium.](https://homerunsmatter.com/st-petersburg-city-council-protect-our-homes-pinellas-county-commissioners-protect-our-beach-we-cant-afford-a-stadium/) - As we face the increasing threat of hurricanes, the urgency for St. Petersburg and Pinellas County to prioritize infrastructure over a new baseball stadium has never been clearer. With recent storms revealing the vulnerabilities in our systems, we must ask ourselves: can we afford to neglect our homes, our beaches, and our citizens? Investing in hurricane preparedness and essential upgrades is crucial for safeguarding our community's future. Join the conversation about protecting our city and ensuring the well-being of all residents. The time for decisive action is now—our future depends on it.
- [A building and its contents paint a picture of what's important and what can be.](https://homerunsmatter.com/a-building-and-its-contents-paint-a-picture-of-what-is-important-and-what-can-be/) - Later in November, both the St. Petersburg City Council and the Pinellas County Board of Commissioners will each vote as to whether to borrow, with interest, more than $1.2 billion – about $600 million each – to pay for a new baseball stadium. Without positive votes by each, it seems impossible for the stadium deal
- [Prioritizing citizens' needs](https://homerunsmatter.com/prioritizing-citizens-needs/) - Below we’re sharing an email to the St. Petersburg City Council and the Pinellas County Board of Commissioners from a local citizen, Jeremy Tollberg. Based on conversations with many residents, I think it expresses the feelings of many people. The Council Members and the Commissioners need to hear from us. Please use this link to
- [Your Leadership Matters Now More than Ever](https://homerunsmatter.com/we-need-your-leadership-now/) - Yesterday, I sent the email below to business and community leaders in St. Petersburg and Pinellas County. I’m sharing that email here because we all need to be leaders – directly calling and emailing the St. Petersburg City Council Members and the Pinellas County Commissioners. We need to let them know why it’s important to
- [Stop the flooding - we can make it happen faster.](https://homerunsmatter.com/stop-the-flooding-what-you-need-to-know/) - ST. Petersburg faces $5 billion in needed infrastructure repairs to stop the hurricane flooding and keep our toilets running.
- [Mayor Welch:  St. Pete can move forward without the Rays](https://homerunsmatter.com/mayor-welch-st-pete-can-move-forward-without-the-rays/) - Mayor Ken Welch acknowledges that St. Petersburg can move on with the Tampa Bay Rays
- [$121 million! Where are our priorities???](https://homerunsmatter.com/121-million-where-are-our-priorities/) - Jimmy Butler is clearly a great a basketball player. But the recent news of Jimmy Butler’s trade to the Golden State Warriors, accompanied by a staggering two-year, $121 million contract, brings to light a pressing issue: the allocation of public funds for sports stadiums. It’s perplexing that municipalities continue to pour taxpayer dollars into these
- [St. Pete's Unstoppable Growth: Let's Do It Right](https://homerunsmatter.com/st-petes-unstoppable-growth/) - Another entertainment district doesn’t fit St. Pete's identity. Let's prioritize culture and connection.
- [Seven Gas Plant Proposals, One Missing Plan](https://homerunsmatter.com/seven-ggas-plant-proposals-st-petersburg/) - A detailed look at the seven Gas Plant redevelopment proposals and why St. Petersburg must define its planning framework before selecting any developer.
- [St. Petersburg City Council Leadership: What Matters Most](https://homerunsmatter.com/st-petersburg-city-council-leadership/) - What good leadership should look like from St. Petersburg City Council, and how voters can evaluate candidates as key decisions shape the city’s future.
- [As the St. Petersburg Mayoral Race Begins](https://homerunsmatter.com/st-petersburg-mayoral-race-good-leadership/) - As the St. Petersburg mayoral race begins, what leadership should voters expect from the next mayor of a billion-dollar city?
- [The Night I Stopped Going to Hockey Games](https://homerunsmatter.com/hockey-fighting-message-to-kids/) - A lifelong hockey fan reflects on the night he stopped going to NHL games — and asks what message fighting in hockey sends to kids watching the sport.
- [Transform a child's life - be a Lunch Pal](https://homerunsmatter.com/transform-a-childs-life/) - Transform a child's life. Be a mentor, a Lunch Pal at Lakewood Elementary School. Be the difference, be a friend, be inspired.
- [City Council Voted to Pause and Plan — Why That Matters](https://homerunsmatter.com/city-council-vote-pause-and-plan/) - Why the St. Petersburg City Council voted 6–2 to pause and plan before moving forward on the Gas Plant site—and what the vote was, and was not, about.
- [Sunset the St. Pete. downtown CRA - sounds good](https://homerunsmatter.com/its-time-to-let-downtown-st-pete-stand-on-its-own/) - St. Petersburg - let's sunset the Intown CRA - City Council member Richie Floyd think so and we do to. These funds will better be used to stop flooding and more
- [The hidden risk of speaking at St. Pete City Council: Why privacy must be protected](https://homerunsmatter.com/protect-speaker-privacy/) - Speaking at St. Pete City Council shouldn't mean risking your privacy. Learn how the city can protect public speakers while staying within state la
- [Our Message to the Pinellas County Commissioners](https://homerunsmatter.com/nov-19-message/) - Today, I wrote to the Pinellas County Commissioners (my entire email is published below). If you are in agreement, call or email them asap.Here is a list of the commissioners. Brian Scott – brscott@pinellas.gov 727 464 3360 Dave Eggers – deggers@pinellas.gov 727 464 3276Chris Latvala – clatvala@pinellas.gov 727 464 3278 Kathleen Peters – kpeters@pinellasl.gov 727 464 3568 Rene Flowers –
- [Residents Write Electors About Rays Stadium - Updated 11/18/24](https://homerunsmatter.com/citizen-letters/) - CITIZEN LETTERS TO THEIR REPRESENTATIVES We ask people to tell us what they think and here are their comments which I have sent on to the St. Petersburg City Council Members and the Pinellas County Board of Commissioners: -Citizen Submission- Dear Pinellas County CommissionersI hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express
- [Where are our priorities?  Rethinking the public funding of sports stadiums.](https://homerunsmatter.com/where-are-out-priorities-rethinking-the-public-funding-of-sports-stadiums/) - Where Are Our Priorities? In short: Public Funding for Stadiums: We are funding billion-dollar stadiums for wealthy team owners while facing severe infrastructure issues like flooding and failing sanitation systems. False Promises of Economic Benefits: Claims that new stadiums will attract tourists and drive economic activity often fall flat, as seen in St. Petersburg with
- [Stadiums don't have to cost taxpayers](https://homerunsmatter.com/100000-seats-2-6-billion-cost-no-taxpayers-money/) - Manchester United can build a $2.6 billion stadium without taxpayer support. Why can't we do that in the U.S.? Why do the Rays need $2.4 billion?
- [81 Miles and the road ahead for St. Petersburg's future.](https://homerunsmatter.com/81-miles-and-the-road-ahead-for-st-petersburgs-future/) - Riding a bike 81 miles and planning for the development of the Historic Gas Plant site in St. Petersburg have a lot in common - planning and a what matters.
- [Step  into the  room  where we make things happen](https://homerunsmatter.com/step-into-the-room-where-we-make-things-happen/) - We started at No Home Run to focus on the $2.4 billon Rays stadium deal when so much more matters. Now that it is dead we will focus on what really matters.
- [The Last Thing St. Pete Needs Is a Trop Extension](https://homerunsmatter.com/tropicana-field-extension/) - A deeper look at why St. Petersburg shouldn’t extend the Tropicana lease. Hot weather, hurricanes, $5 billion for sewers - a baseball extension is a bad play
- [Don’t "Build It and Hope They’ll Come": Why a Convention Center Isn’t the Answer for the Gas Plant](https://homerunsmatter.com/dont-build-it-and-hope-theyll-come-why-a-convention-center-isnt-the-answer-for-the-gas-plant/) - With a new push for a convention center at what will be the former Trop, now's the time to ask: are we repeating past mistakes? Let's plan smarter
- [Gas Plant Vision - A Better First Step](https://homerunsmatter.com/gas-plant-planning-start-with-experts-community-not-a-convention-center-study/) - A convention center study isn’t the answer for the Gas Plant. Real progress starts with community input, not recycled plans that failed before
- [The Convention Center Debate: Off or On the Mark?](https://homerunsmatter.com/mayor-welch-and-st-petersburgs-convention-center-debate-getting-the-facts-first/) - St. Petersburg's Gas Plant site will not be ready for redevelopment for three years. Let's not waste time and money and whether a convention center fits in now.
- [Letter to City Council](https://homerunsmatter.com/gas-plant-plan-first-letter/) - A letter urging St. Petersburg City Council to stop a proposal-first process and require City-led planning before any Gas Plant development
- [What I Told City Council Today About the Gas Plant Site](https://homerunsmatter.com/what-i-told-city-council-today-about-the-gas-plant-site/) - After speaking at City Hall, Ron Diner explains why planning first at the Gas Plant site protects $1 billion in public value and long-term City control.
- [Why Gas Plant Proposals Prove City-Led Planning Works](https://homerunsmatter.com/gas-plant-proposals-city-led-planning/) - A close look at Gas Plant redevelopment proposals—and why they reveal the need for city-led planning, strong governance, and long-term public value.
- [The Record Is Clear: The City Can Plan the Gas Plant](https://homerunsmatter.com/city-led-planning-gas-plant/) - St. Petersburg has shown it can plan the Gas Plant site. The record is clear: plan-first, city-led redevelopment protects long-term value for St Pete.
- [Why Selling the Gas Plant All at Once Is Too Risky](https://homerunsmatter.com/why-selling-the-gas-plant-all-at-once-is-too-risky/) - Why selling the Gas Plant all at once is too risky—and how planning first protects over $1B in public value while preserving flexibility and accountability.
- [Two Different Approaches to Redeveloping the Gas Plant Site](https://homerunsmatter.com/planning-first-vs-proposal-first-gas-plant/) - St. Petersburg faces two paths for the Gas Plant site. This post explains why city-led planning first may better deliver housing, jobs, and long-term benefits.
- [How St. Petersburg Ensures It Does Not Screw Up the Gas Plant](https://homerunsmatter.com/gas-plant-rules-governance/) - How governance—not proposals—can keep Gas Plant redevelopment priorities stable across elections and protect long-term public value.
- [Moving Forward — But Based on What?](https://homerunsmatter.com/moving-forward-but-based-on-what/) - Mayor Ken Welch has now made clear that he intends to move forward with selecting a developer for the Tropicana Field site. He has stated that the City has already spent enough time planning and that now is not the time to pause the process. Mayor Welch has noted that nine proposals were submitted during
- [The Gas Plant Redevelopment:  Why Community Planning Should Come First](https://homerunsmatter.com/the-gas-plant-redevelopment-why-community-planning-should-come-first/) - Learn why St. Petersburg's Gas Plant redevelopment must prioritize a community-driven plan before any construction begins - ensure inclusive growth and success
- [Why stadium subsidies fail - lessons from St. Pete and DC](https://homerunsmatter.com/why-stadium-subsidies-fail-st-petersburg-dc/) - Stadium subsidies promise growth but deliver corporate welfare. Learn from St. Petersburg's failed Rays deal and why the Washington Commanders is just as bad
- [ST. Petersburg's proposed Rays stadium deal is a strikeout for the city.](https://homerunsmatter.com/st-petersburgs-proposed-rays-stadium-deal-is-a-strikeout-for-the-city/) - The Tampa Bay Times published our Opinion on Dec. 24, 2023. 1 year later, our opinions have not changed. Opinion We couldn’t help ourselves. As longtime St. Petersburg residents who spent our Wall Street careers analyzing hundreds of deals, we had to dig into the Historic Gas Plant redevelopment deal between the Rays-Hines group and
- [Stadium subsidies are bad deals for communities like St. Petersburg](https://homerunsmatter.com/stadium-subsidies-are-bad-deals-for-communities-like-st-petersburg/) - In July, the agreement to build a new baseball stadium for the Rays was signed, with St. Pete to contribute $287.5 million, Pinellas County $312.5 million and the Rays $700 million. The Rays also agreed to pay any cost overruns. But in November, the Rays said the costs have gone up and they cannot afford
- [Is it time to move on from the Rays deal?  Here's one answer.](https://homerunsmatter.com/is-it-time-to-move-on-from-the-rays-deal-heres-one-answer/) - As published in the Tampa Bay Times, 01/03/25 Isn’t it time for the Rays to move on? The Tampa Bay Rays are blaming a 21-day pause by the Pinellas County Commission for massive cost overruns and a year-long delay in completing their proposed new stadium. On Oct. 29, the county deferred a vote on stadium
- [How to set priorities?  What would Bill Maher say?](https://homerunsmatter.com/ok-lets-talk-about-priorities/) - What would Bill Maher say about the St. Pete hurricanes and the Rays stadium. Read our post to find out what even Mayor Welch has to say.
- [Pinellas County Save Your Money - Beaches are Expensive](https://homerunsmatter.com/fixing-beaches-expensive-pinellas/) - Pinellas County is spending $125 million to renourish beaches—mostly funded by Tourist Development Tax. Why protecting our beaches matters more than stadiums.
- [Does D.C. Need to Waste $1 Billion on a Stadium ? ](https://homerunsmatter.com/d-c-really-need-a-stadium-to-redevelop/) - Washington D.C. plans to spend $1B on a $3.7B Commanders stadium. Studies show stadiums don’t drive growth—smart RFK redevelopment could.
- [A New Woodson Museum would benefit by waiting](https://homerunsmatter.com/woodson-museum-gas-plant-planning/) - Plans for a new Woodson African American Museum in St. Pete would benefit for waiting until the entire 86-acre Gas Plant site is planned
- [Gas Plant Redevelopment: Plan First, Sell Later](https://homerunsmatter.com/gas-plant-plan-first-sell-later/) - Selling St. Pete’s Gas Plant now undervalues the land and locks out the community. Planning first ensures value, vision, and respect for history.
- [Time to Sunset the Downtown CRA](https://homerunsmatter.com/time-to-sunset-the-downtown-cra/) - The downtown CRA outlived its purpose. With the stadium deal dead, St. Petersburg should end the CRA and redirect funds citywide.
- [Thirty Days to Redevelop the Gas Plant? Rushing Now Makes No Sense ](https://homerunsmatter.com/gas-plant-30-day-window-plan-first/) - St. Petersburg shouldn’t rush 30-day developer proposals for the Gas Plant. City Council must pause, plan first, and lead a city-wide, community-driven vision.
- [St. Pete’s 30-Day Gas Plant Plan Not Legal — and Not Best for the City.](https://homerunsmatter.com/st-pete-gas-plant-redevelopment-florida-law/) - St. Pete’s 30-day Gas Plant plan skips required CRA steps. Florida law says a redevelopment plan must come first — plan before you build.
- [Stop 30 Days and 90 — Plan First for St. Pete](https://homerunsmatter.com/stop-this-process/) - City Council should stop the 30-day Gas Plant process, reject a 90-day RFP, and plan first—protecting St. Pete’s public land, value, and future.
- [Council Must Act Now: Plan First for the Gas Plant](https://homerunsmatter.com/council-must-act-now-plan-first-for-the-gas-plant-dont-rush-to-developers/) - A 30-day proposal-first process puts the Gas Plant and the public at risk. St. Petersburg needs planning first to protect value and guide future development.
- [City Council:  Stop This Proposal-First Plan](https://homerunsmatter.com/stop-proposal-first-plan/) - St. Petersburg must plan first, not rush into developer proposals that lock in low land values and risk public control. City Council reject proposal-first now.
- [Proposal-First Leaves City Council No Choice](https://homerunsmatter.com/proposal-first-leaves-city-council-no-choice/) - Why proposal-first forces City Council into an impossible position—and why smart cities plan first with a City-led framework and Community Advisory Council.
- [Equity First Means Planning First — Before Any Property Is Sold](https://homerunsmatter.com/equity-first-means-planning-first-before-any-property-is-sold/) - Fairness First Means Planning First — Before Any Property Is SoldWhat is happening right nowThe City is currently reviewing private developer proposals for the future of the former Gas Plant site. Those proposals do not begin with a City-led plan. Instead, they assume that major decisions about streets, infrastructure, and land disposition have already been
- [The Important Role of the Arts in the Gas Plant’s Future](https://homerunsmatter.com/the-important-role-of-the-arts-in-the-gas-plants-future/) - How St. Petersburg’s arts and cultural identity should shape the future of the 86-acre Gas Plant site and drive community, economic, and cultural opportunity.
- [Tangerine Plaza’s Troubles Show Why St. Pete Must Plan First at the Gas Plant](https://homerunsmatter.com/tangerine-plaza-warning-gas-plant-plan-first/) - Tangerine Plaza’s delays - why St. Petersburg must use planning-first at the Gas Plant. A CAC, national planner, and parcel strategy protect public value.
- [Buying a car is worse than the dentist.](https://homerunsmatter.com/buying-a-car-is-worth-than-the-dentist/) - Why Buying a Car Feels Like Going to War (and Why It Shouldn’t) Let’s get real—buying a car is worse than going to the dentist. You walk into the dealership hoping for a smooth ride, but instead, you’re thrown into a high-stakes chess game where every move you make feels rigged against you. It’s frustrating,
- [A win for St. Pete. - Not just for me.](https://homerunsmatter.com/a-win-for-st-pete-not-just-for-me/) - I ran into a friend today who congratulated me on the Rays deal falling through in St. Pete. But this was never about me—it’s about a win for the city. When I asked her opinion: “What do you think about about the proposed stadium deal”. She said she didn’t care either way. But what about
- [John Morgan Gets It Right: Stadium Deals Aren’t "For the People"](https://homerunsmatter.com/john-morgan-gets-it-right-stadium-deals-arent-for-the-people/) - John Morgan walks away from Orlando baseball, warning that stadium deals favor the wealthy. We agree - he’s ‘for the people’ when it comes to sports subsidies.
- [Our kids are way behind - why don't we focus on what matters](https://homerunsmatter.com/floridas-education-crisis-lets-invest-in-what-really-matters/) - Florida’s education system is in crisis—nearly half of students can’t read or do math at grade level. As the Gas Plant site is redeveloped, we have a chance to invest in what really matters. This post explores the problem and how people and businesses can help—starting now.
- [The Gas Plant: Transformative Next Steps for a Great Future](https://homerunsmatter.com/the-gas-plant-after-the-trop-what-should-be-next/) - St. Petersburg has the opportunity to develop the Gas Plant property that will be vacated by Rays Baseball into a tremendous asset for the city.
- [A legacy for St. Pete: Let's plan it together](https://homerunsmatter.com/our-moment-vision-and-plan/) - St. Pete can turn the Gas Plant into a park that honors our past, strengthens community, attracts visitors, and delivers long-term economic and social returns
- [This Is Our Moment: A Bold, People-First Vision to Transform the Gas Plant into St. Pete’s Next Great Legacy](https://homerunsmatter.com/redeveop-the-gas-plant/) - St. Pete has a rare chance to reshape the Gas Plant into a walkable, inclusive, and job-creating neighborhood rooted in culture and community.”
- [Breaking Down the Rays Deal: Reese’s Controversial Stance](https://homerunsmatter.com/examining-gwendolyn-reeses-support-for-the-rays-stadium-deal/) - Gwendolyn Reese discussed the Rays Hines development proposal for the Historic Gas Plant District in St. Petersburg Florida
- [Protect Privacy:  Fix St. Pete Public Comment Rules](https://homerunsmatter.com/protect-privacy-fix-st-pete-public-comment-rules/) - St. Petersburg City Council - protect speakers by changing the rules for speaking at a meeting. Eliminate the needs for giving your address
- [Half-baked?  Let's cook up a better stadium solution together.](https://homerunsmatter.com/half-baked-not-a-good-recipe/) - Response to Graham Brink’s Rays stadium proposal. Why a two-city, split-season plan for the Tampa Bay Rays is a half-baked idea—and what Tampa Bay should do
- [Stadiums over sewers? 5 who struck out - learn a lesson!](https://homerunsmatter.com/stadiums-over-sewers-council-failure/) - 5 St. Petersburg City Council members voted for a new baseball stadium when the city has over $5 billion in needed improvements to protect us from floods
- [Stadium deal - a better outcome.  Our complete analysis.](https://homerunsmatter.com/stadium-deal-our-analysis/) - Stadium Deal - Our Complete Analysis A better opportunity for St. Petersburg, Pinellas County and the RaysThe Tampa Bay Rays baseball team’s 30 year lease at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg was set to end after the 2027 season. In September, 2023 the Rays and the city signed an agreement to build a new $1.3
- [Our Response to Tampa Times Editorial Board](https://homerunsmatter.com/official-response-to-tampa-times-editorial-board/) - Subject: Response to “Pinellas Has Too Much at Stake to Scuttle Rays Stadium Deal” Editorial Dear Tampa Bay Times Editorial Board, I am writing to express my concerns regarding your recent editorial entitled “Pinellas Has Too Much at Stake to Scuttle Rays Stadium Deal” published on November 15th. You stated that it would be a
- [Why are taxpayers funding a failing business - a business that blames its failure on us.](https://homerunsmatter.com/why-are-taxpayers-funding-a-failing-business-a-business-that-blames-its-failure-on-us/) - The Tampa Bay Rays are blaming cost overruns on St. Pete and Pinellas County. Maybe they should look in the mirror
- [St. Pete and the Rays - time to settle up now.](https://homerunsmatter.com/st-pete-and-the-rays-time-to-settle-up-now/) - The Rays stadium deal with St. Petersburg is dead. Now the city and the Rays should negotiate a settlement for the team to move on. Knock down Tropicana Field
- [Join me - Mentor at Lakewood Elementary](https://homerunsmatter.com/join-me-mentor-at-lakewood-elementary/) - Imagine spending just 30 minutes once a week to brighten a child’s life. Join me as a mentor—become a Lunch Pal—at Lakewood Elementary School in St. Petersburg and make a lasting difference. Eight years ago, I started mentoring at Mount Vernon Elementary, where I met Tommy, a young boy living in a group home with
- [Lunch Pals is making an impact - what people are saying](https://homerunsmatter.com/lunch-pals-is-making-an-impact-what-people-are-saying/) - What Oprah is saying“I think mentors are important and I don’t think anybody makes it in the world without some form of mentorship. Nobody makes it alone. Nobody has made it alone.” “A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself.” What Lunch Pals are saying“This has been the most humbling
- [USF - you've got your facts wrong](https://homerunsmatter.com/usf-youve-got-your-facts-wrong/) - USF’s The Crows Nest has it wrong. Richie Floyd has it right. The new baseball stadium costs the City of St. Petersburg residents $1.6 billion not $429 million. The Rays/Hines partnership that has made the deal with St. Petersburg has not pledged to build 1,250 affordable housing units. It can walk from that commitment with a
- [Wasting millions more? $7M and counting.](https://homerunsmatter.com/did-st-petersburg-already-waste-548000/) - City Council has now approved spending $6.5 million more to clean up and start remediating damage to the stadium. All without knowing where the Rays stand, or if indeed the Trop can or will ever be brought back to its former glory in time for play in 2025. This new money is in addition $548K
- [What's delaying votes for the stadium?](https://homerunsmatter.com/curious-bond-voting-schedule/) - Both the St. Petersburg City Council and Pinellas County Commission have curiously re-scheduled their dates to vote on bond approvals for the new Rays stadium funding until after the upcoming election November 5. The new dates where the bonds come up for vote are: St. Petersburg City Council – November 21 Pinellas County Commission –
- [St. Pete saved $275,000 and may lose $75 million.](https://homerunsmatter.com/john-romano-st-pete-saved-275000-and-may-lose-75-million/) - St. Petersburg resident John Sinibaldi sent a response to John Romano’s January 6 article in the Tampa Bay Times about the cost and effort to repair Tropicana Field after the hurricane damage. Mr. Sinibaldi did not receive a response. Here is Mr. Sinibaldi’s letter to Romano: John, I’m no fan of the deal the
- [St. Petersburg belongs to its people.  Not the Rays.](https://homerunsmatter.com/st-petersburg-belongs-to-its-people/) - $56 Million for a Stadium Set to Be Demolished: Misplaced Priorities in St. Petersburg City officials are scrambling to justify spending $56 million on Tropicana Field repairs by claiming it’s essential for “community events.” They argue the stadium isn’t just for baseball—it’s a hub for graduations, expos, and gatherings. But this narrative is a smokescreen
- [New stadium?  Old stadium?  What is going on?](https://homerunsmatter.com/new-stadium-old-stadium-what-is-going-on/) - The city of St. Petersburg has entered into a massive deal with Tampa Bay Rays to build a new stadium and develop all of the land around it. But two hurricanes later, the current stadium in tatters and no certainty about its future, and the Rays not sure they can afford a new stadium, what
- [Fix the Trop?  A better idea for St. Pete, Pinellas - and the Rays](https://homerunsmatter.com/elementor-6398/) - Why Fix the Trop? The Costs, Risks, and a Smarter Alternative – for St Pete, the Rays and Pinellas County. I don’t get it. Why are the Rays and the City of St. Pete even considering fixing Tropicana Field? Two hurricanes have shown us the real risks of rebuilding. Just look on Zillow—at least 150
- [Story Building](https://homerunsmatter.com/story-building/) - Story Building Game A great opportunity to make a positive impact! Here’s a fun and engaging activity you could try in 20 minutes: Objective: Use creativity and teamwork to build a story together. Materials: A notebook and pen or a digital device for writing. Steps: Start the Story: Begin with a simple and open-ended sentence
- [Two truths and a wish](https://homerunsmatter.com/mentor-idea-two-truths-and-a-wish/) - Activity: Swap Two Truths and a Wish… Objective: Build trust, encourage storytelling, and inspire hope. What You Need: Just a piece of paper (optional). Step-by-Step Plan (30 min): Check-In & Warm-Up (5 min): Ask, What is the funniest thing that happened this week? or What is something you are proud of? Explain the Game (2
- [For a first visit](https://homerunsmatter.com/for-a-first-visit/) - Being a mentor is being a trusted friend who supports and listens to someone who needs to know that they are not alone and there is someone there valuing them. Being your best mentor is looking back at the mentors that you had growing up. Those mentors who listened and nurtured your social-emotional development when
- [Last chance to avoid a major mistake](https://homerunsmatter.com/last-chance-to-avoid-a-major-mistake/) - In July, I posted my comments below. Now, after two hurricanes, it is clear we cannot afford the Rays/Hines deal and the county commissioners should not vote to borrow funds for a new stadium. We need to save the money for the more frequent need to re-nourish our beaches – from the hurricanes that are
- [City Council - Last Call For Sanity on the Rays/Hines Deal](https://homerunsmatter.com/city-council-last-call-for-sanity-on-the-rays-hines-deal/) - By Tom Mullins and Ron Diner As every pub-crawler knows, when the bartender shouts “last call”, the right thing to do is straighten up and make good decisions – even when your dizzy, less responsible buddies are pressuring you to do the opposite. July 18th is the date for the definitive St. Petersburg city council
- [Ed - its decision time.  And you can't have it both ways.](https://homerunsmatter.com/ed-its-decision-time-and-you-cant-have-it-both-ways/) - *It appears St. Petersburg City Council Member Ed Montanari (R) will be the one determining the outcome of the Rays/Hines deal and whether $1.6 billion in taxpayer subsidies in corporate welfare to private entities Rays Hines is in the best interest of our city. Ed – it’s decision time – you can’t have it both
- [Baseball?  The risk to our tourist dollars.  And no return on investment](https://homerunsmatter.com/baseball-the-risk-to-our-tourist-dollars-and-no-return-on-invesfment/) - Pinellas County imposes a six (6) percent Tourist Development Tax, also referred to as the ‘Bed Tax’, which short-term renters are required to pay while staying in the county. The revenue collected is utilized by Visit St. Pete/Clearwater for tourism promotion, beach restoration post-storms, support for attractions such as the renowned Salvador Dali Museum, and
- [Last chance to avoid a major mistake](https://homerunsmatter.com/last-chance-to-avoid-a-major-mistake-2/) - In July, I posted my comments below. Now, after two hurricanes, it is clear we cannot afford the Rays/Hines deal and the county commissioners should not vote to borrow funds for a new stadium. We need to save the money for the more frequent need to re-nourish our beaches – from the hurricanes that are
- [Why renegotiation is needed for the Rays/Hines deal](https://homerunsmatter.com/why-renegotiation-is-needed-for-the-rays-hines-deal/) - The Rays/Hines deal has been a topic of much debate and controversy in St. Petersburg and Pinellas County. Many residents and community organizations, such as No Home Run, believe that renegotiation is necessary to ensure that the deal benefits the local community and avoids a costly mistake.The current deal, is seen as a $2.4 billion
- [Peggy Noonan never forgot the fire - St. Pete and Pinellas shouldn't forget the floods.](https://homerunsmatter.com/6022-2/) - In her July 18 Wall Street Journal column, Peggy Noonan wrote about a fire that burned down her family home when she was a child. As she put it, you never really get over a fire. It changes the way you see things. You understand that some things—basic things, like safety, security, and survival—are essential,
- [Figgs-Sanders - Intelligence and Truth does matter.](https://homerunsmatter.com/figgs-sanders-intelligence-and-truth-does-matter/) - Why Intelligence and Truth Matters in Leadership Every December, the St. Petersburg City Council selects its chairperson and vice-chairperson for the upcoming year. It’s a significant vote, as these roles set the tone for the Council’s work, guiding discussions and decisions that impact the entire city. This year, Council Member Lisset Hanewicz was among those
- [St. Pete maintains its outside investor focus in the face of disaster](https://homerunsmatter.com/st-pete-maintains-its-outside-investor-focus-in-the-face-of-disaster/) - St. Pete Maintains Its Outside Investor Focus in the Face of Disaster As St. Petersburg struggles to recover from the devastation left by Hurricanes Milton and Helene, city leaders have made it clear where their priorities lie—and it’s not with the residents still picking up the pieces. Instead of focusing on rebuilding homes, supporting small
- [While Rays and City dither, voters have overwhelmingly rejected stadium deal](https://homerunsmatter.com/voters-overwhelmingly-reject-stadium-deal/) - The Rays, St. Petersburg, and Pinellas County have signed a deal with the Rays to build a new stadium. The deal calls for St. Pete to put up $287.5 million, the county $312.5 million, and the Rays $700 million. The Rays are required to pay cost overruns. Now the Rays say the costs have gone
- [The beaches - the county's primary economic driver - not baseball](https://homerunsmatter.com/the-beaches-the-countys-primary-economic-driver-not-baseball__trashed/) - As the St. Pete Catalyst reports, “Deficient beach infrastructure increased storm flooding. “During a visit to Indian Rocks Beach to assess the damage from the two hurricanes that hit us in two weeks, County Board of Commissioner Chair Kathleen Peters pointed out how critical the beaches are in protecting people and property and propelling the
- [Rays stadium deal: How city and county leaders played right into their hands](https://homerunsmatter.com/rays-stadium-deal-how-city-and-county-leaders-played-right-into-their-hands/) - The problem with the Tampa Bay Rays stadium deal has always been clear: the city and county leaders gave the team an offer they couldn’t refuse, and despite the Rays’ public complaints and apparent threats, the deal still remains in place. In fact, the recent approval of the deal only reinforces how outplayed the local
- [Rays show us the money. We'll put up ours after you put up yours. And after Mayor Welch cleans up the mess.](https://homerunsmatter.com/the-county-cannot-approve-the-sale-of-bonds-for-a-new-stadium-until-material-terms-are-met/) - Pinellas County is scheduled to vote on Tuesday as to whether to approve the sale of bonds to pay its $312.5 million share of a new stadium. But the County does not have to show their money now. In fact it shouldn’t. The Ray’s are supposed to show the county, the city and all of
- [A path forward...Pinellas County must wait to vote until Mayor Welch can negotiate a new deal with the Rays, or it's time to move on without baseball.](https://homerunsmatter.com/a-path-forward-pinellas-county-must-wait-to-vote-until-mayor-welch-can-to-negotiate-a-new-deal-with-the-rays-or-its-time-move-on-without-baseball/) - The Pinellas County Board of Commissioners should not vote Tuesday to approve the sale of bonds to help pay for a new stadium. The Rays say the deal no longer works for them. WHERE WE’VE BEEN AND WHERE WE ARE…St. Petersburg’s Mayor Ken Welch presented the St. Petersburg City Council and the Pinellas County Board
- [Borrow for a stadium before we have a deal? The city and the county did the right thing.](https://homerunsmatter.com/borrow-the-money-before-we-have-a-deal/) - Before the St. Petersburg city council meeting on November 21, I spoke to the press. It was before the council was to vote as to whether to borrow the funds to pay the city’s share of a new stadium’s cost. (The county, which also plans to borrow funds to pay its share of the stadium
- [A Legal Viewpoint](https://homerunsmatter.com/wcb-memo/) - To: City of St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch, Council Chair Deborah Figgs-Sanders, Council Member Copley Gerdes, council Member Brandi Gabbard, Council Member Lisset Hanewicz, Council Member Gina Driscoll, Council Member John Muhammad, Council Member Richie Floyd, City Attorney Jackie Kovilaritch The New Stadium Project and the Historic Gas Plant Development Projects are inextricably connected. When
- [Tampa Bay was not ready - St. Pete. lost its focus](https://homerunsmatter.com/tampa-bay-was-not-ready-st-pete-lost-its-focus/) - As reported by the Tampa Bay Times in their recent article: Two hurricanes swamped Tampa Bay’s flood defenses , and rainfall problems were aggravated by pipes and pumps that did not do their job.“Sewage stations backed up. Drainage systems were overwhelmed. But experts say there are upgrades possible to prevent future flooding.” As the Times
- [Growing conern about Tampa Bay water](https://homerunsmatter.com/growing-conern-about-tampa-bay-water/) - “There are growing concerns over the health of Tampa Bay waters after Hurricanes Helene and Milton hit,” according to a new report by Fox 13. As reported, 68 million gallons of sewage was spilled into St. Pete. waterways. “People aren’t moving here to sit in traffic on 4th street. They are coming because of our
- [St. Pete. needs $1 billion to fix seawalls - we can't afford a stadium.](https://homerunsmatter.com/st-pete-needs-1-billion-to-fix-seawalls-we-cant-afford-a-stadium/) - As reported by the St. Pete. Catalyst, Critically damaged St. Pete seawall costs soar. According to Brejesh Prayman, engineering and capital improvements director for the City of St. Petersburg, the cost to replace just sidewalk and seawall at the Vinoy Yacht Basin is $3.38 million. I say just, because the article points out that “St.
- [Flooding - we need to pay  attention](https://homerunsmatter.com/flooding-we-need-to-pay-attention/) - No matter what the cause, the climate is changing. And presenting new and different challenges that we’ve often never encountered in the past or have experienced. Our disaster and emergency management systems have been tested of late. But it could have been worse. The Tampa Bay region could have taken a direct hit, the worst-case
- [Milton takes a swipe at symbols of pending priorities](https://homerunsmatter.com/public-subsidy-for-a-stadium-with-prior-plans-pushed-down-the-list/) - Thomas Hallock writes in Creative Loafing Op-ed: The shredded Trop and a fallen crane illustrate the foolishness in St. Pete’s priorities about the destroyed Rays baseball famed dome roofing. Here are some of our neighbor’s comments when asked about the article:“Our little piece of paradise has been sold under our feet.”“Keep building greed and don’t protect
- [Ed Montanari is a strike out](https://homerunsmatter.com/ed-montanari-is-striking-out/) - Ed Montanari is running for the Florida State House. As a current member of the St. Petersburg City Council, his strike out at the most critical moment – when it really counted – would keep him in the minor leagues at best. With that record, should he make it to the Florida State House? He
- [Raymond James Donates Big](https://homerunsmatter.com/raymond-james/) - Raymond James donates $11M to hurricane recovery relief in St. Petersburg.
- [Lisset Hanewicz has her eye on the ball](https://homerunsmatter.com/lisset-hanewicz-has-her-eye-on-the-ball/) - St. Petersburg City Council member Lisset Hanewicz knows what is important – what matters to make lives better. Hanewicz, along with council members Richie Floyd, and John Muhammad know what is important – and what is not – to make St. Petersburg, Florida a better place to live for everyone. They voted no on the
- [Ed Montanari - proven leader?](https://homerunsmatter.com/ed-montanari-proven-leader/) - Rep Adam Anderson is endorsing Montanari for House District 60. According to Florida Politics – “Ed is a proven fighter who Pinellas residents can count on to help lower insurance rates and make our communities affordable again” Really? – Ed just voted to give $1.4 billion of St. Pete. assets ($6,000 for every man, woman,
- [100 Good Guys recognizes 3 that matter](https://homerunsmatter.com/100-good-guys-recognizes-3-that-matter/) - At the September 17th 100 Good Guys meeting, three community organizations focusing on what matters to make lives better were recognized.Congratulations to Parc Center for Disabilities and their Disabilities Supported Employment Services program that was awarded $10,000. This program empowers adults with intellectual and development disabilities to secure and maintain real jobs.Also receiving recognition and
- [Richie Floyd cares about what matters](https://homerunsmatter.com/richie-floyd-cares-about-what-matters/) - St. Petersburg City Council member Richie Floyd cares about what matters to make life better. Richie Floyd, along with Council members Lisset Hanewicz, and John Muhammad voted no on the Rays/Hines deal to build a new baseball stadium in St. Pete. This project will absorb $1.6 billion of St. Petersburg's resources - $6,000 for every
- [100 Good Guys St Pete](https://homerunsmatter.com/elementor-2141/) - 100 Good Guys is one of more than 650 similar organizations located worldwide that focus on coordinating funding for local charitable organizations to make a difference in the community. Those who chose to participate join the giving circle that donates to local non-profits engaged in activities that increase opportunities for prosperity in the St Petersburg, FL area. The
- [100 Women Who Care St. Petersburg](https://homerunsmatter.com/100-women-who-care-st-petersburg/) - 100 Women Who Care is a 100% volunteer organization that values that there is much good work to do! It’s an opportunity to get to know more nonprofits, and philanthropic women. Participants meet for one hour with the hope to provide $10,000 to local non-profit that night, At the meeting, you hear from nonprofits that
- [John Muhammad - thanks for caring](https://homerunsmatter.com/john-muhammad-thanks-for-caring/) - St. Petersburg City Council member John Muhammad cares what matters to make lives better. Thanks. As a member of the City Council, along with members Hanewicz and Floyd, Muhammad voted no on the Rays/Hines deal to build a new baseball stadium. Muhammad recognized that while baseball is nice, it is not what matters. What matters
- [Deborah Figgs-Sanders is no home run for St. Petersburg](https://homerunsmatter.com/deborah-figgs-sanders-is-no-home-run-for-st-petersburg/) - Deborah Figgs-Sanders is running for reelection to the St. Petersburg City Council. History shows she does not focus on what matters. While the City of St. Petersburg was considering the proposal from the Rays for a new stadium, City Council Chair Sanders also led the Community Benefits Council – to evaluate the benefits of the
- [Flooding - It's time to care](https://homerunsmatter.com/flooding-its-time-to-care/) - St. Pete residents address City Council on flooding. Days after a small storm – flooding is still prevalent in many areas. Where are the needed infrastructure repairs on the list of city priorities now? They clearly were not high on the list when Council Members Brandi Gabbard, Copley Gerdes, Gina Driscoll, Ed Montanari, and Deborah
- [Lindsay Cross or Ed Montanari?](https://homerunsmatter.com/lindsay-cross-or-ed-montanari/) - Lindsay Cross is for lowering insurance premiums. Ed Montanari voted to spend $1.6 billion of St. Pete’s assets for a baseball stadium when there are $5 billion in needed sewer and storm water improvement that would fix flooding and keep insurance rates lower. Who is really focused on what matters to make lives better?What do

## Pages

- [Home page](https://homerunsmatter.com/) - Home Runs Matter is a civic platform focused on ideas, leadership, redevelopment, and opportunities to make life better in St. Petersburg and beyond.
- [Add Your Name to the Letter to the Mayor](https://homerunsmatter.com/add-your-name-to-the-letter-to-the-mayor/) - Sign the Letter: Pause the Gas Plant Process and Plan FirstSt. Petersburg is considering one of the most important redevelopment decisions in the city’s history. The Historic Gas Plant District consists of approximately 86 acres of publicly owned land in the heart of our city. The decision made today will affect St. Petersburg for generations.I have
- [Add Your Name](https://homerunsmatter.com/add-your-name/) - Sign the Letter: Pause the Gas Plant Process and Plan FirstSt. Petersburg is considering one of the most important redevelopment decisions in the city’s history. The Historic Gas Plant District consists of approximately 86 acres of publicly owned land in the heart of our city. The decision made today will affect St. Petersburg for generations.I have
- [The Best Cities Plan First](https://homerunsmatter.com/the-best-cities-plan-first/) - Eleven examples of city-led redevelopment show how cities planned first, created the framework, and shaped their future before development began.
- [About](https://homerunsmatter.com/about-us/) - Helping St. Pete make smarter decisions - jobs, housing, resiliency, and creating opportunities for every child and resident to reach their full potential.
- [Open Letter to City Council 5-2026](https://homerunsmatter.com/open-letter-to-city-council-5-2026/) - Open Letter to the St. Petersburg City Council Regarding the Historic Gas Plant SiteTo the Members of the St. Petersburg City Council:On February 5, City Council voted 6–2 in support of a planning-first approach for the future of the Historic Gas Plant site.After attending and reviewing the City’s April 30 public meeting regarding the four
- [Your Perspective](https://homerunsmatter.com/your-perspective/) - If you have read a recent post on Home Runs Matter and have a reaction, a suggestion, or a different point of view, I’d like to hear from you. Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Name *EmailWhat topic are you responding to? suggestions
- [Gas Plant - Plan First Letter to Mayor](https://homerunsmatter.com/plan-first-mayor/) - On February 5, the St. Petersburg City Council voted 6–2 to pause the current developer-selection process for the 86-acre Historic Gas Plant site and to establish a comprehensive planning framework before proceeding.If you agree – that Mayor Welch and the City should follow that resolution and define its own planning framework before advancing any particular
- [Support the Planning-First Resolution](https://homerunsmatter.com/planning-first-resolution/) - St. Petersburg City HallTake Action: Add Your Name in Support of Planning FirstSt. Petersburg is making a once-in-a-generation decision about 86 acres of publicly owned land at the heart of the city.Many people privately agree the City should plan this site first, but private agreement doesn’t count. If residents don’t add their names, City Council
- [Thank You](https://homerunsmatter.com/thank-you/) - Thank you for signing the letter. Your submission has been received. Please contact me with any questions - homerunsmatter@gmail.com Thanks. Ron Diner
- [Take Action - ask city council to plan first.](https://homerunsmatter.com/take-action-plan-first/) - Take Action: Ask City Council to Plan FirstSt. Petersburg is making a once-in-a-generation decision about nearly 90 acres of publicly owned land at the heart of the city.If you believe City Council should stop the proposal process and insist on planning first — in public, with real community input — this is how to make
- [Contact  Your Representative](https://homerunsmatter.com/contact-your-representative/) - If you want, we can send your email. See BelowTo email St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch:mayor@stpete.org To email all City Council – email City Council Admin:jayne.ohlman@stpete.org At the top of the your email say “Please distribute to all City Council Members.” St. Pete Council Member’s Individual Email and Phone NumbersCopley Gerdes copley.gerdes@stpete.org 727 551 3528Brandi Gabbard brandi.gabbard@stpete.org 727 893 4096Mike Harting mike.harting@stpete.org
- [Contact](https://homerunsmatter.com/contact/) - Get in Contact Questions? Comments on our posts? Story ideas? Want to get involved? Send us a message and we’ll get right back to you. Or call.We look forward to connecting. Email: homerunsmatter@gmail.comPhone: 813 816 0182
- [Subscribe](https://homerunsmatter.com/subscribe/) - Enter your email below to subscribe to Home Runs Matter on Substack and receive new posts directly in your inbox
- [Lakewood Lunch Pals](https://homerunsmatter.com/lakewoodlunchpals/) - Be the difference. Be a friend. Be inspired. Imagine spending just 30 minutes once a week to brighten a child’s life. Join me as a mentor—become a Lunch Pal—at Lakewood Elementary School in St. Petersburg and make a lasting difference. My experience: Eight years ago, I started mentoring at Mount Vernon Elementary, where I met
- [Lunch Pals - How it works](https://homerunsmatter.com/lunch-pals-how-it-works/) - Lunch Pals Program Overview Vision: 100% Student Achievement Mission: Every child has someone who cares. Program Goals: Support a child’s social and emotional development. Support academic gains. Improve school involvement and attendance. Provide an exceptional experience for Lunch Pals and their students. What Are the Benefits of Being a Lunch Pal? Mentoring can be life-changing
- [Corporate and Community Opportunities](https://homerunsmatter.com/corporate-and-community-opportunities/) - On behalf of Lakewood Elementary and Pinellas County Schools, I am reaching out to invite your organization to become a Partner in the Lunch Pals mentoring program. By joining us, you can make a significant impact in the lives of children, helping them thrive academically and personally. During my 40 years at Raymond James, I
- [Lunch Pals is making an impact - what people are saying](https://homerunsmatter.com/lunch-pals-is-making-an-impact-what-people-are-saying/) - What Oprah is saying“I think mentors are important and I don’t think anybody makes it in the world without some form of mentorship. Nobody makes it alone. Nobody has made it alone.” “A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself.” What Lunch Pals are saying“This has been the most humbling
- [Ron Diner](https://homerunsmatter.com/ron-diner-2/) - Welcome to Home Runs Matter. I founded Home Runs Matter as a platform to draw more attention to what matters to make life better – for everyone. I see Home Runs Matter as a place for (1.) Advocating – for what matters when decisions need to be made, and focusing on who is making the

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## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://homerunsmatter.com/category/uncategorized/)
- [Elections](https://homerunsmatter.com/category/politics/)
- [Let's help our kids](https://homerunsmatter.com/category/lakewoodlunchpals/)
- [Issues that matter](https://homerunsmatter.com/category/issues-that-matter-in-st-petersburg/)
- [The Latest](https://homerunsmatter.com/category/the-latest/)
- [Hits and Misses](https://homerunsmatter.com/category/home-runs/)
- [The Stadium Deal](https://homerunsmatter.com/category/stadium-deal/)
- [Ideas for mentors](https://homerunsmatter.com/category/mentor-ideas/)
- [Gas Plant - After the Trop](https://homerunsmatter.com/category/gas-plant-after-the-trop/) - Explore the future of St. Pete's most valuable land - once home to Tropicana Field and the Historic Gas Plant district. Commonsense vision for what comes next
- [Perspective](https://homerunsmatter.com/category/perspectives/) - Personal reflections on the values that shape stronger communities
- [Community Impact](https://homerunsmatter.com/category/community-impact/) - What’s working in our community to strengthen St. Petersburg
- [Essentials](https://homerunsmatter.com/category/essentials/)

## Tags

- [Ed Montanari](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/ed-montanari/)
- [flooding](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/flooding/)
- [Figg-Sanders](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/figg-sanders/)
- [Rays](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/rays/)
- [St. Petersburg Pier](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/st-petersburg-pier/)
- [educationm](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/educationm/)
- [People who matter](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/people-who-matter/)
- [lisset hanewicz](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/lisset-hanewicz/)
- [John Muhammad](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/john-muhammad/)
- [insurance costs](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/insurance-costs/)
- [Lindsay Cross](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/lindsay-cross/)
- [Richie Floyd](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/richie-floyd/)
- [USF](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/usf/)
- [Gina Driscoll](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/gina-driscoll/)
- [Copley Gerdes](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/copley-gerdes/)
- [Deborah Figg-Sanders](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/deborah-figg-sanders/)
- [Brandi Gabbard](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/brandi-gabbard/)
- [100 good guys](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/100-good-guys/)
- [parc center for disabilities](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/parc-center-for-disabilities/)
- [Family center on deafness](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/family-center-on-deafness/)
- [what matters](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/what-matters/)
- [richie](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/richie/)
- [st. petersburg city council](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/st-petersburg-city-council/)
- [pinellas county commission](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/pinellas-county-commission/)
- [rays baseball](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/rays-baseball/)
- [tropicana field](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/tropicana-field/)
- [Gas plant site](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/gas-plant-site/)
- [st. petersburg redevelopment](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/st-petersburg-redevelopment/)
- [city planning](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/city-planning/)
- [community development](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/community-development/)
- [Rays stadium deal](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/rays-stadium-deal/)
- [st. Pete infrastructure](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/st-pete-infrastructure/)
- [sewer system crisis st. pete](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/sewer-system-crisis-st-pete/)
- [stormwater flooding st. pete](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/stormwater-flooding-st-pete/)
- [fema funding cust st. pete](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/fema-funding-cust-st-pete/)
- [#tampabayrays](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/tampabayrays/)
- [#mlb](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/mlb/)
- [#baseball stadium](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/baseball-stadium/)
- [#tropicana field](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/tropicana-field-2/)
- [#smartergrowth](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/smartergrowth/)
- [#taxpayermoney](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/taxpayermoney/)
- [#majorleaguebaseball](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/majorleaguebaseball/)
- [civic engagement](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/civic-engagement/)
- [St. petersburg community](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/st-petersburg-community/)
- [home runs matter](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/home-runs-matter/)
- [local leadership](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/local-leadership/)
- [community impact](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/community-impact/)
- [civic innovation](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/civic-innovation/)
- [rays stadium opposition](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/rays-stadium-opposition/)
- [st. pete civic movement](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/st-pete-civic-movement/)
- [Home runs roundtable](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/home-runs-roundtable/)
- [bold civic ideas](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/bold-civic-ideas/)
- [community think tank](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/community-think-tank/)
- [Rick Baker St. Pete](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/rick-baker-st-pete/)
- [St. Pete affordable housing](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/st-pete-affordable-housing/)
- [Gas Plant District](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/gas-plant-district/)
- [Mayor Ken Welch](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/mayor-ken-welch/)
- [Equitable development](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/equitable-development/)
- [Urban planning](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/urban-planning/)
- [Tampa Bay jobs](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/tampa-bay-jobs/)
- [St. Pete economic opportunity](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/st-pete-economic-opportunity/)
- [Community-first development](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/community-first-development/)
- [St. Pete master planning](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/st-pete-master-planning/)
- [African American History Museum St. Pete](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/african-american-history-museum-st-pete/)
- [St. Pete real estate](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/st-pete-real-estate/)
- [St. Petersburg parks](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/st-petersburg-parks/)
- [Florida community development](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/florida-community-development/)
- [Local arts and culture](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/local-arts-and-culture/)
- [Mixed-use neighborhoods](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/mixed-use-neighborhoods/)
- [Moffitt Cancer Center](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/moffitt-cancer-center/)
- [Green space planning](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/green-space-planning/)
- [St. Petersburg FL](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/st-petersburg-fl/)
- [Downtown St. Pete](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/downtown-st-pete/)
- [public space](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/public-space/)
- [rick baker vision](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/rick-baker-vision/)
- [central park](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/central-park/)
- [boston common](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/boston-common/)
- [roi of parks](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/roi-of-parks/)
- [tourist attraction](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/tourist-attraction/)
- [Speaker privacy](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/speaker-privacy/)
- [public comment policy](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/public-comment-policy/)
- [florida public records law](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/florida-public-records-law/)
- [City Council meetings](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/city-council-meetings/)
- [Resident verification](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/resident-verification/)
- [Sunshine law compliance](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/sunshine-law-compliance/)
- [first amendment rights](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/first-amendment-rights/)
- [local government transparency](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/local-government-transparency/)
- [St. Petersburg](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/st-petersburg/)
- [Stadium Lease](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/stadium-lease/)
- [Infrastructure](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/infrastructure/)
- [St. Petersburg Gas Plant District](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/st-petersburg-gas-plant-district/)
- [Tropicana Field redevelopment](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/tropicana-field-redevelopment/)
- [Smart growth Florida](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/smart-growth-florida/)
- [gas plant redevelopment](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/gas-plant-redevelopment/)
- [convention center](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/convention-center/)
- [st. petersburg planning](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/st-petersburg-planning/)
- [public land use](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/public-land-use/)
- [pinellas county](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/pinellas-county/)
- [tourist development tax](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/tourist-development-tax/)
- [feasibility studies](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/feasibility-studies/)
- [Mayor Welch](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/mayor-welch/)
- [Public vs Private Investment](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/public-vs-private-investment/)
- [Economic Development](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/economic-development/)
- [Taxpayer Money](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/taxpayer-money/)
- [Market-Driven Development](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/market-driven-development/)
- [RFI and RFP Process](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/rfi-and-rfp-process/)
- [Florida Politics](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/florida-politics/)
- [Community Vision](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/community-vision/)
- [urban development](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/urban-development/)
- [Gas Plant](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/gas-plant/)
- [fiscal responsibility](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/fiscal-responsibility/)
- [community planning](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/community-planning/)
- [stadium subsidies](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/stadium-subsidies/)
- [corporate welfare](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/corporate-welfare/)
- [taxpayer funding](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/taxpayer-funding/)
- [stadium deals](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/stadium-deals/)
- [community advisory council](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/community-advisory-council/)
- [public funds](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/public-funds/)
- [Washington Commanders](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/washington-commanders/)
- [economic impact studies](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/economic-impact-studies/)
- [Pinellas beaches](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/pinellas-beaches/)
- [beach renourishment](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/beach-renourishment/)
- [Tampa Bay tourism](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/tampa-bay-tourism/)
- [hurricane protection](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/hurricane-protection/)
- [TDT tax](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/tdt-tax/)
- [Florida infrastructure](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/florida-infrastructure/)
- [beach erosion](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/beach-erosion/)
- [local government spending](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/local-government-spending/)
- [Sunset Beach](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/sunset-beach/)
- [RFK redevelopment](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/rfk-redevelopment/)
- [DC stadium deal](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/dc-stadium-deal/)
- [billionaire owners](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/billionaire-owners/)
- [Josh Harris](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/josh-harris/)
- [Muriel Bowser](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/muriel-bowser/)
- [public financing](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/public-financing/)
- [stadium economics](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/stadium-economics/)
- [urban redevelopment](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/urban-redevelopment/)
- [sports stadium costs](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/sports-stadium-costs/)
- [no public subsidies](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/no-public-subsidies/)
- [Woodson African American Museum](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/woodson-african-american-museum/)
- [St. Petersburg museum](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/st-petersburg-museum/)
- [African American history](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/african-american-history/)
- [St. Pete cultural attractions](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/st-pete-cultural-attractions/)
- [Black history museum](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/black-history-museum/)
- [Afrofuturism architecture](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/afrofuturism-architecture/)
- [Florida museums](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/florida-museums/)
- [St. Petersburg tourism](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/st-petersburg-tourism/)
- [Museum expansion](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/museum-expansion/)
- [Community cultural center](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/community-cultural-center/)
- [Tropicana Field site](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/tropicana-field-site/)
- [St. Pete development](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/st-pete-development/)
- [urban planning Florida](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/urban-planning-florida/)
- [community-centered development](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/community-centered-development/)
- [affordable housing St. Pete](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/affordable-housing-st-pete/)
- [honoring Gas Plant history](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/honoring-gas-plant-history/)
- [plan first sell later](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/plan-first-sell-later/)
- [downtown CRA](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/downtown-cra/)
- [city council](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/city-council/)
- [stadium funding](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/stadium-funding/)
- [community priorities](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/community-priorities/)
- [HomeRunsMatter](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/homerunsmatter/)
- [affordable housing](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/affordable-housing/)
- [public land](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/public-land/)
- [Urban Land Institute](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/urban-land-institute/)
- [ARK Invest proposal](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/ark-invest-proposal/)
- [Casey Ellison](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/casey-ellison/)
- [Pinellas County Housing Authority](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/pinellas-county-housing-authority/)
- [Envisioning the Gas Plant](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/envisioning-the-gas-plant/)
- [public process](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/public-process/)
- [planning before selling](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/planning-before-selling/)
- [inclusive development](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/inclusive-development/)
- [St. Pete growth](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/st-pete-growth/)
- [Community Redevelopment Area (CRA)](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/community-redevelopment-area-cra/)
- [Florida Statute 163](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/florida-statute-163/)
- [Redevelopment Law](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/redevelopment-law/)
- [Public Land Policy](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/public-land-policy/)
- [Plan Before You Build](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/plan-before-you-build/)
- [St. Pete Growth and Development](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/st-pete-growth-and-development/)
- [Economic Development Florida](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/economic-development-florida/)
- [Public Accountability](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/public-accountability/)
- [City Planning Process](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/city-planning-process/)
- [Land Use and Zoning](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/land-use-and-zoning/)
- [arts](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/arts/)
- [redevelopment](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/redevelopment/)
- [cultural planning](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/cultural-planning/)
- [James Museum](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/james-museum/)
- [community investment](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/community-investment/)
- [public art](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/public-art/)
- [economic mobility](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/economic-mobility/)
- [housing opportunity](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/housing-opportunity/)
- [St. Pete culture](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/st-pete-culture/)
- [creative economy](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/creative-economy/)
- [Planning First](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/planning-first/)
- [St. Petersburg Development](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/st-petersburg-development/)
- [Public Land Decisions](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/public-land-decisions/)
- [Community Engagement](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/community-engagement/)
- [Land Value Capture](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/land-value-capture/)
- [Redevelopment Strategy](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/redevelopment-strategy/)
- [St. Pete](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/st-pete/)
- [Proposal-First](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/proposal-first/)
- [Community Benefits](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/community-benefits/)
- [Land Value](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/land-value/)
- [Ellison ARK Horus](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/ellison-ark-horus/)
- [Rays Hines](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/rays-hines/)
- [Planning Process](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/planning-process/)
- [St. Pete Politics](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/st-pete-politics/)
- [Public Wealth](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/public-wealth/)
- [Long-Term Planning](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/long-term-planning/)
- [city-led development](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/city-led-development/)
- [civic leadership](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/civic-leadership/)
- [public assets](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/public-assets/)
- [proposal-first process](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/proposal-first-process/)
- [city-led planning](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/city-led-planning/)
- [strong mayor government](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/strong-mayor-government/)
- [public land development](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/public-land-development/)
- [civic governance](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/civic-governance/)
- [municipal planning](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/municipal-planning/)
- [public value](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/public-value/)
- [parcel by parcel development](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/parcel-by-parcel-development/)
- [Sunshine Law](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/sunshine-law/)
- [city council authority](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/city-council-authority/)
- [urban planning best practices](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/urban-planning-best-practices/)
- [St. Petersburg Florida](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/st-petersburg-florida/)
- [parks and public space](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/parks-and-public-space/)
- [city council responsibility](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/city-council-responsibility/)
- [long-term public value](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/long-term-public-value/)
- [downtown redevelopment](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/downtown-redevelopment/)
- [planning before proposals](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/planning-before-proposals/)
- [after-school programs](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/after-school-programs/)
- [flood resilience](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/flood-resilience/)
- [community governance](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/community-governance/)
- [redevelopment process](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/redevelopment-process/)
- [community oversight](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/community-oversight/)
- [local government](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/local-government/)
- [transparency](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/transparency/)
- [Tropicana Field site future](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/tropicana-field-site-future/)
- [Gas Plant master plan](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/gas-plant-master-plan/)
- [St. Pete urban planning](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/st-pete-urban-planning/)
- [Public land redevelopment](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/public-land-redevelopment/)
- [Downtown St. Petersburg development](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/downtown-st-petersburg-development/)
- [plan first](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/plan-first/)
- [redevelopment risk](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/redevelopment-risk/)
- [form-based zoning](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/form-based-zoning/)
- [governance](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/governance/)
- [long-term value](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/long-term-value/)
- [public stewardship](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/public-stewardship/)
- [minority-owned businesses](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/minority-owned-businesses/)
- [governance rules](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/governance-rules/)
- [strong mayor system](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/strong-mayor-system/)
- [long-term development](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/long-term-development/)
- [Historic Gas Plant District](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/historic-gas-plant-district/)
- [St. Pete Gas Plant](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/st-pete-gas-plant/)
- [86-acre Gas Plant site](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/86-acre-gas-plant-site/)
- [St. Pete development proposals](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/st-pete-development-proposals/)
- [Gas Plant master developer](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/gas-plant-master-developer/)
- [St. Petersburg infrastructure planning](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/st-petersburg-infrastructure-planning/)
- [CRA funding](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/cra-funding/)
- [Intown CRA](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/intown-cra/)
- [public land stewardship](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/public-land-stewardship/)
- [St. Pete civic policy](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/st-pete-civic-policy/)
- [Florida urban redevelopment](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/florida-urban-redevelopment/)
- [Historic Gas Plant](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/historic-gas-plant/)
- [Ken Welch](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/ken-welch/)
- [Public Policy](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/public-policy/)
- [Gas Plant site planning](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/gas-plant-site-planning/)
- [Plan first redevelopment](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/plan-first-redevelopment/)
- [Municipal governance](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/municipal-governance/)
- [Fiduciary responsibility](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/fiduciary-responsibility/)
- [National planning standards](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/national-planning-standards/)
- [Urban land planning](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/urban-land-planning/)
- [Public infrastructure sequencing](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/public-infrastructure-sequencing/)
- [Competitive bidding process](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/competitive-bidding-process/)
- [Affordable housing policy](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/affordable-housing-policy/)
- [Flood resilience planning](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/flood-resilience-planning/)
- [Property tax reform Florida](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/property-tax-reform-florida/)
- [St. Petersburg civic engagement](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/st-petersburg-civic-engagement/)
- [St. Pete redevelopment](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/st-pete-redevelopment/)
- [master developer](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/master-developer/)
- [downtown St. Petersburg](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/downtown-st-petersburg/)
- [development proposals](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/development-proposals/)
- [infrastructure sequencing](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/infrastructure-sequencing/)
- [Master Developer Model](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/master-developer-model/)
- [Development Risk](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/development-risk/)
- [Competitive Process](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/competitive-process/)
- [Hockey](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/hockey/)
- [Fighting in Hockey](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/fighting-in-hockey/)
- [Youth Sports](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/youth-sports/)
- [Sports Culture](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/sports-culture/)
- [Kids and Sports](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/kids-and-sports/)
- [Sportsmanship](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/sportsmanship/)
- [Community Values](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/community-values/)
- [Mentoring](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/mentoring/)
- [Lunch Pals](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/lunch-pals/)
- [St. Petersburg mayor](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/st-petersburg-mayor/)
- [mayoral race](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/mayoral-race/)
- [city leadership](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/city-leadership/)
- [public leadership](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/public-leadership/)
- [leadership](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/leadership/)
- [public input](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/public-input/)
- [government transparency](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/government-transparency/)
- [accountability](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/accountability/)
- [elections](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/elections/)
- [local elections](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/local-elections/)
- [decision making](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/decision-making/)
- [mayor](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/mayor/)
- [advisory council](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/advisory-council/)
- [public trust](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/public-trust/)
- [mayor leadership](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/mayor-leadership/)
- [ULI](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/uli/)
- [community input](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/community-input/)
- [redevelopment proposals](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/redevelopment-proposals/)
- [Planning](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/planning/)
- [Development](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/development/)
- [St. Pete City Council](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/st-pete-city-council/)
- [city governance](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/city-governance/)
- [development process](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/development-process/)
- [master planning](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/master-planning/)
- [infrastructure planning](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/infrastructure-planning/)
- [land use](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/land-use/)
- [ULI Advisory Services](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/uli-advisory-services/)
- [developer selection](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/developer-selection/)
- [transparency in government](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/transparency-in-government/)
- [local politics](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/local-politics/)
- [land use planning](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/land-use-planning/)
- [government accountability](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/government-accountability/)
- [Florida](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/florida/)
- [Stapleton Denver](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/stapleton-denver/)
- [Central Park Denver](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/central-park-denver/)
- [Civitas](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/civitas/)
- [real estate development](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/real-estate-development/)
- [zoning](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/zoning/)
- [Boys & Girls Clubs](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/boys-girls-clubs/)
- [Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tampa Bay](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/boys-girls-clubs-of-greater-tampa-bay/)
- [youth development](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/youth-development/)
- [education](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/education/)
- [at-risk youth](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/at-risk-youth/)
- [Hillsborough County](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/hillsborough-county/)
- [Pasco County](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/pasco-county/)
- [nonprofit](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/nonprofit/)
- [social impact](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/social-impact/)
- [making a difference](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/making-a-difference/)
- [personal growth](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/personal-growth/)
- [volunteering](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/volunteering/)
- [social responsibility](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/social-responsibility/)
- [purpose](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/purpose/)
- [mental well-being](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/mental-well-being/)
- [civic involvement](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/civic-involvement/)
- [youth mentoring](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/youth-mentoring/)
- [mentorship](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/mentorship/)
- [life skills](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/life-skills/)
- [giving back](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/giving-back/)
- [Tampa Bay](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/tampa-bay/)
- [stormwater](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/stormwater/)
- [resilience](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/resilience/)
- [taxes](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/taxes/)
- [property taxes](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/property-taxes/)
- [GO bond](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/go-bond/)
- [public finance](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/public-finance/)
- [St Pete Marina](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/st-pete-marina/)
- [phased development](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/phased-development/)
- [Foundation Vision Partners](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/foundation-vision-partners/)
- [Ellison Ark Hourus](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/ellison-ark-hourus/)
- [Burg Bid](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/burg-bid/)
- [Public Infrastructure](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/public-infrastructure/)
- [St. Petersburg Politics](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/st-petersburg-politics/)
- [city government](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/city-government/)
- [public-private partnerships](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/public-private-partnerships/)
- [Rick Baker](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/rick-baker/)
- [parks](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/parks/)
- [St. Pete Catalyst](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/st-pete-catalyst/)
- [Rays stadium](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/rays-stadium/)
- [appraisal](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/appraisal/)
- [stadium deal](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/stadium-deal/)
- [stewardship](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/stewardship/)
- [Tampa Bay Rays](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/tampa-bay-rays/)
- [government stewardship](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/government-stewardship/)
- [stadium financing](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/stadium-financing/)
- [taxpayer responsibility](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/taxpayer-responsibility/)
- [appraisals](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/appraisals/)
- [city-led redevelopment](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/city-led-redevelopment/)
- [public planning](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/public-planning/)
- [Atlantic Yards](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/atlantic-yards/)
- [Foxconn](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/foxconn/)
- [Miami Marlins Ballpark](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/miami-marlins-ballpark/)
- [Power and Light District](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/power-and-light-district/)
- [Hunters Point Shipyard](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/hunters-point-shipyard/)
- [Detroit redevelopment](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/detroit-redevelopment/)
- [Taxpayer Value](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/taxpayer-value/)
- [Smart Growth](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/smart-growth/)
- [Booker Creek](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/booker-creek/)
- [citizen advisory council](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/citizen-advisory-council/)
- [Blake Investment Partners](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/blake-investment-partners/)
- [Vision Control Value](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/vision-control-value/)
- [I-175](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/i-175/)
- [Interstate 175](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/interstate-175/)
- [Vision](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/vision/)
- [Vision First](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/vision-first/)
- [Comprehensive Plan](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/comprehensive-plan/)
- [Campbell Park](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/campbell-park/)
- [Neighborhood Connectivity](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/neighborhood-connectivity/)
- [Walkability](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/walkability/)
- [Urban Design](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/urban-design/)
- [Transportation Planning](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/transportation-planning/)
- [Equity](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/equity/)
- [Historic Gas Plant Community](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/historic-gas-plant-community/)
- [Cities Should Plan Developers Should Develop](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/cities-should-plan-developers-should-develop/)
- [St. Pete Commons](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/st-pete-commons/)
- [urban parks](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/urban-parks/)
- [The Burg Bid](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/the-burg-bid/)
- [city control](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/city-control/)
- [St. Petersburg Election](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/st-petersburg-election/)
- [St. Pete Mayor](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/st-pete-mayor/)
- [City Council District 6](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/city-council-district-6/)
- [Charlie Crist](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/charlie-crist/)
- [City of St. Petersburg](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/city-of-st-petersburg/)
- [Deuces Rising](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/deuces-rising/)
- [taxpayer dollars](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/taxpayer-dollars/)
- [public spending](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/public-spending/)
- [financial analysis](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/financial-analysis/)
- [independent review](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/independent-review/)
- [Graham Brink](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/graham-brink/)
- [Tampa Bay Times](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/tampa-bay-times/)
- [Municipal Marina](https://homerunsmatter.com/tag/municipal-marina/)