Florida Cabinet approves Hillsborough land transfer for Rays stadium project

The Florida Cabinet voted to transfer 22 acres of Hillsborough College land at the Dale Mabry campus to the Rays for a planned Tampa stadium and mixed-use district, with the team expected to fund about half of the up-to-$2.3 billion cost and remaining funds from Tampa and county sources. The transfer includes conditions: the project must have certain components built within five years, and Hillsborough College will retain ownership of redeveloped buildings. Gov. DeSantis voiced support, noting potential state funding for college buildings, while some lawmakers raised concerns about taxpayer subsidies and ensuring a tangible economic return.