Rays deal could redefine Tampa Bay's future, Weatherford argues

A Tampa Bay Times columnist argues that now is the moment to advance the Rays’ stadium and mixed-use district as a transformative public-private project, backing a committed ownership group and sustained regional collaboration. He cites prior local successes (USF Medical School, Water Street) as proof that bold, well-planned development can create jobs and raise Tampa Bay’s profile, and urges urgency over delay to avoid rising costs and missed opportunities, aiming to cement the region as a premier sports and leisure destination.