Mayor Welch's Unwavering Commitment To Tropicana Field Redevelopment

Mayor Ken Welch stands firm in his commitment to redevelop Tropicana Field, a project that has been years in the making. His determination stems from a campaign promise to bring affordable housing and jobs to the Black community that was displaced by the construction of the Trop. The community's history is marked by broken promises, and Welch is resolute in his efforts to make things right. He recalls the time spent brokering a deal for a new stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays, only to have the team pull out after the devastating effects of Hurricane Milton in 2024. And now, despite a 6-2 vote from the City Council to pause the redevelopment process, Welch _ committed to moving forward. He acknowledges the council's request to create a plan for the 86-acre site but is adamant that progress will not be postponed. The administration will work on the council's request, but Welch's priorities are clear: building affordable housing and a new home for the Woodson African American Museum of Florida west of the Trop. These projects are crucial to the community, and Welch is driven to see them through. But the road ahead will not be easy. Other candidates, including retired fire chief James Large and former Shore Acres Civic Association president Kevin Batdorf, may pose

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