Overview
- The Tampa City Council voted 4-3 Thursday not to transmit a comprehensive‑plan amendment for Hillsborough College’s Dale Mabry campus, blocking the state review that was scheduled to follow.
- The Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency removed the $100 million contribution item from its Aug. 20 agenda after a 5-2 vote, saying the CRA must take part in direct negotiations before committing funds.
- Rays CEO Ken Babby began one-on-one outreach to council members, meeting with Bill Carlson Friday to answer concerns and seek the direct engagement CRA members have demanded.
- Under the nonbinding framework, local governments could provide up to $976 million in public support, and officials warn unresolved land-use, school capacity, transportation and brownfield cleanup questions must be settled first.
- Council members who control the CRA say the agency is a separate legal party and insist on direct bargaining; negotiators are discussing alternatives such as a home‑rule tax increment financing district if council support remains uncertain.