June 24, 2010

Squeeze Play

Despite a pending lawsuit by a concerned citizens group, a $32 million renovation project is underway at Ed Smith Stadium, the new spring training home of the Baltimore Orioles Major League Baseball team.  The same group requested an injunction last week to stop the project.  While a Sarasota County judge was considering the injunction, a contractor simultaneously was erecting a construction fence -- just in case the ruling was favorable for the construction to go on as planned.  As soon as the injunction was denied, crews started the demolition.  But, wait!  That's not the end of the baseball stadium saga which now is in its fifth year.  A trial gets underway next week in which the same concerned citizens group accuses local elected officials of making deals with the Orioles in the shadows.  Will the renovation be allowed to continue?  Stay tuned!  

10 comments:

T. Becque said...

This legal circle reminds me that Expedia was invovled in some sort of class action law suit, and I guess I was too, and I got a check today from the settelement - $2.47 -I'm not sure what to do with my good luck! :)

Leslie D. said...

Between the Ed Smith Stadium and the V-J Day statue there's a lot of controversy brewing in your your town. Reminds that I should post a photo of quazi Oriental building here that they almost tore down for being an eyesore.

SRQ said...

LD: Please post. I'd love to know what's considered an eyesore in your area. And, yes, there tends to be one controversy or another here. It's always interesting! Residents and business owners are very engaged in the community, which is much better than apathy.

Jim Klenke said...

Whatever the outcome, you have to get pictures from spring training next year. Heh, sports, my fav.

B SQUARED said...

This is a way of life in South Florida.

Holly Diane said...

Passions run high here. I agree, MUCH better than apathy!

Lois said...

Sounds like the lawyers are probably making a bundle off of that!

Joy said...

Well taken! Love the angle and the framing.

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Clueless in Boston said...

With that much money involved there has to be some payoffs to someone. I like baseball, but I can't fathom why some towns insist on giving such sweet deals to teams. There's never a payoff, only a pay out by taxpayers.

SRQ said...

The bulk of the renovation will be paid for with an increase in the Countywide tourist development tax (also known as a hotel bed tax). Funding also will come from a State of Florida grant....no local property taxes.