Thursday's stadium meeting will start at 1:15 p.m.
This just in from City Hall: Though Thursday's council meeting begins at 8:30 a.m., the City Clerk has set the time for the baseball discussion to begin at 1:15 p.m. (It will not begin before 1:15 p.m.) Also, because it's a report item on the City Council agenda, people will not be allowed to speak -- unless the council specifically allows it.
After three public hearings already, and something like 850 people weighing in, I'm expecting the council will proceed without reopening public debate.
The Tampa Bay Rays continue to pursue plans for a new baseball stadium. Host 
The referendum on keeping the same footprint is a great idea and, I believe, should begin a dialogue about building a Major League Soccer stadium. Why not? We already have a baseball stadium and a major league ballpark. More youngsters play soccer than any other sport, MLS is growing, we could host the state HS championship and other college tournaments, European exhbitions (i.e. Manchester United and others play at other small MLS stadiums) would fit perfectly with our downtown feel, Latin American teams would pack it in, reintroducing the "Tampa Bay Rowdies" would create an instant following. I say "Build the Waterfront SOCCER Stadium" and keep the existing stadium for another 10-15 years. Anyone feeling me?
Posted by: Walter Fernando | June 04, 2008 at 12:46 PM
Can you play cowbell while playing soccer?
Posted by: Tommy Lee | June 04, 2008 at 10:05 PM
Wow, Walter, I'm dumbfounded. But I think the principal in Billy Madison might've said it best, though:
Mr. Fernando, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.
Posted by: Mike | June 05, 2008 at 02:27 PM