Orlando Magic’s Paolo Banchero (5) looks for a shot against Memphis Grizzlies’ Santi Aldama (7) during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2022, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
I don’t know Chris Latvala, the Pinellas County commissioner, but he has quickly become my favorite follow-on X. He spent the past week roasting anyone who insists the Tampa Bay Rays plan to move to Orlando. He even joked that he would support relocating the Orlando Magic to Clearwater.
Chris Latvala played a key role during the long and ultimately unsuccessful effort to build a Rays ballpark on the Gas Plant site under the team’s previous ownership group. As a state legislator representing Pinellas, he pushed for a framework that kept the Rays in the region and pressed St. Petersburg leaders to move faster on negotiations.
He backed the idea of redeveloping the Gas Plant district around a new stadium. He also grew frustrated with stalled talks, shifting political priorities, and the Rays’ inability to secure a firm financing plan.
Why Latvala Supports the Tampa Deal Now
Latvala now supports the Rays’ new deal in Tampa because he sees a more realistic and workable path to keeping the franchise anchored in the Tampa Bay market. He spent years watching the former ownership group fail to close the loop on financing and local agreements. He now backs a plan with momentum and a clear structure.
His support signals a pragmatic shift and a continuation of his mission. He still wants the Rays in the region. He just sees a better path through a different venue and a new ownership group.
His Voice Carries Weight in This Debate
Latvala’s role in the Gas Plant era gives weight to his current stance. He was not a casual observer. He was a key player in a process that the former Rays ownership walked away from. His endorsement of the Tampa plan carries political and symbolic value.
Backing the Tampa deal allows him to position himself as someone who keeps the long‑term interests of the region and the team front and center. The specifics changed. The mission stayed the same.
Keep up the great work for the citizens of Pinellas County with your X posts, Commissioner.
