Hillsborough doubts cast shadow over Rays stadium deal as funding shifts

Two Hillsborough County commissioners who previously backed the Rays stadium deal now question it, potentially upending the pact as the financing structure shifts: the city would lend $80 million and the Rays would borrow about $100 million, to be repaid with property‑tax revenues from a surrounding mixed‑use development. Commissioner Chris Boles says there’s no guaranteed county revenue and seeks written assurances on the development piece, while Commissioner Christine Miller questions the city’s share and warns of possible exposure (up to $380 million) after a related land‑use change stalled. With votes looming next week, the changing terms and political dynamics add new uncertainty to the deal.