Rays stadium group learns ABCs of sunshine law
By Aaron Sharockman, Times Staff Writer
In print: Tuesday, September 16, 2008
ST. PETERSBURG — A coalition of civic and community leaders searching for a possible location for a new Tampa Bay Rays baseball stadium toiled in its first meeting Monday over how to conduct its work and comply with Florida's stringent public records laws.
Give Rays task force a chance to work
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
The opening lineup for a baseball task force is an impressive mix of corporate heavy hitters and civic leaders with proven records of community service. The sniping from some quarters that began as soon as the announcement was made is predictable and premature. But it reflects the considerable public interest and the challenges in ensuring Tampa Bay's future as a viable major league baseball market.
Why replace the Trop?
By Aaron Sharockman and Stephen Nohlgren, Times Staff Writers
In print: Sunday, September 7, 2008
For the first time in their 11 years, the Tampa Bay Rays are talking playoffs. Ticket sales are up 25 percent. Television ratings are growing even faster.
So why, in the middle of this surprising surge, are the Rays seeking a new stadium?
A Baseball Community Names Leadership Team
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (Sept. 4, 2008) – Jeff Lyash, chairman of A Baseball Community (ABC) announced today the members of the Leadership Team.
The goal was to assemble a strong group of community leaders who represent a diverse and inclusive set of perspectives and experiences. Selection involved: identifying candidates through self-nomination (mail and web site); nominations by the principal stakeholders: Pinellas County, the city of St. Petersburg, Tampa Bay Partnership, and the Rays; and input and nominations by the public-at-large.
Some more on the ABC coalition
Just got off the phone with coalition spokesperson Melissa Seixas. She says more than 300 people have applied for one of eight slots on Jeff Lyash's coalition. We're still waiting, however, to see if those names will be released.
Teamwork needed on Rays' options
In baseball or the corporate world, the idea is to build a team whose members offer a variety of skills and thoughts as they work toward a common goal. The opening pitch by the leader of a new community group that will build support for the Tampa Bay Rays and examine options for a new stadium reflects that philosophy. Now Progress Energy chief executive Jeff Lyash has to follow through with smart appointments and create a group that is inclusive but not divisive.
Search begins for Rays stadium coalition members
The coalition, which is called A Baseball Community, Inc., will have nine board members. ABC chairman Jeff Lyash hasn't explained how he ...
No easy wins for stadium panel
ST. PETERSBURG — So far, Jeff Lyash's only decision as head of a coalition seeking a new stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays is that the group should have nine members.
Announcement on Jeff Lyash's coalition
Jeff Lyash, chairman of a new community baseball coalition, will host a press conference Monday morning to discuss the group's mission and nomination process.
Lyash was named chairman of the coalition last month after the Tampa Bay Rays announced the team would delay its waterfront stadium proposal. Since that announcement, Lyash, CEO of Progress Energy Florida, has declined to discuss the group publicly, but his staff has said the public will be able to nominate individuals to serve on the coalition.
The press conference will be at EpiCenter at St. Petersburg College, 13805 58th St. N., Largo, Room 1-451 on 9 a.m. Monday.