During a recent city council meeting, community member Nick Carey passionately addressed the council, urging them to prioritize essential city services over funding for the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team. Speaking from the podium, Carey highlighted the pressing issues facing residents, including unaffordable housing, inadequate transportation, and insufficient childcare options. He pointed out that the city currently allocates maintenance funds for only a third of its roads and that many parks are in need of upkeep.

Carey emphasized the urgency of addressing these basic needs, particularly in light of the city's vulnerability to flooding and the ongoing climate crisis. He expressed frustration that while the Rays organization has the financial means to sustain itself, many residents are struggling to remain in the city due to economic pressures. \"The Rays don't make St. Pete special. We do,\" Carey stated, calling for a shift in focus towards investing in the community and its residents.

The meeting also noted that fellow speaker Jamica Williams was not present, but she had previously expressed opposition to the funding proposal for the Rays. The discussions reflect a growing concern among residents about the allocation of city resources and the need for a more community-centered approach to governance.