During a recent city council meeting, community leaders voiced strong concerns regarding the compliance and future of public signage in Historic Kenwood, as well as the implications of a proposed deal involving the Tampa Bay Rays.

One resident highlighted the ongoing issue of non-compliant signs in the neighborhood, urging the council to take action. The resident expressed frustration over the lack of clarity regarding the ordinance that led to the installation of these signs, which are now deemed problematic. They called for a decisive response from the council, suggesting that if the signs are no longer deemed valuable, they should be removed rather than left to deteriorate.

The discussion shifted dramatically when Andy Oliver, a local pastor, addressed the council about the Rays' proposed deal. He criticized the arrangement as a continuation of historical injustices faced by the Black community, referencing past exploitation and systemic disenfranchisement. Oliver emphasized that the current deal could violate federal and state laws, urging council members to reconsider their support for what he described as a \"land heist.\" He argued that the actions taken today are not separate from historical injustices but rather a continuation of them.

Dan Rodriguez, another speaker, echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the city's vibrant community while also recognizing its tragic history of disenfranchisement. He urged the council to hold accountable those involved in the deal with the Rays, advocating for fair property valuations and contract terms.

The meeting underscored a growing tension between community interests and city development plans, with residents calling for transparency and accountability in decision-making processes that affect their neighborhoods. As discussions continue, the council faces pressure to address these concerns while navigating the complexities of urban development and historical context.