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Council approves continued emergency remediation and contracts for Tropicana Field repairs after storm damage
Summary
Council approved extension of remediation services, additional protective work and a continuity plan as the city continues repairs at Tropicana Field after storm damage; staff reported the total estimated repair cost has fallen from an initial $56 million estimate to roughly $38.5 million to date.
City staff updated the St. Petersburg City Council on the ongoing Tropicana Field remediation and repair effort following storm damage, and the council approved a package of related contract extensions and site‑security services on June 5.
Beth Herendeen, city development administration, told the council that council had previously approved approximately $33.2 million in repair and remediation costs, and that four items before the council on June 5 totaled roughly $5.3 million — bringing approved spending to about $38.5 million to date. Staff said an earlier preliminary estimate for full repair was about $56 million; that estimate will be refined as guaranteed maximum price packages for remaining construction work are produced.
Herendeen asked the council to extend an existing remediation contract with a national remediation firm that has been on site since late October, maintain containment and drainage improvements, and continue daily monitoring and protective work until the roof is replaced and the facility is dried in. She said the extension also covers replacement ceiling tile inventory, additional containment and seat coverings to protect lower‑bowl seating.
The council heard one in‑person public comment during the Tropicana Field discussion. Lafayette Leroy, a longtime St. Petersburg resident and vendor, told council he believed the stadium had been built solidly and said he opposed moving baseball back to a Tampa facility; he also urged the city to use local labor where possible for cleanup and repairs.
Following the presentation and public comment, Council Member Driscoll moved approval of the group of Tropicana‑related items (agenda items F‑1, F‑2, F‑3 and F‑8); council voted to approve the package by roll call.
Staff said the project team continues to track costs closely and will return with guaranteed maximum price proposals for discrete construction packages in the weeks ahead. Herendeen said the remediation contractor has been operating daily — with crew size adjusted to weather and scope — and staff are coordinating drainage, containment and sequencing to preserve venues and seating where possible.
Ending: The city approved the extension of remediation and related Tropicana Field work; staff will bring GMPs and more detailed construction contracts to council for additional approvals as construction packages are finalized.
