LESS BUCKS TO MAKE THE BUCS HAPPY -- STADIUM COSTS DROP

     Price projections for a new stadium for the Bucs have
dropped from $210M to $175M as local officials claimed that "it
would be difficult" to renovate Tampa Stadium for less than
$155M, according to this morning's TAMPA TRIBUNE.  To bring the
cost for a new stadium down, architects cut costs on such items
as landscaping, road improvements and other construction costs
(Jim Kenyon, TAMPA TRIBUNE, 5/18).
     ALL IN FAVOR, SAY RAY:  The St. Petersburg City Council is
this morning expected to approve the final lease for the Devil
Rays to play at the Thunderdome.  MLB officials have tentatively
approved the lease and are expected to give final approval today
(Noam Neusner, TAMPA TRIBUNE, 5/18).