The city of Clearwater's proposed $79.7M overhaul of the Phillies' Spring Training home "depends on getting" $40M in bed taxes from Pinellas County, according to Tracey McManus of the TAMPA BAY TIMES. However, records show even if county officials "wanted to bankroll" the Phillies facilities' upgrades, the funding is "simply not there" until after '20. If the city does not obtain the county's $40M commitment, plus a $13.7M state grant by Dec. 31, then the team could "drop the project and walk away from its pledge to play in Clearwater for another 20 years." The problem is that the Pinellas County Tourist Development Council will have only $6.3M remaining in its fund by the end of '20, "according to county projections." Renovation plans at the Carpenter Complex, which "houses four training fields, include building a 160-bed dormitory to house staff and players." The complex is also "slated for renovations to its clubhouse and office spaces, minor league food services, and player support facilities" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 6/21).
