Orioles: Civics class
I'm getting ready to get a lesson in county government. I'm at the Sarasota County Board of Commissioners building in downtown Sarasota for the public hearing on the 30-year deal the Orioles signed with the county to occupy the Ed Smith Stadium facility.
Two groups have brought a lawsuit against the county, claiming the deal violates Florida sunshine laws, which require government activity to be transparent. The county and Orioles believe the case is without merit, but it could delay the start of the $31.2 million renovation project.
Orioles officials are expected to testify at the hearing. I'll try to keep you posted, though I'm guessing you'd rather I was hanging around the ballpark to see if Miguel Tejada reports to camp early this year.
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Comments
Pete,
To add a little scandal to the equation. The woman who brought the suit forward "is a devout New York Yankees fan." Though I'm sure that isn't why she brought the case forward. Still Funny.
An article from the Herald Tribune. Page 2. Under Out to the ball game section.
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20100218/ARTICLE/2181053
Posted by: Matt | February 19, 2010 9:32 AM
Maybe the Orioles should keep their bags packed.
Posted by: Frank | February 19, 2010 9:39 AM
maybe it would have been better if the orioles had bought property in arazona. then again people who bring up such law suits need to get a life
Posted by: leonard | February 19, 2010 9:48 AM
Pete, actually I'd rather you'd be out gathering information for your wonderful Spring Training Food Venue Reviews. I really enjoy them
Posted by: Dave | February 19, 2010 10:07 AM
Hey Leonard,
Where is arazona? Is it near Californy?
Posted by: Christian | February 19, 2010 10:16 AM
Oh well, if the Sarasota thing doesn't work out, the O's can always take over one of the ubiquitous senior condo villages in Florida and convert it into a spring training facility.
Imagine some of the possibilities for stadium names: Polygrip Field; Viva Viagra Venue; Depends Park at Boca Del Vista Yards; Prune Juice Pavillion; Support Hose Stadium.
And think of the possible promotions: Free Viagra Day: More Wood in the Stands than in the Bat Rack; Support the O's at Support Hose; Depends Day, where everyone age 80 or over (which is pretty much everyone) gets a free box. The slogan? "You'll Never Miss Another Pitch: You Can Depend On It."
Posted by: Chris Joseph | February 19, 2010 10:55 AM