Nine Bids Submitted for Tropicana Field Redevelopment in St. Petersburg

DeSantis Administration Spent $573M in State Emergency Funds on Immigration Enforcement

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Nine development groups have submitted formal bids to transform the 86-acre Historic Gas Plant site, home to Tropicana Field, in St. Petersburg. Meanwhile, a new state report reveals the DeSantis administration spent over $573 million in emergency funds on immigration enforcement initiatives, including the controversial 'Alligator Alcatraz' detention center.

Why it matters

The Tropicana Field redevelopment is a high-stakes project that will reshape St. Petersburg's downtown landscape, while the DeSantis administration's use of emergency funds for immigration enforcement has drawn criticism over the diversion of resources from other priorities.

The details

The Tropicana Field redevelopment bids range from $6.8 billion to $8.1 billion and include proposals for affordable housing, cultural venues, public amenities, and a potential new home for the Woodson African American Museum. The DeSantis administration's spending on immigration enforcement, carried out under a standing state of emergency, covered expanded surveillance, equipment purchases, and detention-related costs, with no federal reimbursement received to date.

  • The 30-day competitive submission window for the Tropicana Field redevelopment closed in January 2026.
  • The DeSantis administration has spent at least $573 million on immigration enforcement over the past three years.

The players

Ken Welch

The mayor of St. Petersburg, who said the Tropicana Field redevelopment process follows priorities set in a 2022 request for proposals.

Cathie Wood

The tech investing mogul leading the $6.8 billion, four-phase redevelopment proposal from Ark Ellison Horus.

Ron DeSantis

The governor of Florida, whose administration has spent over $573 million in state emergency funds on immigration enforcement initiatives.

Brandi Gabbard

A member of the St. Petersburg City Council who voted to pause negotiations on the Tropicana Field redevelopment, demanding a tighter planning framework before moving forward.

Wilton Simpson

The Florida Agriculture Commissioner who reported that recent cold weather may have caused up to $1.5 billion in losses for the state's agriculture industry.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.