Florida CFO Questioned About $21 Million Land Transfer for Rays Stadium
CFO Blaise Ingoglia defended the Cabinet’s decision to give away $21 million in state land for a Rays stadium, despite activist claims it’s worth up to $250 million.
TAMPA, FLORIDA — Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia faced criticism Friday over his support for a Florida Cabinet decision to transfer 22 acres of state land valued at $21 million to Hillsborough College for a potential Tampa Bay Rays baseball stadium.
Conservative activist Jim Davison confronted Ingoglia at the Tampa Tiger Bay Club meeting held at the Cuban Club in Ybor City, arguing the land could be worth between $200 and $250 million on the open market.
“You’re not even selling it,” Davison told Ingoglia. “You’re gifting that to them.”
Cabinet Vote Lacked Appraisal Documentation
The Florida Cabinet approved the land transfer in February as part of plans for the Rays to build a new stadium at the 113-acre Hillsborough College campus. The proposed development would include a mixed-use entertainment district and renovated college campus.
Ingoglia acknowledged that backup documentation presented to the Cabinet contained no appraisal when they approved the transfer. The Hillsborough County Property Appraiser’s Office assessed the 22 acres at $21 million, with buildings and investments valued at $26.5 million, according to the Florida Trident.
At the time of the February vote, Ingoglia said the decision “was to make sure we continue the conversation.” He maintained that position Friday while reaffirming his opposition to stadium subsidies.
CFO’s Position on Stadium Subsidies
“I have been firm in my belief in my resolve that we should not be giving taxpayer dollars — subsidies on the stadium deals that multi-billion-dollar corporations,” Ingoglia said. “I do not think that the taxpayers should be foot.”
The criticism comes as Ingoglia has made targeting local governments for alleged “wasteful and excessive spending” a central focus since his appointment last summer. Critics argue he has been less vocal about questionable spending from state coffers while frequently appearing before cameras to denounce local officials as poor stewards of taxpayer money.
Stadium Development Plans
The Tampa Bay Rays are seeking to relocate from their current home and build a new ballpark as part of the larger development project at Hillsborough College. The team’s proposal encompasses the entire 113-acre campus, transforming it into a sports and entertainment destination.
The land transfer represents one of several hurdles the franchise must clear to move forward with stadium construction plans. The significant difference between the official property assessment and estimated market value has drawn attention from government watchdog groups and taxpayer advocates.
Friday’s exchange highlighted ongoing tensions over the use of public resources for professional sports facilities, particularly as Ingoglia has positioned himself as a fiscal watchdog targeting wasteful government spending across Florida.
