Officials from Lee County and the Boston Red Sox today met this morning to discuss the parameters of the new spring-training camp for the BoSox. There were no specific locations discussed in any depth (though we’ve been told Lee County officials did mention some potential locations in suburban Lee County outside Fort Myers, including parcels closer to the Fort Myers airport), and the Red Sox used the occasion to outline what they expect out of a new Lee County camp.
Officials from Lee County and the Boston Red Sox today met this morning to discuss the parameters of the new spring-training camp for the BoSox. There were no specific locations discussed in any depth (though we’ve been told Lee County officials did mention some potential locations in suburban Lee County outside Fort Myers, including parcels closer to the Fort Myers airport), and the Red Sox used the occasion to outline what they expect out of a new Lee County camp: plenty of room for a facility with a 9,999-seat ballpark, offices, clubhouses, and five diamonds. Not discussed at length was any potential development opportunity for the Red Sox and Fenway Ventures; given the economy and the generally poor economy in Florida it sounds like the Red Sox have given up hope of using a new spring camp as a springboard for investment. The Red Sox have a lease for City of Palms Park through 2019, though they can buy their way out as early as 2009 for $1 million.
We also hear Sarasota is still in the running for a new facility. The other day the Red Sox and Sarasota officials decided to part ways on amicable terms after the county demanded $10 million up front from the Red Sox to close a funding gap after officials identified $60 million in revenue sources for a $70-million facility. That demand led the Red Sox to shut down talks. Now some county commissioners want to raise the hotel-bed tax from 4 cents to 5 cents, the maximum under state law. This would generate more than enough revenue to close the funding gap. If this happens, look for the Red Sox to come back to the table to once again discuss a spring move to Sarasota — if the county decides to ask them back. The county has also met recently with reps of the Baltimore Orioles, and the pair are quietly discussing a plan to renovate Ed Smith Stadium as the new spring home of the O’s, who are being forced out of Fort Lauderdale Stadium.