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Manatees to Osceola County for 2017

Brevard County Manatees

The Brevard County Manatees (High A; Florida State League) are relocating, as the team is set to move to Osceola County Stadium for the 2017 season. 

As was reported here last month, the Manatees were looking to depart Space Coast Stadium and sign a three-year lease at Osceola County Stadium, the spring training home of the Houston Astros through this year. The team’s commitment will indeed run for at least three years, and a series of options will be available starting in 2020, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

With the Washington Nationals’ spring training operations pulling out of Brevard County, and the U.S. Speciality Sports Association (USSA) slated to set up shop at Space Coast Stadium, it was no secret that the Manatees were eyeing a move to the Orlando area. In fact, the team has made runs at other proposed projects in the region, including attempts in Winter Park, Palm Bay, and a potential partnership with Rollins College at a renovated Alfond Stadium.

The move of the team was announced today at a press conference that included Osceola County dignitaries, Manatees president Joe Harrington, and team and league officials. A name the team contest is underway, with submissions being accepted at probaseballbackincentralflorida.com. This will be the first Florida State League franchise to play at Osceola County Stadium since the Kissimmee Cobras ended their 15-year run at the ballpark after the 2000 season.

As for Brevard County, there are talks of eventually building a ballpark in Titusville that would house another Florida State League squad as well as USSA tournaments.

RELATED STORIES: New Ballpark Pitched for Brevard CountyManatees could be forced from Space Coast Stadium; Manatees, Palm Bay chat new ballpark; Palm Bay mayor: Let’s look at privately financed ballpark; Palm Bay explores new ballpark

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