Tampa Bay Rays

The Rays said more information about the sale and the new ownership group will be shared after the deal is completed. It is expected to close within two weeks.

Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said he wants the team to stay in the Tampa Bay area and sees potential for a successful future there.

The group’s chief operating officer said the Dreamers still have more than $1 billion in team acquisition capital under letters of intent as it continues pursuit of the Rays or any other MLB team.

Authorities said Franco was admitted to a mental health clinic in the Dominican Republic after his family requested the move, which was not linked to legal issues.

Dr. Rick Workman, once the Orlando group's primary financier, is now the third largest investor in the assemblage planning to keep the team in Tampa Bay. Law firm owner John Morgan says he is also out.

Mark Ferguson strives to operate a “very accepting” and “blue collar bar” that equally attracts celebrities, local leaders and, most importantly, the “everyday people who make it so special.”

It's an ambitious target, although roof repairs are well underway. St. Petersburg, which is responsible for repairs, says installation of the fabric roof panels is on track to finish in December.

The Orlando group said it has a lender for the largest and safest portion of the money needed to buy a baseball franchise. Known as senior debt, it makes it easier and cheaper for the Dreamers to borrow.

“Those development rights are the city’s now; they’re not the Rays’ after 30 years,” St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch said. “That gives us a very, very strong negotiating position now.”

The city and businesses have benefitted from the regular influx of baseball fans since the Rays began play in 1998, Lawmakers say plans to replace that revenue require immediate attention.

A deal that would have built a ballpark as part of a redevelopment plan for the Historic Gas Plant District is no more. According to Mayor Ken Welch, the push to rebuild the site continues.

Roof panel installation is estimated to run from August to December, marking the completion of the first major fix to the stadium.