News Summary
St. Petersburg students, particularly those in the UMatter program at USF, are facing job uncertainty following Hurricane Milton’s devastating impact on Tropicana Field. The hurricane left the stadium roofless and forced the Rays to relocate, affecting students employed at the venue, including hospitality management major Joesph Davis. The loss of their workplace also threatens their prospects in a challenging job market, which is particularly tough for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Despite the challenges, students remain hopeful for the future.
St. Petersburg Students Left in Limbo After Hurricane Damage to Tropicana Field
In the vibrant city of St. Petersburg, the aftermath of Hurricane Milton has cast a shadow over the loyal fans of the Tampa Bay Rays and, unfortunately, the dedicated students working at Tropicana Field. Among them is junior hospitality management major Joesph Davis, who found joy in being part of the stadium family while cheering for his favorite team. Davis, a die-hard Rays fan, has been doing a fantastic job at the stadium, supporting fans as they experienced the thrill of live baseball—especially when first baseman Yandy Diaz hit home runs.
The Impact of Hurricane Milton
October 9, 2023, marked a significant turning point for Tropicana Field, as the hurricane wreaked havoc, leaving the stadium literally roofless. For students like Davis, this not only means the loss of their workplace but also uncertainty regarding their future jobs. He was part of the UMatter program at USF St. Petersburg, an initiative designed to help students with intellectual disabilities gain independence, learn essential life skills, and find meaningful employment.
The UMatter program boasts a partnership with the Rays, allowing students from St. Petersburg to engage as fan hosts at the stadium and immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere of the games. Davis took pride in leading fans to their seats and overseeing the popular stingray tank, where he engaged and educated fans about safe interactions with the rays. This unique role helped him hone his communication skills while making sure everyone had a great time at the ballpark.
A Community in Crisis
However, the destruction caused by Hurricane Milton left the future of Tropicana Field and the Rays in serious jeopardy. It was once buoyed by a hefty $6.5 billion deal to explore a new stadium and revitalization of the Historic Gas Plant District, but now, with the stadium roof gone, the team faces significant challenges. On November 21, 2023, the St. Petersburg city council initially approved over $23 million for repairs at the field. But soon after, the council reversed this decision, forcing the Rays to temporarily relocate to George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa. This leaves the hopes for Tropricana Field’s reopening pinned on securing necessary funding and further approvals, with an ambitious target year of 2026 set for restoration efforts.
For students like Joesph Davis, the prospect of needing to find a new job is disheartening. Such changes mean navigating a job market that can be challenging for individuals with intellectual disabilities. It is widely recognized that job opportunities for these individuals are limited due to societal stigmas. Unsurprisingly, a recent study showed that a staggering 84% of individuals with intellectual disabilities are unemployed within their communities, which further compounds the feelings of uncertainty faced by Davis and others.
Hope Amidst Uncertainty
Another UMatter student, Jack Sampugnaro, shared Davis’ sentiments, expressing shock at the storm’s destruction while highlighting the supportive, family-like atmosphere among Rays staff. The UMatter program is noteworthy, as it offers essential skills that go beyond academics, preparing students for the workforce in a way that fosters inclusivity and dignity.
Despite the challenges ahead, both Davis and Sampugnaro remain hopeful for a return to St. Petersburg for their beloved Rays. Though the road is still winding and uncertain, the resilience of the local community and the ongoing dialogue around inclusivity mean there is a flicker of positivity. Only time will tell what the future holds for Tropicana Field and the dedicated students who proudly contribute to its vibrant atmosphere.
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Additional Resources
- St. Pete Catalyst
- Fox 13 News
- ESPN
- MLB.com
- 98.7 The Shark
- Wikipedia: Tropicana Field
- Google Search: Tropicana Field
- Google Scholar: Hurricane Milton impact on Tropicana Field
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tropicana Field
- Google News: Hurricane Milton Tropicana Field
