ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — Just a five-minute drive from Tropicana Field is the Deuces Corridor.
It’s where Urban Drinkery owner Shundra Allison-Ranger was proud to set up shop four years ago.
“The main thing was for the history of the Deuces. I actually got my entrepreneur legs on the Deuces,” she said.
When asked how her business did during baseball seasons, she said mainly her community showed up.
“Honestly, I didn’t notice any impact from baseball,” stated Allison-Ranger. “It was mostly my local neighborhood. They tend to stay in their area and don’t venture down here, missing out on all the culture and history we have.”
She expressed hope that the now-canceled stadium project would have brought more financial benefits to the Deuces. However, she also urges the city to acknowledge and support them, regardless of the project’s status.
“The financial aspect is important; we could use some of those funds. But what truly matters to me is mentorship, expanding, growing the business, and ensuring it lasts,” she explained.
St. Pete council member Corey Givens Jr. said the city is at a standstill when it comes to the Trop.
“86 acres. This is a once in a generation opportunity and I think we really need to start that conversation back up now and not later,” Givens said.
At Thursday’s council meeting, he plans to make sure there are some kinds of contingency plans made.
“I think about Ferg’s, right—it was a cornerstone of this community even before the baseball team existed there,” noted Givens. “I want to ensure we invest not only in our small businesses and corporate baseball teams but also look into supporting businesses along the Deuces, central avenue, 16th street, and 9th street.”
In July, reports from the Athletic, a New York Times-owned publication, mentioned a tentative $1.7 billion team sale that could be finalized by September.
“From what I gather in discussions with the chamber, Rays’ ownership seems eager to start dialogues about staying in St. Pete, but we can’t delay these talks until the last moment,” Givens commented.
Until those talks happen, Allison-Ranger said she is going to be in this city.
“I would love for people to get back to where they help each other,” she said.
And that the Deuces has always supported her.
The council meets at 9 a.m. Thursday. They are also scheduled to vote on more funding repairs to the Trop.
