Tampa Bay Rays Stadium Showdown: Taxpayer Billions, Traffic Chaos, and a June Deadline in Hillsborough County
Podcasts > Bill Bunkley
At the intersection of faith & life is the Bill Bunkley show, briefing loyal radio listeners all across West-Central Florida faithfully for over 20 years. Bill has a unique heart for conservative issues - particular conservative social issues, all informed by his deeply held faithful conviction.
Bill is the president of the Florida Ethics and Religious Liberties commission, and an abashed follower of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. He also brings an especially Floridian perspective to his program and podcast, as he served in many capacities over a lot of decades in the Sunshine state.
Thursday, April 16, 2026
In this timely edition of The Bill Bunkley Show, Bill dives deep into the just-concluded Hillsborough County Commission workshop on the Tampa Bay Rays' ambitious proposal for a brand-new $2.3 billion state-of-the-art stadium on the footprint of Hillsborough Community College's Dale Mabry campus in Tampa. With the Rays ownership committing to roughly half the cost, the debate centers on over $1 billion in potential public funding — including $750 million from county sources like the Community Investment Tax (CIT) — amid vocal opposition, threats of lawsuits, traffic concerns along Dale Mabry and surrounding routes, and questions about economic returns, hotels, retail, and creating a major sports complex near Raymond James Stadium and Steinbrenner Field. Bill weighs the pros and cons of keeping MLB in the Tampa Bay area versus the risks to taxpayers and daily commuters, while noting the tight June 1 deadline and upcoming Tampa City Council discussions.
The show also features an exclusive interview with former U.S. Congressman Bob Livingston, author of the powerful new memoir The Rainbow Chaser: The Man Who Gambled for Success and Broke Even. Livingston shares his firsthand battle against weaponized lawfare by the Biden-Garland Justice Department, abuses of prosecutorial power, deep state tactics, and his proposals for holding rogue prosecutors accountable — drawing parallels to cases involving President Trump and others. Plus, breaking news on President Trump's announcement of a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, updates on the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports, a special segment with Dr. Dennis Black of Rough Greens on improving your dogs' and cats' health with live nutrients, and positive notes on the Tampa Bay Lightning and Rays' strong starts. Tune in for faith-informed conservative analysis at the intersection of local issues, national politics, and everyday life.
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