ST.PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — The future of the Rays appears to be getting murkier. It seems Hillsborough County and Tampa might be back in play for the team.

During an interview with the JP Peterson Show podcast, Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan says the county is meeting with Tampa Mayor Jane Castor and the CEO of the Tampa Sports Authority to discuss the Rays.

According to Hagan, their main focus is to ensure the team’s temporary move to Tampa for 2025 is smooth. However, he said, “When the time comes, we’re going to be ready. We’re going to be respectful of the process, we’re going to let things play out over in Pinellas and St. Pete, and should that opportunity come — we’ll be ready.”

This commentary comes as city leaders in St. Pete work to bring the team back to Tropicana Field as quickly as they can, on Thursday. During their meeting, council members are voting on millions of dollars to repair the ballpark.

Repairs are expected to cost an estimated $56 million. If council members approve the plan, the team could likely return to St. Pete by the 2026 season.

The constantly changing situation for the Rays is top of mind for fans and former employees of the Trop.

“I feel like if we lose the Rays, it would be heartbreaking to our city,” said Michele Dyson.

Earlier in the week, Pinellas County commissioners voted to delay the approval of the bonds needed to pay their portion of the new $1.3 billion ballpark. Team leaders said that due to the delay, the construction of the new stadium would cost significantly more, and wouldn’t be complete until 2029.

Dyson believes the pause is a punch to the area’s economy.

“What does Fergs look like? What do all the other bars down there look like? What, an empty hole,” Dyson said.

On Thursday, St.Pete city council members will also discuss the bonds for their part of the new ballpark payment.