📉 $22.5M Roof Fix, Fire Station 3 Opens & Rates Drop

Check out what's happening in the Pasco and Tampa economies this week.

Author

Sean Bates
April 10, 2025

Happy Thursday!

This week’s roundup is packed with local flavor — from weekend plans to big moves that could shake up the market.

🎶 Check out our top 3 things to do this weekend! I’ve got your weekend plans covered.

🏟️ Over in St. Pete, the Rays just got a $22.5M roof repair approved — but what does that mean for their future in the Bay?

🚒 Plus, Pasco’s newest fire station is officially open, and it’s setting a whole new standard for firefighter safety.

📉 And finally, mortgage rates just hit their lowest point of 2025 — here’s what that could mean for buyers, sellers, and anyone eyeing a refi.

Let’s dive in! ⬇️

—Sean

🎶 Our Top 3 Things To Do This Weekend

Friday - ACT III Live at Whiskey Wings Largo

Get ready for a night of high-energy Motown, Top 40, and Disco with ACT III, an unforgettable entertainment experience featuring powerful vocals and a live DJ spinning party favorites between sets. This dynamic group has toured across the U.S. and internationally—don’t miss your chance to catch them live!
📍 Location: Whiskey Wings, 2480 E Bay Drive, Largo, FL
📅 Date & Time: Apr 11 at 7:00PM - 11:00PM
🎟️ Tickets: Free admission
🌐 Website: Largo | Whiskey Wings

Saturday - Pirate 1M, 5K, & 10K – Fred Howard Park

Ahoy, runners! While this race is sold out, it’s still worth coming out to cheer on participants and enjoy the energy of this themed event! Dress up in your best pirate gear, watch for epic costumes, and keep an eye out—spots may reopen if runners transfer out.
📍 Location: Fred Howard Park, 1700 Sunset Drive, Tarpon Springs, FL
📅 Date & Time: Apr 12 at 8:00AM - 12:00PM (Packet pickup starts at 7:30 AM)
🎟️ Tickets: Sold out (Watch for transfers at usroadrunning.com)
🌐 Website: US Road Running, 1 Mile, 5K, 10K

Sunday - Henhouse Prowlers – Central Park Performing Arts Center

Don’t miss this award-winning Chicago bluegrass quartet as they bring their globally inspired sound to Largo! Known for electrifying live shows and cultural diplomacy through music, the Henhouse Prowlers blend tradition with innovation in a genre-defying performance.
📍 Location: Central Park Performing Arts Center, 105 Central Park Drive, Largo, FL
📅 Date & Time: Apr 13 at 8:00PM - 12:00AM
🎟️ Tickets: Starting at $19.50
🌐 Website: Central Park Performing Arts Center Performance Event Venue

🏟️ Roof Repairs Buy Time in
Rays’ Stadium Saga

Driving the news: St. Petersburg City Council has approved $22.5 million to replace the hurricane-damaged roof on Tropicana Field, ensuring the Rays have a home stadium through 2027 — despite uncertainty over the team’s long-term future in the region.

Details:

  • The original cost estimate to replace the roof was $56 million.

  • The new roof is part of a $39 million damage assessment, with another $16 million allocated for related needs.

  • Hurricane Milton tore through the stadium in October, derailing bond approvals for a new stadium plan.

  • The Rays will temporarily play the 2025 season at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa.



Why it matters: Keeping the Rays in Tropicana Field safeguards local jobs, event revenue, and tourism while St. Pete weighs next steps for the team’s future.

The city is preserving federal aid eligibility by honoring its lease obligations — a critical financial decision for taxpayers.

The big picture: This move follows the Rays' backing out of a new stadium deal due to post-hurricane cost overruns and bond delays. It’s the latest twist in a saga that continues to pit loyalty against financial strain for the city and fans alike.

Between the lines: Council member Richie Floyd voted no, advocating instead for exploring the cost of buying out the Rays’ contract.

However, city officials warned that doing so would jeopardize FEMA and insurance reimbursements.

What’s next: The roof repairs clear the path for the Rays to return to Tropicana Field for the 2026 season.

Meanwhile, Tampa businessman Joe Molloy is leading a group of potential buyers hoping to keep the team in St. Pete.

The bottom line: With investor interest rising and taxpayer dollars at stake, St. Pete is betting that sticking to the current lease — and fixing the roof — is the safer financial play while the future of MLB in the region remains up in the air.

🏡 $389,900 Fort Myers Home with
Lakefront Views!

3 Beds | 3 Baths | 2,534 sqft

Nestled in the desirable Cypress Cay community, this spacious two-story home offers stunning lakefront views and an oversized lot. Inside, you'll find a bright and open layout with a den, family room, and loft. The modern kitchen features a range, refrigerator, and dishwasher, while the walk-in closets and impact-resistant windows add both convenience and peace of mind.

Relax in the community pool or enjoy the serene lake views right from your backyard. Conveniently located near shops and dining, this home is perfect for families or anyone looking to enjoy Florida living.

📍 13404 Hampton Park Ct, Fort Myers, FL 33913

🔥 Now Open: Pasco County Fire Station 3

Pasco County Fire Station 3 is officially open — and it's not your average firehouse.

Designed with cutting-edge safety in mind, this state-of-the-art facility uses “hot, warm, and cool zones” to help protect firefighters from cancer risks.

It’s a major win for the growing community and a model for future stations, with more upgrades on the way, including a rebuild at Fire Station 19.

📉 Rates Sink to New 2025 Low After
Tariff Fallout

Driving the news: Mortgage rates hit their lowest levels of the year Thursday, dropping sharply after President Trump’s sweeping tariff announcement rattled financial markets.

The 30-year fixed fell to 6.63%, while the 15-year dipped to 6.05%.

Details:

  • The drop followed an executive order on Wednesday placing tariffs on all foreign imports.

  • Investors fled equities and rushed into bonds, pushing yields down — a key driver of mortgage rates.

  • Mortgage News Daily and Freddie Mac both reported rate declines, with the 30-year rate falling by up to 10 basis points.

  • Optimal Blue’s index marked 6.5% — the lowest since October 2024.



Why it matters: Lower mortgage rates could help revive homebuying activity and refinancing in a market slowed by high costs.

For local lenders and agents, this shift could bring renewed interest and deal volume after a sluggish winter.

The big picture: Tariff-induced market uncertainty is weighing on stocks and bolstering demand for safer assets like U.S. Treasuries.

This dynamic is driving mortgage rates down, even as inflation worries linger.

Between the lines: While borrowers might celebrate the drop, experts warn the relief could be short-lived. As higher tariffs increase the cost of goods, inflation could push rates back up later this year.

What’s next: Mortgage professionals are bracing for a rollercoaster. While some see a potential refi boom, others are taking a wait-and-see approach as market volatility continues to shape the outlook.

The bottom line: Thursday’s rate drop offers a short-term window for borrowers to lock in better deals — but the long-term trajectory remains tied to how tariffs reshape inflation, trade, and investor sentiment.

📊 Our Current Local Market Data:

The Tampa Bay housing market is shifting into a more balanced phase after years of rapid growth. As of March 2025, the median home price is $429,575—up 4.5% year-over-year, but with a slower pace than in past years.

Inventory is rising, giving buyers more options, while homes are taking longer to sell, with a median of 33 days on the market. This offers more negotiation power for buyers, especially on listings that have been sitting for weeks.

Despite higher insurance costs and affordability concerns, Tampa remains attractive thanks to its strong job market in healthcare, tech, and finance. The region continues to grow, both economically and in population.

Sellers should focus on competitive pricing and presentation, while buyers now have better leverage. Even with current challenges, Tampa Bay is positioned for steady growth and remains a market to watch in 2025.

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If you’re curious how much your home could sell for now, then reply “What’s my home value” or you can get an estimated value here.

Or if you’re just curious about how the current market affects your situation & what’s going on in your specific neighborhood, just reply & ask.

📰 In Other News:

That’s all for today, I hope you have an amazing week!

If there’s ever anything you need:

  • a custom market or home value report

  • a home services list for a reliable contractor or services professional

  • feedback or a professional opinion on a home project

Just let me know! We’re here to help with all your home needs.

Talk soon,

- Sean, and the Bello Home Team

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