Looks like they ain't gonna be the Miami Marlins now, here's another oppurtunity to get some players hopefully now,

MIAMI (AP) — The Florida Marlins' plans to build a new ballpark appear to be dead, The Sun-Sentinel reported Saturday.

 

City officials said they can't donate land or money for the stadium and a proposed sales tax increase in Miami-Dade County to raise money for the project is having trouble gaining support.

The World Series champion Marlins are trying to rally support to build a $325 million stadium. The cost would be $450 million without a donation of the land.

 

"We really cannot find the moneys to come up with for the stadium, and the county's really reluctant to put the referendum for a half-cent sales tax on the ballot," Miami City Manager Joe Arriola was quoted as saying by the paper. "As far as the city is concerned, there's not going to be a deal ... this is over."

 

Last month, Miami-Dade commissioners pledged $73 million in hotel bed and sports facilities taxes toward the project, if the Marlins would kick in $137 million and a full financing package was in place by March 15. The Marlins agreed and the city at first was expected to donate the land. But that still left a $115 million shortfall.

 

City commissioners voted Thursday to ask the County Commission to put a referendum requesting a half-cent sales tax for 18 months on the March 9 ballot to raise at least $225 million for a stadium. City and county officials met Friday to discuss the proposal.

 

County commissioners already intend to ask voters in November to approve a $1 billion public-works bond, so they were wary of asking taxpayers for more money, the paper reported.

 

"The city doesn't really have a lot of options, in their view, on funding strategies for the land piece," County Manager George Burgess was quoted as saying. "The referendum, in their view, works better for them.

 

"I suppose it's not impossible," Burgess said. "I think it's going to be tough."

 

Arriola also argued the Marlins weren't putting enough cash in the project.

 

Team spokesman Steve Copses did not return a telephone call Saturday seeking comment.

That team really deserved a new home too. It's a shame.