by Steve Carney

St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster says Hillsborough County is out.

In a letter to the Tampa Bay Rays, the mayor said he would not amend the team's lease with the city to allow them to explore stadium options on the opposite side of Tampa Bay.

The team's lease to play at Tropicana Field runs through 2027, and Foster seems intent on holding the team to the agreement.

"Make no mistake," Foster said in the letter. "This is not about money, and the city has absolutely no interest in winding down our relationship prior to 2027."

The Rays want the ability to explore stadium option throughout the Bay area, and have said previously they will not entertain options in Pinellas County without the concession.