Ken Welch said that while St. Petersburg has done everything it needs in regards to the Rays' stadium deal, the city would be able to survive the team bailing.

If the Tampa Bay Rays decide not to move forward with a deal to build a stadium and surround it with condos, restaurants, shops and office space, it may be awhile before anything else breaks ground there.

St. Petersburg, Fla., mayor Ken Welch said Tuesday that the city will move ahead with its plan to redevelop the Gas Plant District, even if the Rays opt out of a deal to build a $1.3 billion stadium i

St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch had a message for the Tampa Bay Rays: Either take the previously negotiated stadium deal or walk away from the plan. Welch made the remarks during his annual state of the city address on Tuesday.