St. Petersburg, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Rays withdrew Thursday from a $1.3 billion project to construct a new ballpark adjacent to Tropicana Field, citing a hurricane and delays that likely drove up the proposal's cost.

The Tampa Bay Rays withdrew Thursday from a $1.3 billion project to construct a new ballpark adjacent to Tropicana Field, citing a hurricane and delays that likely drove up the proposal's cost. The team issued a statement by principal owner Stuart Sternberg saying “a series of events” in October,

The Rays said Hurricane Milton created an unexpected situation and project delays. Local officials say the Rays' reasons don't feel genuine.

Rays owner Stuart Sternberg said the team intends to work out a solution that satisfies the Tampa-St. Petersburg region, MLB and the team.

The team issued a statement by principal owner Stuart Sternberg saying “a series of events” in October, which included severe damage to the the Trop and financing delays, led to what he called “this difficult decision.

The Tampa Bay Rays are backing out of a deal to build a new $1.37 billion stadium in St. Petersburg, Florida, the team announced on Thursday.

The Tampa Bay Rays have dropped plans for a new stadium in St. Petersburg, principal owner Stu Sternberg said Thursday, leaving the Major League Baseball club's long-term future in the area in doubt.Sternberg said the Rays "continue to focus on finding a ballpark solution that serves the best interest of our region,