Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/133618
Sarasota News Leader May 31, 2013 the Nationals were shopping for a new Spring Training home. We're interested in increasing the economic impact from sports tourism After reading the May here … 16 article, Barbetta emailed Reid: "If there is an opportunity here for possible 'shared use' or something along that line, coupled with some additional alternatives, should we be pursuing this opportunity? I'd be happy to help in any way. As you know, Fort Myers has two teams and was also a consideration for the Nationals. Obviously the O's would have to participate in any discussion along these lines, along with the County Attorney." Randall Reid Administrator Sarasota County Page 23 "It may be a pie in the sky idea," Barbetta told The Sarasota News Leader. Nonetheless, he said he felt it was worth pursuing. Manatee County has practice fields available, Barbetta pointed out, that would make the scenario possible. As he had in the email, he emphasized to the News Leader that the Orioles would have to give their consent to sharing the use of Ed Smith Stadium for games. At no time has he considered the prospect of the county's trying to build a new stadium, he added. The Orioles' mascot, Bird, stands beneath the 'chandelier' in Ed Smith Stadium. Photo by Norman Schimmel