ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - St. Pete councilors unanimously approved $5 million for Tropicana Field repairs, and said the project was currently tracking to meet its expected budget.

"I wish I could say I look forward to seeing you again, but boy, this is expensive," said councilor Gina Driscoll.

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Councilors heard from city staff that while the project is still on budget, $5 million of the predicted $56 million needed to be approved today, but promised work was already well underway.

"They've removed all the damaged materials, damaged ceiling tiles, carpet, drywall," said Beth Herendeen, the manager of special projects for the city. "They've built containment systems, protection systems. They've tarped. Tarped seating, they monitor everything."

Now, they need just under $

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