"I think if they (the Orioles) had their druthers, they would like to come here." - Ken Shelin, Sarasota City Commissioner.

A push to bring Baltimore Orioles spring training to Sarasota got several boosts this week, most recently with a vote by the Tourism Development Council recommending Sarasota County Commissioners increase the bed tax by a quarter cent to pay for needed renovations of Ed Smith Stadium.

City Commissioner Ken Shelin said the council was largely wooed by a promise to bring a Cal Ripken Baseball Academy to the area.

But even if commissioners take that advice, the county falls short of the $65 million asking price suggested by the team.

The Sarasota County Legislative Delegation voted on Friday on a resolution sponsored by Rep. Doug Holder to support efforts to bring the team here. Holder worried that if efforts to lure a team here to replace the Cincinnati Reds fail, Sarasota would lose its standings in the Grapefruit League.

“I think this is a critical part of the economy,” Holder said. The resolution won the support of all local lawmakers except Sen. Mike Bennett, who said the issue was for the county and city officials to decide.

More public negotiating is likely this Wednesday, when the County Commission meets to discuss the potential bed tax hike. The county previously had discussed a half-cent increase in an attempt to lure the Boston Red Sox.

Vero Beach has also been wooing Baltimore and set a deadline for the Orioles to respond to an undisclosed offer by Monday. But team attorney Alan Rifken was in Sarasota Monday and no response was sent. Indian River County commissioners are expected today to begin soliciting other occupants for Dodgertown stadium