The threat of Tampa plucking the Tampa Bay Rays can be worked into any St. Petersburg City Council meeting.

Even feel-good meetings.

During an award ceremony Thursday afternoon, city leaders bestowed praise on the Tampa Bay Rowdies, champions of the 2012 North American Soccer League. 

After Mayor Bill Foster read a proclamation, team executives described the joys of playing in Al Lang Field. Pictures followed. Then council member Wengay Newton dropped the hammer as the team prepared to leave. 

“Be careful with your business,” Newton said. “Tampa might want to regionalize you.”