Kriseman, Sternberg praise each other after introductory meeting

TARPON SPRINGS — Tampa Bay Rays principal owner Stuart Sternberg and St. Petersburg Mayor-elect Rick Kriseman said an hour-plus introductory meeting on Friday went well.

That could be because they agreed not to talk about the ongoing stadium stalemate. But in discussing subjects from family to the benefits of a regional business approach, both said they got off to a good start.

"We had a nice, long, face to face meeting (Friday) that went, in my eyes, extremely well," Sternberg said Saturday.

"It was a very nice conversation," Kriseman said. "I was looking at it more from the standpoint of an opportunity for he and I to get to know each other."

Sternberg said he was pleased to hear Kriseman "take a regional approach to business and lifestyles."

"We've been harping on a regional approach beyond the stadium — transportation and attracting companies and things like that. I was really pleased with everything I heard and I think the city is in great hands going forward," he said.

The two eventually will have more specific talks but did not set a time frame. Kriseman said there wouldn't be any "substantive decisions" until after he is sworn in Jan. 2.

"I'm looking forward to dialogue going forward," Sternberg said, adding "I think his administration will be great for St. Pete."

Said Kriseman: "I'm looking forward to seeing what we can do to come to a resolution of the issues. I'd certainly like to still keep the team here."

Sternberg spoke at the Union Academy Family Center in Tarpon Springs, where the Rays helped build a new playground.