Hillsborough says it can't meet Rays' stadium deadline

• It wouldn't be the first time the Rays have pulled the plug on a stadium deal over delays. Just last year, they abandoned plans for a $1.3 billion ballpark in St. Petersburg after a blown deadline.

Driving the news: On Thursday, the county attorney's office sent the Rays feedback on their draft agreement, pointing out several issues. The deadline topped the list.

• The county wrote that a deadline can't be "reasonably considered" until both sides agree on a memorandum of understanding (MOU), and even then, a development and funding agreement would take 60 to 90 days.
• June 1 is less than 40 days out, and it's unclear whether the Rays can stomach a delay and what that might mean for the team's future.

Zoom in: The county further took issue with language in the Rays' working draft requiring it to use "best efforts" to negotiate and finalize agreements, arguing that the MOU must be non-binding.

• It also stated that the proposed mixed-use development beside the new ballpark must be subject to property taxes, and asked the Rays to share a detailed plan to provide parking for ballgames and special events.

What's next: The Rays' legal team is drafting a response to the county's concerns.