TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) Despite money woes that have lawmakers scrambling to pay for state programs, Gov. Charlie Crist said Wednesday that he thinks the state should try to figure out a way to help the Tampa Bay Rays build a new waterfront ballpark in St. Petersburg.

The Rays earlier this month announced plans for a $450 million, open-air downtown stadium but it's not clear how it might be paid for.

Crist, who grew up in and lived much of his life in St. Petersburg, said he loves the idea and has pledged to the baseball team that he will do what he can to help, leaving open the possibility of supporting a move to put state tax dollars into the mix. Crist also has backed state financing for a new stadium for the Florida Marlins. (Full Story)