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Spring Training To Leave Central Florida, Stay In State

Orbit, the mascot for the Houston Astros, entertains fans at Minute Maid Park in March 2014. Photo: Eric Enfermero
Orbit, the mascot for the Houston Astros, entertains fans at Minute Maid Park in March 2014. Photo: Eric Enfermero

Major League Baseball’s Washington Nationals and Houston Astros will keep their spring training facility in Florida - although not in Central Florida.

In a statement Wednesday, Governor Rick Scott announced the two teams will remain in Florida for the next 30 years.

The Astros currently hold spring training at the Osceola County stadium. Instead of renewing their lease, they’ll be moving to a joint-team facility in Palm Beach County.

The Nationals, who hold spring training at the Space Coast Stadium in Melbourne, will also be moving to Palm Beach County.

Florida is home to fifteen spring training teams. In 2013, the legislature approved more than $3 million to be used for training facilities each year.

Brendan Byrne is Central Florida Public Media's Assistant News Director, managing the day-to-day operations of the newsroom, editing daily news stories, and managing the organization's internship program.

Byrne also hosts Central Florida Public Media's weekly radio show and podcast "Are We There Yet?" which explores human space exploration.