Bellaire city commissioners have voted to change a few words on a city ordinance that could save the Belleview Biltmore. That ordinance will now allow tax emptions for not only historic residential buildings, but for commercial ones as well which would apply to the Biltmore. Prospective buyers have said that’s the only way they could get financing to save the 115 year old building.

First Lady Michelle Obama was the keynote speaker at last night’s Democratic convention; speakers touched on women’s rights, veteran’s affairs and health care among other topics. Former Florida Governor Charlie Crist is scheduled for tomorrow night, along with Vice President Joe Biden.

President Obama will be in town Saturday. He’s scheduled to speak at the Seminole Campus of St Pete College at Natural Habitat Field. The event is free, and tickets will be distributed starting at 5 pm today at locations that include the college campus.

The grass in Curtis Hixon Park will have to be replaced with an approximate cost of $40,000. The RNC had a their party tent set up in the park, and now with Summerfest set in the park for this weekend, they’re working on making short term repairs. The Tampa Tribune quotes City Parks Director Greg Bayor as saying the damage made for “a lesson learned.”

Rays take game two against the Yankees yesterday 5-2 as the Yankees continue to slip back. Baltimore won again yesterday and are now even with the Yankees, and the Rays are just 1½ games back. That win marked four in a row for the Rays.