Derby Lane closed in 2021 and no longer operates as a dog racing venue

Derby Lane was a greyhound racing track located in St. Petersburg, Florida, that operated for nearly 90 years before closing permanently in December 2021. The track sat at 10490 Gandy Boulevard and was one of the last remaining dog racing facilities in Florida when it shut down. The closure followed Florida voters' decision in 2018 to ban dog racing statewide, which gave tracks until the end of 2020 to stop racing — though Derby Lane continued operating under a legal challenge until the final important date passed.

The track's closure marked the end of an era for greyhound racing in the state. Derby Lane had been a fixture in the Tampa Bay area since 1932, hosting live racing events and pari-mutuel wagering for decades. When it closed, the property became available for redevelopment, though no major announcements about its future use have been made public as of now.

Key Takeaways

  • Derby Lane operated as a greyhound racing track in St. Petersburg, Florida, from 1932 until its permanent closure in December 2021.
  • Florida voters approved Amendment 13 in 2018, which banned dog racing and required all tracks to stop operations by the end of 2020.
  • Derby Lane continued operating past the original important date through a legal challenge, but ultimately closed when that challenge was exhausted.
  • The track's closure was part of a broader shutdown of greyhound racing across Florida, which had been declining for years before the ban took effect.

When Derby Lane operated and what it offered

Derby Lane held live greyhound racing events regularly throughout its history, with races typically held in the evening and on weekends. The track offered pari-mutuel wagering, meaning bettors placed wagers against each other through the track's betting system rather than against the house. The facility also hosted simulcast racing, which allowed people to watch and bet on races from other tracks broadcast to the venue.

The track was known as a social destination in the St. Petersburg area, drawing both regular bettors and casual visitors. It operated under Florida's pari-mutuel wagering laws, which regulated dog racing tracks alongside horse racing facilities and jai alai frontons. Like other dog tracks in Florida, Derby Lane generated revenue through wagering commissions and facility fees.

Why Florida banned dog racing

In November 2018, Florida voters passed Amendment 13 with roughly 69 percent support, making it a constitutional amendment that banned commercial dog racing in the state. The amendment required all dog racing tracks to cease operations by December 31, 2020. Supporters of the ban cited animal welfare concerns, arguing that greyhound racing involved injuries and deaths that were inconsistent with modern animal protection standards.

The amendment did not ban horse racing or jai alai, which remained legal under Florida law. Dog racing had been declining in Florida for years before the ban, with fewer tracks operating and attendance dropping as other forms of entertainment and gambling became available. By the time the amendment passed, only a handful of dog tracks remained in operation across the state.

Derby Lane's legal challenge and final closure

Derby Lane did not close on the original December 31, 2020 important date. Instead, the track's operators filed a legal challenge to Amendment 13, arguing that the ban violated property rights and other constitutional protections. While that challenge was being litigated, Derby Lane continued to operate under a temporary stay, allowing racing to continue past the voter-mandated important date.

The legal challenge ultimately failed, and Derby Lane ceased all racing operations on December 27, 2021. This marked the end of dog racing in Florida, as Derby Lane was the last track still operating in the state. The facility's closure was final — Florida law now prohibits any new dog racing licenses and does not allow existing tracks to resume operations.

The broader decline of dog racing in Florida

Derby Lane's closure was part of a decades-long decline in greyhound racing across Florida and the United States. In the 1980s and 1990s, Florida had dozens of dog racing tracks. By the 2010s, that number had shrunk to fewer than ten, as attendance declined and younger generations showed less interest in the sport.

Several factors contributed to this decline. Casino gambling, online betting, and sports betting became legal options in many states, drawing money away from dog racing. Animal welfare concerns also grew, with advocacy groups documenting injuries and deaths among racing greyhounds. Tracks that remained open faced rising operational costs and shrinking customer bases, making them less profitable over time.

What happened to the Derby Lane property

After Derby Lane closed, the 10490 Gandy Boulevard property in St. Petersburg became available for redevelopment. The track's operators and the property owner explored various uses for the site, but no major development has been announced or completed as of now. The building remains standing, though it no longer hosts racing events or wagering operations.

The future of the property depends on decisions by its current owner and local zoning regulations in St. Petersburg. Some former racing facilities in other states have been converted to other uses — including retail, entertainment venues, or housing — but Derby Lane's specific plans remain unclear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still bet on greyhound racing in Florida?

No. Florida law now prohibits dog racing entirely, and no tracks operate in the state. However, residents can bet on greyhound racing in other states where it remains legal, typically through online platforms or at tracks in states like West Virginia and Iowa.

When exactly did Derby Lane close?

Derby Lane held its final racing event on December 27, 2021. The track had continued operating past the original December 31, 2020 important date due to a legal challenge, but that challenge was ultimately unsuccessful.

Was Derby Lane the last dog track in Florida?

Yes. Derby Lane was the final greyhound racing track still operating in Florida when it closed in 2021. Its closure ended dog racing in the state entirely.

What was Amendment 13?

Amendment 13 was a Florida constitutional amendment passed by voters in November 2018 that banned commercial dog racing in the state. It required all dog racing tracks to stop operations by December 31, 2020, though some tracks challenged the important date in court.