Businesses near Osceola County Stadium that were reeling at the Houston Astros' move out of the area have a new team to cheer for.

  • Brevard County Manatees relocating to Osceola County
  • Struggling businesses near Osceola Heritage Park encouraged by move
  • Manatees have been on Space Coast for more than 20 years

The Brevard County Manatees, an affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers that has called the Space Coast home for more than 20 years, is relocating to Kissimmee for the 2017 season.

Third Base Pub is a couple of minutes away from the Osceola Heritage Park, where the stadium is located, and pub worker Harley Bowerman is excited about the move.

“When baseball season is in, business picks up, because a lot of people come in here after the game," he said Wednesday. “We’re losing a lot of money, and until we get this minor-league team in there... Hopefully, it will help.”

The pub heavily relies on baseball season for business. When the Astros announced they would be moving to a new training complex in Palm Beach County in 2017, “I freaked out because it’s such a major part of Kissimmee,” Bowerman said.

Manatees President Joe Harrington said, “We’re going to come in and fit into what has already been done.”

But for Brevard County businesses, the Manatees' move means the loss of another professional baseball team -- and they are worried. They have relied on the 70 home games for consistent profits.

Viera Pizza owner Mike Acosta has been up and running for the past 12 years, relying on crowds who head out to Manatees games at Space Coast Stadium, less than a mile down the street.

"There's always that 'one door closes, another one opens.' " Acosta said Wednesday. "We are hoping this youth league (the United States Specialty Association) brings in a lot more."

The United States Specialty Association is actually leaving Ocseola to come to Brevard. The 20-year agreement with Brevard guarantees a minimum of 175 days of amateur sports each year. Acosta looks forward to that influx for people to make up for the loss of not only the Manatees but the Washington Nationals' spring training, which is moving to West Palm Beach next year.

The Manatees play their last regular season game at Space Coast Stadium on Sept. 4.

Meanwhile, back in Osceola County, a new ballpark for the Manatees means a new identity: Officials are asking for help choosing the team’s new name.

"It’s a great opportunity for us to make this team Osceola identify and also to build that connection with our community you need to have from my own experience,” Osceola County Commissioner Brandon Arrington said.

If you have ideas on the team's new name, you have until July 13 to submit your nomination. The winner will receive season tickets, a home jersey and the opportunity to throw out the first pitch at a game next year. For info on that, go to their website.