Florida May Lose Marlins

H. Wayne Huizenga may have been too convincing in stating his losses on the Florida Marlins, because the phones weren’t ringing off the hook Friday with would-be local buyers.

As a result, Huizenga, who put the “For Sale” sign up on the Marlins Thursday, could wind up a victim of his success. And that ultimately could cost South Florida fans the team.

Why? South Florida’s wealthy elite, including many men who have expressed interest in owning a professional sports team, are staying away.

“Frankly, my initial thought was if Wayne Huizenga can’t make it, I’m not sure anybody can in this market,” said Palm Beach County developer Bruce Frey, who owns an arena football team and half-interest in a minor league hockey team.

Huizenga, who says he has invested $200 million including interest on the 5-year-old team, promised to do everything possible to keep the team in South Florida. He believes a large ownership group could spread the pain of long-term losses.

The potential list is limited because buyers - in any arrangement - would require signigicant net worth. And many of South Florida’s deepest pocketed moguls, including some who have expressed interest in professional sports, indicated they are either too busy or uninterested. They include:

Billionaire cruise line magnate Micky Arison, who owns the Miami Heat. Carnival Cruise lines spokesman Tim Gallagher said Arison isn’t interested in baseball.

Cuban exile leader Jorge Mas Canosa, chairman of MasTec, a telecommunications construction company.

Sugar magnates Alfonso and Jose Fanjul.

Palm Beach cellular phone impresario Ken Horowitz.

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