Except for Ed Montanari, the eight-person St. Pete City Council is made up of Democrats. So, it’s not unusual that most of them back fellow Democrat Gina Driscoll in her race against Republican Justin Bean for the St. Pete City Council District 6 race.
They insist it isn’t political. On Wednesday, St. Petersburg House Democrat Wengay Newton, along with two other religious figures based in South St. Petersburg, blasted the Rick Kriseman administration for what they believe was an emphasis on gentrifying Midtown, the predominantly black section of the city.
Wednesday was a big day for Rick Kriseman. Joined by Assistant Mayor Kanika Tomalin, City Councilmembers Darden Rice, Lisa Wheeler-Bowman, Ed Montanari, and Karl Nurse, as well as other officials, the mayor took part in a groundbreaking ceremony for the new St. Petersburg Pier, a major symbolic event for a project that has become a huge political issue. “It was really important that we fulfill the desires of the community from the standpoint of functionality, but do it within budget,…
St. Petersburg City Council Chair Darden Rice is announcing an extended list of new endorsements Thursday for her District 4 re-election bid. As a popular first-term Council member and longtime civic activist, Rice enjoys a wellspring of support from elected officials, colleagues and well-wishers on both the local and state levels. The growing list of endorsements includes several prominent local elected officials: State Sen. Darryl Rouson, State Reps. Ben Diamond and Wengay Newton, as well as St. Pete Mayor Rick Kriseman,…
Rick Baker‘s entrance into the mayoral race may have sucked up a lot of the public attention in St. Petersburg’s political atmosphere this spring. However, there an interesting race is emerging between two capable candidates in St. Petersburg City Council District 2. Realtor Brandi Gabbard and banker Barclay Harless are vying to succeed a term-limited Jim Kennedy later this year. Although Harless holds a fundraising lead, Gabbard actually raised more campaign cash in April. At Central Avenue’s Oyster Bar Thursday night, friends of Harless…
St. Petersburg City Councilwoman Lisa Wheeler-Bowman is endorsing Corey Givens, Jr. in his bid for St. Petersburg District 6. “Corey Givens is the best choice for voters,” Wheeler-Brown, who represents District 7, said in a statement Tuesday. “He embodies the knowledge, leadership, and experience required to serve such a uniquely diverse district. I’ve worked closely with Corey over the years and I can truly say that his passion and love for community is genuine.” “I personally would like to thank Lisa for standing with me,” Givens responds. “District…
Although the Suncoast Police Benevolent Association endorsed Rick Kriseman re-election two months ago, a formal press conference touting its backing didn’t take place until Friday – three days after former mayor Rick Baker announced he was challenging the incumbent. “Senior leadership under the previous administration was one of the main causes of the low morale and tension in the community that we had between some of the police officers and the people that we serve,” said George Lofton, the president of the Suncoast PBA…