Pinellas County Commissioner Charlie Justice is officially launching his re-election campaign Wednesday, November 18 at Bella Brava in downtown St. Pete.
Justice, a Democrat, will be at the Italian eatery and downtown hot spot on Beach Drive from 5:30 until 7 p.m..
A flier announcing the event reminds supporters that even if they can’t make it, they can still mail in a check.
The event will provide appetizers. A cash bar will also be on hand.
“All contributions gratefully appreciated,” the flier reads.
Of the 607 people invited on a Facebook event page, 32 indicated they’d be going with another 40 checked off as “maybes.”
Among those planning to attend include fellow commissioner Ken Welch and an impressive array of Democratic activists including Christian Haas, Suzanne Snurpus, Lucinda Johnston, Jan Lund, Jasmina Foran and Frank Wells.
Former state Senate candidate and USF St. Pete professor Judith Anne McLauchlan also RSVP-ed. Former St. Pete City Council member Jeff Danner also indicated he would be attending.
Justice is being challenged by Republican Mike Mikurak who already has a fundraising jump with more than $47,000 in contributions as of the most recent campaign finance documents filed.
The Pinellas County Commission gained a Democratic majority last year when Democrat Pat Gerard defeated Republican Ed Hooper to replace the uber-conservative Norm Roche.
It’s the first time Democrats have controlled that dais in more than 50 years. That’s something Republicans are likely to try to remedy. In fact, that exact goal was brought up during a Pinellas County Republican Executive Committee meeting last year when Nick DiCeglie was elected chair.
During that meeting he emphasized boosting voter turnout at the polls and eyed not just national and state seats, but specifically mentioned winning back a Republican majority in the County Commission.
