Gibbons campaign says candidate's license was never suspended

The Deveron Gibbons campaign reacted to a Politifact ruling about Gibbons' driving record Saturday by saying Gibbons' license has never been suspended. As proof, Gibbons campaign manager Nick Hansen provided the St. Petersburg Times with a letter from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. The letter, which you can read here, indeed suggests Gibbons' license was never suspended in the state.

The letter is at odds with much more complete Pinellas County records, which record seven different license suspensions, all for either failing to pay a fine, not attending a defensive driving course, or failing to renew a vehicle registration.

At first blush, it appears that either the county records are wrong, or the letter is a mistake.

Look for an update once governments reopen Monday.

Aaron Sharockman, Times Staff Writer

St. Petersburg police chief fires back at mayoral candidates

ST. PETERSBURG — The city’s top cop is done taking shots from mayoral candidates. This week, Police Chief Chuck Harmon decided to fire back.

Well, sort of. Compared to Harmon’s usually blasé public statements, his comments to the St. Petersburg Times on Thursday were positively racy.

Former School Board member Mary Russell announces run for state House

SEMINOLE -- Mary Russell has announced she'll run for the state House District 54 seat now held by Republican Jim Frishe.

Russell, a Democrat, lives in Seminole and graduated from Seminole High School, St. Petersburg College and the University of South Florida. She is perhaps best known for her 2002-06 stint on the Pinellas County School Board, where she was known to be outspoken. She made headlines for her opposition to then-superintendent Clayton Wilcox. The resulting media coverage of their spats contributed to her decision to get out of politics -- at least temporarily.

"I thought my political career was over, at least until my boys graduated from high school," Russell said in her announcement for the House seat. "I think being a teenager is hard enough without your mother being on the front page of the newspaper. Their privacy is important to me, but more importantly, I want them to have a positive life experience. For a public person's child, that is sometimes hard to do."

Russell said her concerns about education funding, cuts to Medicare and public safety coaxed her back into the political arena even though her sons are still in school.

District 54 stretches up the western edge of Pinellas County and includes the beach communities from Clearwater to Tierra Verde.

Anne Lindberg, Times Staff Writer

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Is Deveron Gibbons in the predatory lending business?

To hear the customers filtering in and out of the Amscot office on 34th Street S, Gibbons' Amscot Financial is a welcome and convenient service.

"It's clean, they're always friendly and it's easy,'' said Sandra Hall, a St. Petersburg office clerk, after cashing a check and getting the free Tootsie Rolls that come with every transaction. "If they weren't here, I'd probably go to a liquor store to do this."

But consumer advocates say Gibbons is part of an industry that preys on cash-strapped Americans and sucks them into a crushing cycle of debt.

The reality of payday loans seems to be less nefarious than critics describe but not as benign as Amscot suggests.

(Story here)

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Former Super Bowl exec says no thanks to Sports Authority job

One of the top contenders to fill the post of executive director of the Tampa Sports Authority is no longer vying for the position. Reid Sigmon, who most recently served as executive director of the Tampa Bay Super Bowl Host Committee, withdrew his name from consideration on Thursday.

"It was a difficult decision, but another opportunity has presented itself," Sigmon said in a letter to the authority’s board members and staff. Sigmon said he has accepted another job that will require him to leave Tampa, but wouldn’t say what the job is. "There will be an announcement next week," he said.

The authority hopes to name a new executive director in August to replace Henry Saavedra, who resigned after some board members raised questions about his management. The position pays $140,000 to $190,000 a year.

Janet Zink, Times Staff Writer

Bostock: New expensive recycling programs don't make sense given cuts

With deep budget cuts at the sheriff's office and county programs, Pinellas County Commissioner Nancy Bostock wants the county to rethink a much bally-hooed new program: curbside recycling pickup.

The recycling program is supposed to begin Jan. 1 and cost up to $10 million annually.

But Bostock said that when $85 million is being cut from the budget, utility fees could rise and new fees for parks could be charged, spending money on recycling pickup makes her scratch her head. The new program would be paid with utility fees, not property taxes, but Bostock said residents have told her curbuside pickup is unnecessary.

"All of the things that we’ve talked about in my opinion are more important than curbside recyclying, and we already have a very good program," Bostock said Thursday.

David DeCamp, Times staff writer

State Rep. Janet Long endorses Scott Wagman for St. Petersburg mayor

Scott Wagman continues to lock up endorsements from elected Democrats. On Thursday he added state Rep. Janet Long to state Rep. Bill Heller, state Sen. Charlie Justice and Pinellas School Board member Linda Lerner.

Paging Ken Welch? Paging Ken Welch?

From a release:

“After taking the time to get to know Scott, I believe that he has the unique skills to lead this city through a difficult budget crisis and the drive to make our streets safer, our jobs more secure, and St. Petersburg a desirable place for any young family to raise their children,” Long said. “I believe the voters of St. Petersburg are hungry for new leadership and not politics as usual and I agree with them. I think it is time for some out-of-the-box thinking and a new type of executive experience to lead St. Petersburg into the future. I believe Scott Wagman possesses those qualities and will bring a fresh new approach to running our city."

The other leading Dems running for mayor are Jamie Bennett and Kathleen Ford (Of course, it should be noted that the mayor's race is nonpartisan).

Aaron Sharockman, Times staff writer

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John Warren says St. Petersburg mayoral bid is not a publicity stunt

ST. PETERSBURG - Listen up, cynics.

John Warren wants you to know his late entry into the mayoral race is not a publicity stunt for his restaurant, Savannah's Cafe.

Yes, he is too broke to pay his election fees.

But he insisted this is not about getting more customers in the door.

Warren said he read some comments criticizing his motives on Bay Buzz and wanted to set the record straight. What's more, he asked the St. Petersburg Times not to call him a restaurateur because he worried that title gave critics the wrong impression.

His preferred title? Community investor.

Cristina Silva, Times staff writer

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Jamie Bennett puts St. Petersburg mayor's race on billboards

ST. PETERSBURG - City Council member Jamie Bennett has become the first mayoral candidate to erect a campaign billboard.

"Jamie Bennett for mayor," reads the billboard at 53 Avenue and Fourth Street N, "The experience we need for the change we want."

The plain maroon and white billboard is adorned with his campaign logo and the date of the Sept. 1 primary. It does not include a picture of Bennett.

"I like the slogan," he said. "As people are driving by around the city, they get reminded."

Bennett said he paid for three billboards. Another one is on U.S. 19 and the third is near Tyrone Square Mall, he said.

"I can't think of a better time," he said. "We saw this as a way of getting out there early."

Asked how much they cost, he said only, "They are not cheap."

Cristina Silva, Times staff writer

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Restaurant owner says he's right choice for St. Petersburg mayor

ST. PETERSBURG — As the field of mayoral candidates came into focus in recent months, restaurateur John Warren sized up the group and thought to himself, meh.

The candidates had months of campaigning and fundraising on him, some had been elected to office in St. Petersburg before, some were high-powered corporate types. But with more than 30 years under his belt as a community activist and small business owner in St. Petersburg, Warren felt comfortable he would make the best mayor of the lot.

"I wouldn't have joined the race if I didn't think I was," Warren said.

Warren, a self-made businessman with a background in historic preservation, makes 10 candidates now vying to replace Mayor Rick Baker, who is term-limited.

Read story here.

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Hayden makes state Senate run official

Pinellas County School Board member Nina Hayden has made her bid to succeed state Sen. Charlie Justice official, launching a fledgling Web site and a press release today.

Hayden, a Democrat who is nearly eight months into her term, is so far the only Democrat running in the 2010 race. Former state Sen. Jack Latvala is the only Republican in the race.

Justice, D-St. Petersburg, is running for U.S. Rep. C.W. Bill Young's seat.

-- David DeCamp, Times staff writer

Welch: Property tax increase still an option

Pinellas County Commissioner Ken Welch said cuts to balance next year's county budget may justify a property tax rate increase, though other commissioners have said they're reluctant to do it.

"At this point, we are preparing a proposed budget that does not include a millage increase," chief assistant county administrator Mark Woodard said this afternoon.

But Welch, noting Commissioner Calvin Harris also has maintained that all options are open for discussion, says the depth of reductions could be too much with a $7.8 million gap remaining. A rate increase to generate $10 million or so more might not require more than a majority vote under Florida law, though it likely would spark some public resistance.

"I think I certainly could make the argument to concerned citizens. Do you want to remove the safety net for our hospitals .. do you want to remove the funding for homeless services?" Welch said today.

It may also solve a dispute with Sheriff Jim Coats, who said this week that the county's attempts to close the gap by cutting his department's spending is unjustified. He has offered a 16 percent cut, but does not want to have to cut further.

-- David DeCamp, Times staff writer

St. Petersburg's gay community seeks to become key voting bloc in mayor and council elections

ST. PETERSBURG –– The rows of rainbow flags, feather boas and glitter-streaked men dressed as Hollywood starlets made for an unusual campaign backdrop.

But there they were, a handful of St. Petersburg mayoral and City Council candidates, passing out campaign literature, posing for pictures and introducing themselves to potential voters amid Saturday's St. Pete Pride festivities.

In a sign of St. Petersburg's changing politics, the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community is harnessing its collective voice, forcing candidates to take notice.

Read story here.

St. Petersburg mayoral candidates dig into substantive issues

ST. PETERSBURG — Maybe it was the knowledge that the names on the September ballot have been finalized. Or maybe it was the absence of a handful of fringe candidates.

Whatever the reason, the candidates for mayor engaged in their most substantial conversation about policy yet Tuesday, offering specific solutions to economic and environmental concerns during a debate hosted by local progressive groups. There were still a few silly jokes, some shallow answers. But, for the most part, the candidates offered new insight about how they would lead the city.

Read story here.

Alex Haak: I didn't mean to drop out of mayoral race

ST. PETERSBURG- City Hall has already counted him out, but activist Alex Haak said he is still running for mayor.

Haak, who filed to run for mayor in April, said the City Clerk's office made an error Monday in determining that he had not turned in the proper paperwork to qualify to run for office.

"I don't understand," Haak said. "I gave them all those papers."

His name was not included on a final list of candidates sent out by the clerk's office after business hours Monday.

Haak said he would bring it up with City Hall this week.

"I sure as heck don't want to pull out," said Haak.

UPDATE: City Clerk Eva Andujar said she told Haak last week he needed to submit a form that stated he had turned in his financial disclosure forms to the state. He never did. She then left a message for him Friday advising him that he still needed to turn in the form. She never heard back from Haak.

Cristina Silva, Times staff writer

Pinellas School Board member Linda Lerner backs Scott Wagman for mayor

Liberal Pinellas School Board member Linda Lerner is backing Scott Wagman for mayor.

"I am convinced that his success in business, community involvement and commitment to improve life for all our citizens have prepared him for this leadership role,” Lerner said in a press release. “He clearly understands the need to continue Mayor Baker’s emphasis on supporting our schools. I support his desire to improve education by placing stronger emphasis on parental responsibility and other adult involvement to provide positive guidance for our students."

Aaron Sharockman, Times Staff Writer

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St. Petersburg City Council candidate says election fees are bogus

ST. PETERSBURG -- Educator Pamella Settlegoode is one of a handful of mayoral and City Council candidates who filed waivers to get out of paying an election assessment fee as required by the state.

Settlegoode said she declined to pay the roughly $400 fee in protest of what amounts to a "poll tax."

"It just doesn't feel right for me to have to pay the state of Florida to run for office," she said in a phone interview Monday. "I feel like it is highly unconstitutional. I object to it on those grounds."

Settlegoode was awarded $1 million in 2004 after a court found Portland public schools had violated her civil rights and fired her for complaining about discrimination against her special-education students.

She defended her claim that the fee was an undue burden.

"I don't have a million dollars, let me make that clear," she said. "A lawsuit is one thing. Oh, you win a million dollars, but you have lawyers to pay and you've been without work for three years."

However, she added, "I am comfortable."

Mayoral hopefuls Paul Congemi, Ed Helm, Richard Eldridge and John Warren, and City Council candidates Joe Smith, Derrick Frohne and Vel Thompson also claimed the fee was an undue burden.

Mayoral hopefuls had to pay roughly $1,600. 

Cristina Silva, Times Staff Writer

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Progressive community groups host mayoral debate

ST. PETERSBURG -- Join us here at 6 p.m. for a mayoral debate hosted by the workers' union at the city of St. Petersburg, Florida Consumer Action Network, Clean Water Action, Progress Florida, Alliance for a Livable Pinellas and other progressive organizations.

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Sen. Fasano: Don't blame me for Sansom

CLEARWATER -- Sen. Mike Fasano wants people to know he doesn't have the influence that some Democrats give him credit for.

The New Port Richey Republican recoiled today after receiving several critical e-mails prompted by a Pinellas County Democratic Party missive sent Sunday on the heels of an account about the Ray Sansom scandal in the Times.

The Democrats urged people to "email the head of the Pinellas Republican delegation, Sen. Mike Fasano, and tell him what you think of the Republican budget process and his vote to fund these projects, fasano.mike.web@flsenate.gov – I for one am outraged."

That resulted in, among other messages, a Sunday night email from St. Pete Beach resident telling him, "Y'all are disgusting, protecting corruption at every turn."

But Fasano isn't head of any Pinellas delegation, and he notes there's no such GOP group organized in the county.

"Then, I guess I gave him a promotion -- if being in charge of the Republican delegation right now can be considered a promotion," county Democratic Party chairman Ramsay McLauchlan said in an email to the Bay Buzz.

David DeCamp, Times staff writer

St. Petersburg ballot line-up comes into focus

UPDATE: Ten candidates for mayor (bye-bye Mr. Haak). Story here.

ST. PETERSBURG -- It's all over at 5 p.m.

By then, we will know the roster of mayoral and City Council candidates in September's primary. We will also know whether any City Council candidates will bypass the primary voting process to face off in a November general election.

Here's a look at candidates who have already qualified to run for office:

In the mayor's race: business executive Deveron Gibbons, City Council member Jamie Bennett, homeless activist Paul Congemi, university student Richard Eldridge, attorney Kathleen Ford, attorney Bill Foster, real estate investor Scott Wagman, political activist Ed Helm and restaurateur John Warren.

Unlike the majority of candidates, Warren, Helm and Congemi claimed the election assessment fee was an undue burden and qualified without paying the nearly $1,600 fee.

So who hasn't qualified yet?

Businessman Larry Williams, political activist Alex Haak and community activist Sharon Russ, who has said she would no longer pursue the office.

Newcomer Eric Rubin filed some paperwork with City Hall today. He is a homeless advocate. It's unclear whether he will submit all the necessary paperwork by 5 p.m.

In the City Council races: City Council chairman Jeff Danner was the only person to qualify for the District 8 election so far.

In the District 2 race, City Council member Jim Kennedy will face retired police chief Stephen Corsetti.

In the District 4 race, City Council member Leslie Curran is running against printer Jason Diviki and educator Pamella Settlegoode.

In the District 5 race, community activist Angela Rouson is up against retired police officer Joe Smith. Social worker Steve Kornell has not yet qualified.

In the District 6 race, City Council member Karl Nurse is being challenged by university student Derrick Frohne and former city employee Vel Thompson.

Unknown candidate Phillip Garrett has not qualified, but City Clerk Eva Andujar said he indicated he would no longer pursue the office.

Thompson, Frohne, Smith and Settlegoode all claimed the election assessment fee was an undue burden and qualified without paying the roughly $400 fee.

Cristina Silva, Times staff writer

Gelber pulls in Tampa Bay endorsements

Democratic attorney general candidate Dan Gelber has snagged a bunch of endorsements from area state representatives: Darryl Rouson of St. Petersburg, Janet Long of Seminole, Mike Michael Scionti of Tampa, Bill Heller of Petersburg) and Betty Reed of Tampa. All served with state Sen. Gelber in the House, while rival Democrat Dave Aronberg has only served in the senate.

Adam Smith, Times Political Editor

Corcoran gets firefighters union endorsement

Pasco County’s firefighters union has endorsed lawyer Richard Corcoran in his bid for District 45 state representative.

The political action committee for Pasco County Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 4420,
voted unanimously on the endorsement.

Corcoran, a contract attorney with the Pasco Sheriff’s Office and an ally of State Sen. Mike Fasano, is one of three Republicans vying for the seat of Rep. Tom Anderson, a Dunedin Republican who can’t run in 2010 because of term limits.

Pasco School Board member Kathryn Starkey and Clearwater businessman Fabian Calvo are also running for the seat.

Jodie Tillman, Times staff writer

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Tampa GOP firm splits

Veteran Republican consultant April Schiff made this curt announcement today: "Chris Ingram, who joined Strategic Solutions in May of 2008, has departed and will no longer be a part of the corporation or its operations. Strategic Solutions will continue, as it has since formation on November 7, 2000, under the leadership of its President and  Co-Founder April Schiff, to execute winning campaigns, getting candidates elected to office across the State of Florida."

Ingram said he sold his 50 percent share in Strategic Solutions to Schiff: “April and I had differences in opinion about the direction of the company which we could not resolve. I wish April the best as she leads Strategic Solutions. I look forward to focusing my energies on 411 Communications which I have operated for ten years, working for clients seeking superior communications, campaign consulting, and message development."

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Candidate Paul Congemi upset over St. Pete Pride coverage

ST. PETERSBURG -- Mayoral hopeful Paul Congemi said he was upset about the coverage the St.Petersburg Times gave to the St. Pete Pride festival this weekend.

"It is not pride, it's shame," said Congemi, who pledged to follow in Mayor Rick Baker's footsteps if elected and not attend the event or sign the City Council's proclamation making June St. Pete Pride month.

"Homosexuality is an abomination, according to the Bible," Congemi said. "In my opinion, it's a perverted event, by perverted people. And something like that shouldn't be in the newspaper."

Three mayoral candidates participated in Saturday's Pride parade along Central Avenue: City Council member Jamie Bennett, former City Council member Kathleen Ford and real estate investor Scott Wagman.

To read about all the candidates and their positions, go to tampabay.com/mayor.

Heather Urquides, Times staff writer

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Want to work for Brown-Waite? Practice bocce

An article in Roll Call, a Capitol Hill newspaper, about staff additions to U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite's Washington office caught our eye today. The story introduces new spokeswoman Cassie Smedile and two legislative staffers, photo included. And it discusses the unique hiring practices at the Brooksville Republican's office.

Here is what Katie Troller, who was promoted from legislative correspondent to legislative assistant, said about the job application:

“I found out about the legislative correspondent job through a listserv posting. The job description asked for a 300-word essay describing how bocce ball changed your life. I instantaneously knew I wanted to work for an office that had such a great personality and appreciated bocce ball,” she said.

Read more here.

John Frank, Times staff writer

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Public can chime in on St. Petersburg city budget

ST. PETERSBURG -- The public will have several chances to comment on St. Petersburg's proposed 2010 city budget and suggested cuts.

The first public forum is at 6 p.m. July 9 in the council chamber at City Hall, 175 5th St. N. Council members will take public input on the proposed spending plan for next year, which includes an anticipated $15 million to $20 million general fund shortfall and additional budget reductions.

Two other public hearings are scheduled for Sept. 3 and 17, same time and place. The council is expected to adopt the proposed 2010 spending plan and tax rate at the Sept. 3 meeting. The final budget, tax rate and Capital Spending Plan should be approved at the Sept. 17 meeting. All forums will be broadcast live on St. Pete TV channel 35, Knology cable channel 15, Brighthouse cable channel 615 or Verizon FiOs channel 20.

Questions? Visit www.stpete.org/budget or call the City Clerk at (727) 893-7448. View the budget online starting July 1.

Stephanie Hayes, Times staff writer

Progressive groups to host mayoral debate Tuesday

ST. PETERSBURG--Still don't know who you are voting for?

Tuesday's mayoral debate might help you decide.

Progress Florida, Clean Water Action, Alliance for a Livable Pinellas and a handful of other progressive groups will host a mayoral debate at the Sunshine Center at 330 5th Street N at 6 p.m.

We will live blog the event.

Cristina Silva, Times staff writer

Latvala, Wagman to Address Lealman Audience

Candidates Jack Latvala and Scott Wagman will be the featured speakers at Wednesday's meeting of the Lealman Community Association. Latvala, a former state senator, is again running for the state senate. Wagman is one of the gazillion candidates running for St. Petersburg mayor.

Ray Neri, head of the LCA, said that having the candidates speak is a long-time tradition for the association. That's important, he said, for candidates like Latvala, who wants to represent Lealman, as well as a candidate like Wagman, who will not be representing the area but whose city's decisions do affect residents there.

Neri said he's extended an offer for any candidate who wants to speak to do so. They just need to call him at 527-5352 to set up a time.

The Lealman meeting is open to the public. It's at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the VFW, 4145 34th St. N, in the unincorporated Lealman area.

-- Anne Lindberg, Times Staff Writer

Obama Administration Snubs Pinellas Park Mayor

Pinellas Park Mayor Bill Mischler recently returned from the annual conference of mayors with his nose a bit out of joint. He - and the other 179 mayors who attended - were outraged because members of the Obama administration, including Vice President Joe Biden, had cancelled plans to meet with the mayors.

Why? To make the meeting, administration officials would have had to cross a picket line of firefighters who were in the midst of a contract dispute with the city of Providence, R.I., where the mayors were meeting.

According to a report in the Providence Journal, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs explained that the International Association of Firefighters had asked the administration to "respect the picket line." Although the Obama administration took no position in the nearly 10-year long dispute, Gibbs said the administration has "always respected picket lines and administration officials will not cross this one."

The explanation wasn't good enough for the mayors, who were so insulted and miffed that their executive committee wrote a letter on June 16 chiding Obama and - in a bit of tit for tat - refusing to meet on an alternate date the administration proposed.

"We must tell you that, in our 77-year history, there has never before been an instance where the entire federal government refused to participate in one of our national meetings," the letter said. "We believe that your decision to boycott this meeting at such a critical time was a serious mistake."

The letter added: "It had been our hope that our annual conference would be a meaningful opportunity for mayors and your administration to address these many issues, and to strengthen our partnership on our many shared priorities. But because of the administration's reaction to a local labor dispute that was not a 'picket line' and was not honored by any other local public or private union, this did not happen. We worry about the precedent this has set as your administration attempts to travel to America's cities in the future to carry out the business of the federal government and the American people, where similar protests are now likely to arise."

The mayors then spurned Obama's offer to meet with them on June 29 in Washington "due to severely challenged local budgets....Airfares on this short notice would be prohibitively expensive."

The mayors then offered for their executive committee to "work directly with you and your White House to set a date for such a meeting this summer, and to develop the agenda for such an important discussion."

-- Anne Lindberg, Times Staff Writer

 

Mayoral hopeful Bill Foster goes after fundraising frontrunners

ST. PETERSBURG -- Bill Foster promised not to run a negative campaign.

But he apparently couldn't resist taking at least one jab.

In an e-mail plea aimed at drumming up more cash from supporters, Foster called out his opponents' out-of-town fundraising efforts. He didn't name any names. But anyone who pays close attention to local news coverage would be able to figure out who Foster is writing about.

"All I am asking for is at least a $5.00 donation to my campaign to be your next Mayor of St. Petersburg. That’s it! It might not seem like a lot, but it goes a long way towards showing that the citizens of St. Petersburg are taking a stand for experienced, local leadership in our city," the e-mail read. "Why is it so important now that we band together? A significant amount of money from outside of St. Petersburg – worse yet, beyond Florida – is flowing into several of my opponents’ campaigns. In one case over two-thirds of all the money raised by the candidate has come from someplace other than St. Petersburg."

For those of you not paying close attention, that candidate is fundraising champ Deveron Gibbons, who collected nearly 67 percent of his total $112,736 haul from power brokers and residents outside St. Petersburg.

Cristina Silva, Times staff writer

Council member Wengay Newton endorses Scott Wagman

ST. PETERSBURG - City Council member Wengay Newton said political newcomer Scott Wagman is the best mayoral candidate to oversee City Hall.

Newton said Wagman won him over with his promise to revamp the police department and aggressively pursue drug houses.

"In my heart I feel he will really be the one to bring some change to the south side," Newton said. "Everyone who is running wants to keep things the same. He is the only one who wants to do something different."

What's more, Wagman is an outsider who is not indebted to St. Petersburg's political establishment, said Newton.

"He is just like me," Newton said. "He is not one of them."

Newton is the first sitting council member to publicly endorse one of the 11 mayoral candidates.

The Newton endorsement could come with some repercussions.

Newton, a frequent critic of the Baker administration and the City Council, is reviled by a handful of City Hall leaders who consider him unnecessarily confrontational.

"People who have a very strong interest in the status quo will not be happy," acknowledged Wagman.

But Newton, who represents a sizable African-American population, could help establish Wagman as a diverse candidate able to engage a wide swath of voters. Newton is also the only black City Council member.

"It will absolutely do well for me," said Wagman. "In for one, recognizing that there are African-American citizens out there that recognize competence over political experience and race. I see it as a major plus and I thank him for his endorsement."

Cristina Silva, Times staff writer

St. Pete Pride co-chairman calls County Commissioner Kevin Beckner a hero

When the St. Pete Pride parade heads toward Central Avenue on Saturday, Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner will be leading the way.

Parade organizers selected Beckner, the region's first openly gay elected official, as grand marshal for the parade, which culminates with a street festival celebrating gay pride. Organizers expect attendance to hit 70,000.

"It's a really exciting opportunity," Beckner said. "Pride is very important. It allows people to be who they are. I think it's important that we recognize everyone for the value they bring to our community."

Update: St. Pete Pride co-chairman Brian Stipsit said the organizing committee selected Beckner unanimously for the honor. "Kevin has really been a hero to us in the community," Stipsit said. "He's a champion for a lot of our rights. We are proud of him."

Previous grand marshals have been national radio personality Derek Hartley and Susan Stanton, a former Largo city manager who had a sex-change operation.

Janet Zink, Times staff writer

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