Tampa to county: We'll play ball if you'll agree it's our ball

TAMPA -- City officials have offered to let county emergency workers help take care of injured NFL players and overly intoxicated football fans during Bucs games, with a caveat.

In a letter to the Tampa Sports Authority, which operates Raymond James Stadium, City Attorney David Smith said Hillsborough's firefighters could have a piece of the action if the county would "acknowledge the exclusive right" of the city to provide all emergency medical services within Tampa's boundaries.

George Sucarichi, president of Hillsboorugh County firefighters union, called Smith's letter "comical" and said he would "acknowledge nothing."

City paramedics have handled the off-duty assignments at football games for years. County firefighters want some of the work, which pays $25 to $35 an hour during home games. The Tampa Sports Authority voted to include the county paramedics, but the City Council last month rammed through an ordinance declaring the work the city's "exclusive right."

--Janet Zink, Times Staff Writer

[Skip O'Rourke, Times files]

St. Pete Pride attracts notable supporter

ST. PETERSBURG -- This isn't something you see often -- if ever -- at St. Pete Pride: A local black politician.

But Council Member Wengay Newton, the city's lone black council member, said he had no hesitations about marching in Saturday's parade, something his predecessors had avoided.

"They bring money and business to St. Pete," said Newton, a newcomer on the council who attended the annual parade for the first time Saturday. "I don't understand how African-Americans or any other politicians wouldn't show up and show their support. As a St. Pete city council member, you have to be representative of all the people in St. Pete."

Newton and Council Member Karl Nurse marched with a group of local Stonewall Democrats. Newton also joined Council Member Jeff Danner in reading a proclamation recognizing the parade, the largest single day event in St. Petersburg.

"I had a good time," said Newton.  "I didn't see any problem with it."

-Cristina Silva, Times Staff Writer

[Willie Allen, Jr., Times files]

McKenzie endorsed by former rival in statehouse race

ST. PETERSBURG-- The Rev. Charles McKenzie (left in photos), a Democratic contender in the Florida House District 55 race, has been endorsed by his onetime opponent, former City Council Member Earnest Williams (right).

McKenzie "is a dedicated Democrat with a resume of public service and he will represent us well in Tallahassee," said Williams in a statement today. " I would expect nothing less from someone with his record of public service."

McKenzie will face State Rep. Darryl Rouson in the August Democratic primary.

In many ways, the endorsement isn't a surprise. Debates between Williams and Rouson were so tense during the March special election that the bickering often overshadowed the issues. Not only did the men publicly insult one another, Williams also filed a police complaint against Rouson that alleged Rouson threatened to injure him.

Williams came in third in that race, behind McKenzie and Rouson.

-Cristina Silva, Times Staff Writer

Power broker Ralph Hughes dead at 77

TAMPA -- Ralph Hughes, one of the Tampa Bay area's most influential power brokers, has died. He was 77.

For years, his contributions to conservative causes, from Jeb Bush to Hillsborough County commissioners, made him a force in local and state politics. He was a major contributor to commissioners Brian Blair and Jim Norman and state Sen. Ronda Storms.

"He was the father of conservatism in Hillsborough County," former Hillsborough County commissioner Joe Chillura said this morning. "He had more to do with the complexion of the commission becoming conservative than any other individual."

Hughes did so by making large contributions to candidates he agreed with, or even recruited. He helped turn back a brief period in the 1990s when the board was dominated by members with more of an environmentalist bent.

A former amateur boxer, Hughes made his fortune in precast materials for construction. The funeral and visitation are set for tomorrow, but are private.

Times staff writer

[Mack Goethe, Times files]

Democrats challenge write-in Pasco County Commission candidate

Democrats have filed a court challenge to the write-in candidacy of John M. Taylor, who recently filed to run in the hotly contested County Commission race for the District 1 seat.

The race originally included two Republicans, incumbent Ted Schrader and John Nicolette, a part-time firefighter and son-in-law of retired county attorney Robert Sumner. Because only two members of the same party sought the seat, all voters would be able to cast ballots, until Taylor filed earlier this month.

Announcing the Democrats' charge was state Sen. Dave Aronberg, of Greenacres, who launched a statewide fight against the use of write-in candidates to close elections to only members of the candidates' party. The lawsuit is getting free help from New Port Richey lawyer Robert Altman, who also is running for clerk of the circuit court.

Plaintiffs named in the lawsuit are Steve Byle, a Democrat from Hudson, and Deborah Lopez, a voter with no party affiliation from Zephyrhills. They seek Taylor's disqualification as a write-in candidate, which will open up the election to them and all Pasco County voters.

Rouson backs Rice in Pinellas commission race

State Rep. Darryl Rouson has endorsed Darden Rice's campaign for the at large District 3 County Commission seat held by Bob Stewart, who is stepping down. Rice faces former St. Pete City Council member Rene Flowers in the Democratic primary. The winner will face School Board member Nancy Bostock, a Republican.

"I have known Darden's work for the past eight years, and I have been impressed with her dedication and commitment to public service," Rouson said in a statement. "Not only has she been strong on environmental concerns, she has been a warrior for the rights of all citizens. I respect Darden, and I give her my full and heartfelt endorsement."

Brown-Waite, rival clash on energy policy

BROOKSVILLE -- U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite isn't going to win re-election without a fight. The debate in the 5th Congressional District is focusing on offshore drilling. In campaign appearances her challenger in the Republican primary on Aug. 26, Jim King of Land O'Lakes, calls her support for drilling "an election year epiphany." Read story here.

--John Frank, Times staff writer

Pasco's Bunting gets fight in own backyard

Pasco County GOP Chairman Bill Bunting is in scrap with critics in his own neighborhood who want to get him voted out of the party's executive committee. At the same time, he's trying to unseat former lawmaker and longtime state committeeman John Renke -- stirring the fractious GOP pot in Pasco even more.

-- David DeCamp/Times staff writer

It'll be a Pinellas forum fiesta on July 21

July 21 will be a busy evening for Pinellas County candidates. In addition to the Council of North County Neighborhoods forum, the NAACP Clearwater/Upper Pinellas is holding an event the same evening at the MLK Center on Drew Street. The NAACP event starts at 7 p.m., but beginning at 6 p.m. there'll be voting machine demonstrations and a chance to register to vote. Organizers are working on who appears at which forum when over the course of the night. They think it's possible for candidates to make both.

--Will Van Sant, staff writer

Pinellas candidates forum on tap

Want to catch some of the contenders for Pinellas County Commission and sheriff on the stump? They've been invited to a candidates forum Monday, July 21, at Crescent Oaks Country Club. The forum is organized by the Council of North County Neighborhoods. The event runs 7-9 p.m.

The forum will be moderated and the questions provided to the candidates in advance.

--Will Van Sant, staff writer

Floridians at DLC convention

A big contingent of Tampa Bay pols at this weekend's convention of the centrist Democratic Leadership Council in Chicago: Keith Fitzgerald, Richard Kriseman, Janet Long, Betty Reed, Darryl Rouson.

St. Pete Mayor celebrates birthday with former rival

ST. PETERSBURG- Mayor Rick Baker and City Council member Wengay Newton have apparently put their troubled past behind them.

The two men greeted each other warmly during the grand opening ceremony of the CVS on Central Avenue and U.S. 19 this morning. Then, Newton offered to sing Baker a birthday song after the convenience store staff surprised the mayor, who turned 52 today, with cake. With a wide grin on his face, Newton busted out with an original birthday jam back from his days as a waiter at a Mexican restaurant in the 80's. The song ends with, "I must say your really nifty."

Those are words no one expected Newton to ever say to Baker, birthday or not, back in November, when the two men stood on opposing teams in one of the more heated political feuds of the St. Petersburg election season.

Then, Newton was running for City Council on the premise that he was not another Baker crony. Meanwhile, Baker was hitting up area churches and civic meetings campaigning for Newton's opponent, the more conservative Gershom Faulkner.

Even after he won, Newton complained that he had been running against two men, not just Faulkner. He also chastised Baker for not doing enough to combat crime in St. Petersburg's most troubled neighborhoods.

-- Cristina Silva, Times Staff Writer

How do campaigns interact with St Pete Times?

Learn how the Times’ news team plans to cover your political campaign, how the editorial board makes its candidate recommendations and paid advertising helps get your message to voters. The Times is holding a series of informal meetings for qualified candidates for Congress, the Legislature and local offices to learn about those issues and more. Each gathering will include representatives from news, the editorial board and advertising to brief candidates and answer questions. The schedule:

Pinellas: 6 p.m. Monday in the first floor auditorium at the Times, 490 First Avenue S in St. Petersburg. Hillsborough: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Times, 1000 N Ashley Drive, Suite 700, in Tampa. Pasco: 2 p.m. July 14 at the Times, 11321 U.S. 19 in Port Richey.

Judge seeks political support from inmates

BROOKSVILLE -- In his election bid, Fifth Circuit Judge Ric Howard is seeking support from one of the most ironic places possible: the Hernando County jail.

He planted a campaign sign at the entrance to the local jail and state women's prison off Spring Hill Drive. Howard lives in Hernando County and once practiced law here but manages a felony docket in neighboring Citrus County.

It's Howard's first time running for office after being appointed to the bench in 2002 by then-Gov. Jeb Bush. So we'll give him a break. The sign isn't far from a bail bonds office -- a group that will surely support Howard, who is known for controversial and often tough sentences.

--John Frank, Times staff writer

Hernando GOP supports Amd. 5

BROOKSVILLE -- Hernando's top Republicans jumped on the Amendment 5 bandwagon this week.

The county's GOP executive committee voted unanimous to support the ballot initiative. Chairwoman Ana Trinque explained that members "like the idea of removing some of our ad valorem tax with a sales tax dedicated to the schools. This way everyone pays into it not just homeowners. So our tourists, illegals, etc. pay every time they make a purchase. I believe this is a fairer way to get our schools funded."

--John Frank, Times staff writer

Council stands up to Iorio on layoffs

Tampa mayors are used to getting their way, so Thursday's move to block planned layoffs is notable.

Mayor Pam Iorio wanted to lay off 27 janitorial workers and hire a company to do the work. But in a rare moment of defiance, the council said no in a 6-1 vote.

The council also complained that the mayor was ready to lay off all those employees even as she insisted that the city will keep spending $30,000 a year on bottled water.

Sayonara, Rick Baker

ST. PETERSBURG-- Mayor Rick Baker and City Council Member Jim Kennedy are heading to Japan Saturday for a goodwill trip.

The nearly two-week long trip won't cost taxpayers a dime. The mayor, who is heading oversees with his family, will pay his own way. So will Kennedy.

Most of the trip will be spent in  Takamatsu, St. Petersburg's sister city, where city officials will rub elbows with Japanese dignitaries.

Baker also plans to visit  Hiroshima, where he will present hand-made paper cranes created by St. Petersburg students.

The delegation consists of St. Petersburg College Associate Vice President Catherine Crist Kennedy (no relation to the the council member), Beth Herendeen, the city's marketing director, and each elected official's family. The group is scheduled to return July 8.

Side note: In St. Petersburg, Baker towers over practically everyone. Imagine Baker in Japan, where the average man is five feet and five inches.

Cristina Silva, Times staff Writer

Bean suspends 3 firetruck repairmen

Hillsborough County Administrator Pat Bean announced the suspensions this afternoon of three county employees suspected of selling parts from firefighting vehicles for scrap.

The employees, who will be paid during their indefinite suspensions, include a supervisor who is a 22-year employee of the county. Each worked in the fleet maintenance division of Hillsborough County Fire-Rescue.

"Obviously, I'm disappointed to say we have that sort of thing going on," Bean said.

Bean's professional responsibility office is investigating the accusations and hasn't finalized its work, but the county administrator said she heard enough to seek the removal of the employees. The Sheriff's Office also is investigating.

The employees in question are senior equipment repair supervisor Jack Holley, who makes $66,227; mechanic Bob Hall, who makes $39,249; and tradeshelper Tim Cohee, who makes $20,592.

-- Bill Varian, Times Staff Writer

Hillsborough County Administrator Pat Bean announced the suspensions this afternoon of three county employees suspected of selling parts from firefighting vehicles for scrap.

The employees, who will be paid during their indefinite suspensions, include a supervisor who is a 22-year employee of the county. Each worked in the fleet maintenance division of Hillsborough County Fire-Rescue.

"Obviously, I'm disappointed to say we have that sort of thing going on," Bean said.

Bean's professional responsibility office is investigating the accusations and hasn't finalized its work, but the county administrator said she heard enough to seek the removal of the employees. The Sheriff's Office also is investigating.

The employees in question are senior equipment repair supervisor Jack Holley, who makes $66,227; mechanic Bob Hall, who makes $39,249; and tradeshelper Tim Cohee, who makes $20,592.

-- Bill Varian, Times Staff Writer

New St. Pete council member launches web site

ST. PETERSBURG - Dying to know what City Council Member Karl Nurse is up to?

Check out his new web site, karlnursestpete.com/.

Nurse said he plans to update the site regularly.

It includes a biography of Nurse, a list of topics on the Council Member's mind (think foreclosure prevention and code enforcement) and a feedback page.

Nearly every politician has a campaign web site, but as far as we can tell, Nurse is the only elected official in St. Petersburg with a non-election related site.

-Cristina Silva, Times Staff Writer

What happened to Bruce Cotton?

Considering how Republican Bruce Cotton nearly a year ago starting touting his ability to unseat state Rep. Janet Long, D-Seminole, we were baffled to see he didn't actually qualify. What gives?

From Cotton: "Sorry I haven't called you back, but I don't really feel like making any comments about not filing my qualifying paperwork."

Hernando commissioners keep foe off board

BROOKSVILLE -- County commissioners appointed new members this week to the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee. No big deal, right? Well ... look at the only two who didn't make it: Blaise Ingoglia and Z. Vernon Hall.

Ingoglia is the Spring Hill home builder and professional poker player behind last year's Government Gone Wild seminars. Hall is his business partner and manager of his mortgage company. Ingoglia has publicly declared his vow to unseat incumbent Commissioners Diane Rowden, Jeff Stabins and Chris Kingsley, all of whom voted Tuesday on the committee list that excluded Ingoglia and Hall.

"I was not comfortable supporting Mr. Blaise Ingoglia for the board,'' Stabins said. He said his feeling is "based on a lot of the theatrics from last year'' and the fact that "my experience with Mr. Ingoglia is nothing but negative. He's a lightning rod for trouble." Read the full story from Barbara Behrendt here.

--John Frank, Times staff writer

The most unusual name on the 2008 ballot

Pole sitter H. David Werder waves from his 30 foot pole along Gulf To Bay Boulevard in Clearwater in November 1983. Werder sat on the pole for 439 days and came down from his perch in January 1984. [Steve Hasel | Times (1983)]

UPDATE: Read full story here.

Go the the state elections Web site to see the full list of candidates on this year's ballot and you'll find probably the most unusual name ever: H. David "the flag-pole sitter" Werder. Seriously, check it out.

Werder is a candidate for the Democratic primary in the 5th Congressional District, a seat held by Republican Virginia "Ginny" Brown-Waite of Brooksville.

His official ballot name references his legend as Clearwater's most famous trespasser. From November 1982 to Jan. 21, 1984, Werder sat atop the 30-foot flagpole, setting a world-record 439 days, 11 hours and 6 minutes.

Hernando Green candidate revealed

Sarah Roman, the 21-year-old mystery Green Party candidate running in Hernando's House District 44, briefly answered a few questions in an e-mail conversation with the Times.

It's the first public comments the Port Richey resident has made since qualifying as a candidate, and her e-mail arrived moments before another one from Hernando Green representative Jennifer Sullivan. Read both below.

--John Frank, Times staff writer

Could mystery Green Party candidates spoil election

Five Green Party candidates quietly entered hotly contested state legislative races this year — a good showing for a minor party with no other candidates.

Except for this: The party didn't recruit them, knows nothing about them and doubts they are legitimate.

"It's all a mystery, and we're a little concerned," said Bonnie Redding, the local party representative in Palm Beach County. Read the full story here and check back for more information later.

--John Frank, Times staff writer

Hackworth comes downtown

ST. PETERSBURG -- Bob Hackworth (left), the mayor of Dunedin who's running for the Congressional District 10 seat now held by veteran U.S. Rep. Bill Young, brought his campaign to south Pinellas County tonight for a fundraiser.

Hosts included George Rahdert, a St. Petersburg lawyer, state Rep. Darryl Rouson and St. Petersburg City Council member Jamie Bennett, who didn't attend. State Sen. Charlie Justice, D-St. Petersburg, and St. Petersburg City Council member Karl Nurse were also there.

"We have a chance this fall to put forth a really credible candidate," Hackworth told a crowd of a couple dozen people at Rahdert's downtown St. Petersburg office. "The people of District 10 at least deserve the dialogue of a campaign. They haven't had that."

Hackworth said Young hasn't been held accountable because he's rarely faced a serious challenge. Hackworth said he would address the issues that the Republicans have bungled, including the war in Iraq, the economy, the national debt, and earmarks of federal money.

Justice said he would support any of the three Democrats should they win the Aug. 29 primary. The other candidates are Max Linn, pictured center, who ran with the Reform Party for governor in 2006, and Samm Simpson, pictured right, who won 34 percent of the vote against Young in 2006. Justice said Linn has the money to get his message out, Simpson has built a loyal network of supporters and Hackworth has a history in the northern part of the district.

Linn will be speaking on Wednesday next week at the St. Petersburg Democratic Club at the Piccadilly Cafeteria at 1900 34th St. N in St. Petersburg at 7 p.m. Catch up with Simpson at one of her weekly bowling outings. The next one is on Monday at Seminole Lanes at 8668 Park Blvd at 7 p.m.

--Stephanie Garry, Times Staff Writer

Hagan pooh-poohs county attorney's office

Hillsborough County Commission Chairman Ken Hagan recently expressed his displeasure with work by County Attorney Renee Lee's Office in a colorful, late-night e-mail.

Hagan was writing to aide Rich Reidy to express frustration with delays in an ordinance change that would let the Carrollwood Cultural Center serve alcoholic beverages during events such as weddings.

"Jump on this first thing," Hagan said in an e-mail sent to Reidy at 1:15 a.m., Friday, June 13, "the CCC should not be penalized for the sh---y work of the county attys office . . . see what you can do, and do what you have to . . ."

The necessary ordinance change was supposed to come before commissioners in June, and has been pushed back until July. Lee said her office was not to blame for the delay and said she did not think a broader assessment was meant by the e-mail.

"I think if it was, I'd hear it from the board or from him," Lee said. "The commissioner's not shy about sharing his feelings."

Reidy said his boss, who is also one of Lee's bosses, was simply expressing frustration with a project that is important to him.

-- Bill Varian, Times Staff Writer

Read the complete story.

Tarpon Commission undecided on city manager search

TARPON SPRINGS - Mayor Beverley Billiris was seeking some direction from the City Commission Tuesday night to move forward with a national search for a new city manager.

That’s not exactly what she got.

Commissioners were all over the map in a discussion about whether to let Interim City Manager Mark LeCouris stay on the job indefinitely and postpone plans to seek outside applicants.

At last week’s commission meeting, LeCouris offered to remain interim city manager for a few months, or longer, while the city grapples with the possibility of budget cuts and major projects heading into the development phase. LeCouris said that he had gained the skills necessary to keep things afloat, even carry the city forward, through his eight and a half years as the city’s acting administrative services director.

But Billiris asked fellow commissioners to see what other applicants could bring to the city before making a decision. “If you do decide to hire Mark at the end of the day, we can at least say he competed against others and he was the best choice,” she said.

Commissioner Robin Saenger agreed. "This is, as a commission, maybe the most important decision we’ll make in regard to our city,'' she said.

But Commissioners Chris Alahouzos, Peter Dalacos and Susan Slattery said they would consider putting off a search to give LeCouris a chance to prove himself. Dalacos and Slattery said they wanted to see the cost to hire a search firm before making a decision.

The meeting was a non-voting work session. Commissioners will decide the matter at an upcoming meeting.

LeCouris, Tarpon’s police chief since 1993, took over as city manager two months ago after former city manager Ellen Posivach resigned under pressure from the commission.

-- Rita Farlow, Times staff writer

Government in the dark

SEMINOLE -- City Manager Frank Edmunds and two or three city officials were stuck in the dark shortly before Tuesday's council meeting.

Seems the lights in the council chamber wouldn't turn on. (Yes, the city HAD paid its electric bill.) One person suggested bringing in road flares to light up council members' faces. And there was some thought to bringing in huge lights to brighten the chambers.

Edmunds said council members could choose to meet in the dark or move their meeting to Thursday. Then, just as council members were due, the lights came on. The problem was a variation on "it wasn't plugged in." A breaker had tripped and all it took was a flip of the switch to solve the problem.

-- Anne Lindberg, Times staff writer

Pasco road project -- like housing -- tails off

In a sign of what the downturn in the economy means, a Pasco road for a school has been left in pieces. And it won't be connected until the housing market improves, despite the planned opening of the new school in August 2009, reports Times staff writer Chuin-Wei Yap.

-- David DeCamp, Times staff writer

Pinellas GOP chief backs Brickfield

It looks like Jane Gallucci won't have the help of the local GOP in her bid for the District 1 County Commission seat being vacated by Ronnie Duncan.

Pinellas Republican chief Tony DiMatteo has already made a token donation to Gallucci's opponent, his former vice chairman Neil Brickfield. And DiMatteo told Bay Buzz that the executive committee will likely make some formal endorsements next month. You can put money on the group backing Brickfield if it endorses someone.

In the past DiMatteo has caught flak for choosing sides in a Republican primary but he defends the practice.

"I make no bones about it," he said. "I take sides."

--Will Van Sant, staff writer

Rare Buddy sighting possible this week

Hillsborough County Elections Supervisor Buddy Johnson will speak about the new optical-scan voting machines during a televised appearance this week, his office announced.

"Proactive community outreach is essential to familiarize residents with the county's new, reliable and easy-to-use optical scan voting system," Johnson said in a news release announcing his appearance, as well as staff demonstrations of the new machines during events Thursday and over the weekend.

Johnson will appear before the Hillsborough County Citizens Advisory Committee in the Planning Commission Board Room at County Center, 601 E Kennedy Blvd. The meeting is scheduled to start at 8:30 a.m. and last until 11:30 p.m., though when Johnson will speak is uncertain.

Johnson was the subject of a recent stories in the Times about how a process-server could not locate him for 18 days and how he had difficulty answering questions about his office's operations in depositions once he was located.

-- Bill Varian, Times Staff Writer

Pasco commission approves shelter contract

Pasco County commissioners vote 4-0 today to hire Spring Engineering and Bandes Construction to build regional hurricane shelter and health clinic for $7.5-million. The long delayed project -- the state approved its funding in 2006, despite being a Florida TaxWatch "turkey"  -- will provide up to 1,000 beds.

Among the hold-ups was a new federal shelter standard to protect against the biggest tornadoes. But the county recently received a federal waiver to build to lesser standards. It will go up in Hudson, and it's supposed to be essentially finished in August 2009.

-- David DeCamp, Times staff writer

We're different! state attorneys say

Hillsborough State Attorney Mark Ober understands that elected leaders must pinch pennies in these tough economic times.

But he wants prosecutors to be treated differently because, well, they are different.

He has written the governor's chief of staff asking that state prosecutors be exempted from any further spending reductions, including the 1 percent budget holdback scheduled for all state agencies on July 1.

Ober, president of the Florida Prosecuting Attorneys Association, says reducing state attorneys' budgets "will be potentially devastating to effective prosecution and to public safety." They already are doing without 710 positions because of last year's cuts and are looking at losing another 223 positions with the additional holdbacks ordered by Gov. Charlie Crist.

"We must be ready, standing in court, prepared to represent the State of Florida on matters of great public importance," he wrote. "Simply stated, without our representation these proceedings cannot go forward."

Association representatives met with Eric Eikenberg, the governor's chief of staff, today to argue their case in person.

-- Colleen Jenkins, Times staff writer

St. Pete mayor proposes elimininating 51 jobs

ST. PETERSBURG -- Mayor Rick Baker is proposing the elimination of 51 jobs from next year's city budget.

Most of those jobs are already vacant. Of the 19 filled positions, most employees will retire or placed in a new job. No one will be fired.

Baker also is proposing the elimination of a tax on small businesses.

"Although development of this budget was marked by a difficult transition for our government," said Baker in a prepared statement, "we began planning several years ago to address the anticipated results of national and statewide economic and budgetary trends during which we have gone from a period of substantial and extraordinary growth in taxable property values to the current rapid decline in these values.''

The city kept its property tax rate at $5.9125 for every $1,000 dollars of taxable assessed value. It's the lowest rate in 30 years, Baker said.

Eliminating the employee tax for businesses with 30 or fewer employees would help 4,700 local businesses, Baker said, saving each between $12 and $360 a year, depending on the number of employees ($12 per employee).

The proposed budget freezes spending on the arts and social services at current levels.

City Council will hold a budget workshop July 10 followed by a 6 p.m. public forum that day.

-Cristina Silva, Times staff writer

A clash over bottled water?

Pam Iorio may not like it, but some Tampa City Council members appear to be ready to embrace the notion of ending the city's practice of buying bottled water.

The U.S. Conference of Mayors this week resolved to phase out government spending on bottled water and replacing it with tap water. Environmentalists cheered, because but Iorio said she supports bottled water because it encourages people to drink water. The city spends $31,000 a year on bottled water.

Council member Mary Mulhern, though, said today she was disappointed with Iorio's stance. Council member Joseph Caetano suggested putting distillers on taps in City Hall. But Charlie Miranda said that's not necessary: "City water is the best water without a distiller."

The city of Miami in March ordered an end to bottled water purchases, the Miami Herald reports.

Janet Zink, Times staff writer

Cretekos makes a pitch

Maybe Clearwater Vice Mayor George Cretekos should try out for the Philadelphia Phillies, especially after the team’s abysmal performance last weekend against the Los Angeles Angels.

Cretekos, subbing for Mayor Frank Hibbard, threw out the ceremonial pitch at Saturday’s game - a slow changeup that caught the outside corner of the plate. He said he was nervous, especially in front of a sellout crowd of more than 45,000 people.

Council member Paul Gibson, who accompanied Cretekos on the trip, told Bay Buzz: "It was a stellar pitching performance.''  He just wishes he stayed in for the rest of the game.

- Mike Donila, Times Staff Writer

Cities are all bottled up

The nation's mayors, led by San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, voted Monday at their annual meeting in Miami to phase out government use of bottled water and replace it with city tap water. Environmental groups like the move, saying producing and shipping plastic bottles wastes energy.

But not Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio, who said her city will continue spending about $31,000 a year on bottled water.

"Bottled water encourages people to drink more water, which is healthy," she said.

Clearwater Mayor Frank Hibbard said he'll take the issue to the Clearwater City Council next month. St. Pete spends about $13,000 a year on bottled water. There's been no word from St. Petersburg city officials on whether they'll consider cutting the expense.

Janet Zink, Times staff writer

Get your questions ready

TARPON SPRINGS - The three Democrats seeking their party's nomination in Congressional District 9 - Anita dePalma, John Dicks and Bill Mitchell - square off at a candidate's forum 7:15 p.m. July 21 at the Walton Community Center, 400 S Walton Ave., Tarpon Springs. The candidates get two minutes each to discuss their platforms before they field questions from the audience. They'll also get a minute for closing remarks. The event is sponsored by the Greater Tarpon Springs Democratic Club, which will also supply the snacks.

- Rita Farlow, Times staff writer

Commissioner Schrader won't challenge write-in

Republican Pasco County Commissioner Ted Schrader today ruled out challenging the legitimacy of a late write-in candidate who closed the countywide race to Pasco's 110,000 registered Republicans. By Florida law, a write-in candidate stops other parties' voters -- 170,000 of them in Pasco's case -- from voting in a primary, even though it will essentially decide who the next commissioner is.

That leaves the decision to be made by leading Democrats, notably county party Chairwoman Alison Morano, who said she was still weighing options today. Democrats account for 104,00 of the 280,000 voters in Pasco.

"It's pretty much out of my hands," said Schrader, who said he wants to focus on top issues.

John M. Taylor, who has supported rival Republican John Nicolette, qualified to run, making the Aug. 26 election open only to Republicans. But Taylor's residency in District 1 has been questioned because he has a homestead exemption in Lutz outside the district. He listed a Wesley Chapel address.

-- David DeCamp,Times staff writer

Only $240,000 more to go

The folks who want an elected Hillsborough County mayor are touting the success of their first major fundraiser since getting the question on the Nov. 4 ballot.

They raised about $10,000, according to an announcement from the Elected County Mayor Political Committee Inc. Mary Ann Stiles, the lawyer-lobbyist who heads the group, hopes to raise about $250,000.

The June 17 fundraiser at the Avila home of Stiles and her husband, Barry Smith, drew about 100 people, the group says.

"We are continuously encouraged by the new people who are joining our cause and contributing to our efforts," Stiles said. "Many people from various political realms and community causes have stepped up to help change Hillsborough County government to one that will be more responsive to the people."

-- Bill Varian, Times Staff Writer

That's their idea of livable?

It seems that things like jobs, housing prices and crime might be factors to consider in determining a city's livability. But apparently the U.S. Conference on Mayors prefers places where a city's chief executive talks about books and forces people to exercise.

The group handed out its City Livability Awards, sponsored by Waste Management Inc., on Saturday and gave Tampa an Outstanding Achievement for Mayor Pam Iorio's youth programs, including the "Mayors Book Talk" show that airs on the city's government access TV channel. Lousville, Ky., won the first place award for its mayor's "Healthy Hometown Program," which encourages exercise and good nutrition.

-- Janet Zink, Times staff writer

Zimmermann to speak to St. Pete Dems

House District 48 candidate Carl Zimmermann will speak at the St. Petersburg Democratic Club on July 2 at the Piccadilly Cafeteria,1900 34th St. N, St. Petersburg. The group has also invited  former gubernatorial candidate Max Linn, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for U.S. Rep. Bill  Young's House District 10, and former St. Petersburg City Councilwoman Rene Flowers, who is running for the County Commission District 3 at-large seat being vacated by Commissioner Bob Stewart. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. with a meet and greet at 6:30 p.m. 

Tampa: Poster child for struggling downtowns

BusinessWeek magazine uses Tampa as the poster child for downtowns suffering from the economic downturn. The magazine reports that Mayor Pam Iorio launched a campaign to revitalize downtown shortly after her 2003 election and in the midst of the real estate bubble city officials predicted 11,000 new condos would be built downtown. But in the wake of the housing slump, foreclosure crisis and credit crunch, only 3,500 units were built or are under construction.

-- Janet Zink, Times staff writer

Labor picks in Pinellas

The West Central Florida Federation of Labor has endorsed School Board member and County Commission District 1 candidate Jane Gallucci, Darden Rice in District 3 and Norm Roche in District 5. The group also endorsed incumbent Ken Welch in District 7, but Welch was elected Friday without opposition.

--Will Van Sant, staff writer

Commissioner Russell vs. Hernando's THE Bus

BROOKSVILLE -- Times columnist Dan DeWitt puts Hernando County Commissioner David Russell, a former state lawmaker, in the crosshairs for his "shortsighted opposition" to the the county's transportation system.

THE Bus is on the chopping block come budgeting time. Read DeWitt's take here.

Drillling debate comes to Hernando

BROOKSVILLE --Do oil rigs off the coast of Hernando County sound like a good idea?

That depends on whom you ask.

Hernando County commissioners plan to introduce two nonbinding resolutions at Tuesday's meeting — one for and the other against a plan to open Florida's coast for drilling. Read more about this potentially explosive issue here.

Hernando economy election issue No. 1

BROOKSVILLE -- This weekend's Times carried a damning report about the state of the Hernando County economy. In it the county development director, Michael McHugh, deflects the problems. Early reaction indicates this is likely to be election issue No. 1 here this fall. Challengers are talking about it, but so far elected incumbents -- from the county commission level to Congress -- are mum. When will that change?

--John Frank, Times staff writer

Your tax dollars at work

They're spending tax money as they fight over how to spend tax money. That's one way to look at the court fight this week between the Hillsborough County Commission and the Hillsborough County School Board. The dispute is over whether the county or the schools should spend millions to build streets, sidewalks and traffic signals around new schools. Local governments around the state are said to be watching.

Pasco's smoking ban might not be money saver

Pasco County's plan to prohibit smokers from the county payroll likely won't save taxpayers money, experts say.Government agencies that have tried it can't point to savings. Healthier workers, maybe. Savings in health costs, maybe not. Read more in this report from Sunday's Times.

Who let the Democrat on the McCain call?

Two things the McCain campaign does not want to hear in a conference call with prominent supporters and reporters: One mayor's trip to Cuba and jaunt along the beach with Fidel Castro -- yikes -- and another's disapproval of oil drilling.

"I'm not committed to saying I'm for lifting the moratorium at this point," St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker said in conference call arranged as Barack Obama prepared to address the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Miami. "We have to protect our beaches, obviously that's the No. 1 thing we have to do. But I also believe we have to look at various options ... If Sen. McCain puts it on the table that the state is going to have the ultimate control ... it's something you can at least talk about."

As a reporter started to ask a follow up question, former Tampa Mayor Dick Greco piped in, saying no one would jeopardize Florida's beaches. To illustrate his support, he recalled a 2002 visit to Cuba. "Something I always wanted to do and some people thought it was the wrong thing to do."

Yeah, people like John McCain. (more on the Buzz)

Two things the McCain campaign does not want to hear in a conference call with prominent supporters and reporters: One mayor's trip to Cuba and jaunt along the beach with Fidel Castro -- yikes -- and another's disapproval of oil drilling.

"I'm not committed to saying I'm for lifting the moratorium at this point," St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker said in conference call arranged as Barack Obama prepared to address the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Miami. "We have to protect our beaches, obviously that's the No. 1 thing we have to do. But I also believe we have to look at various options ... If Sen. McCain puts it on the table that the state is going to have the ultimate control ... it's something you can at least talk about."

As a reporter started to ask a follow up question, former Tampa Mayor Dick Greco piped in, saying no one would jeopardize Florida's beaches. To illustrate his support, he recalled a 2002 visit to Cuba. "Something I always wanted to do and some people thought it was the wrong thing to do."

Yeah, people like John McCain. (more on the Buzz)

Tampa Bay lawmakers staring at stiff challenges

Five lawmakers especially are being pressed by challengers -- four of them are Republicans. They are: Sen. Mike Fasano, Rep. Rob Schenck, Rep. Peter Nehr and Rep. Jim Frishe. Democratic Rep. Janet Long -- who Republicans this tried to entice to change parties -- is facing a possible fight, too.

State Democrats want to capitalize on the pro-Democratic Party momentum nationally, writes Times staff writer John Frank.

-- David DeCamp/Times staff writer

Max Linn in race after all, announcement was an "error"

TREASURE ISLAND -- Max Linn said today that he’s in the race for Congressional District 10 after all.

Linn’s campaign sent a press release to media outlets on Friday with the headline “Max Linn Announces Suspension of Campaign.” He did not respond to several requests for comment. In an interview Saturday, he said the release was an "error," a "mistake" and it was “misinterpreted by some people.” He said he never intended to drop out. He would not explain why he sent out the release, which you can read here.

“No one has ever heard the words ‘quit’ or ‘stop’ out of my mouth,” said Linn, who ran as the Reform Party candidate for governor in 2006.

He said he discussed suspending the campaign for personal reasons on Friday but it "in no way shape or form meant dropping out or quitting."

To the contrary, he said next week the campaign will launch an innovative national fundraising Web site, and that former Democratic National Committee finance chairman Bob Farmer will head up the operation.

Also vying for the seat are Democrats Samm Simpson, a freelance broadcaster and former marketing executive who won 34 percent of the vote against Young in 2006, and Bob Hackworth, the mayor of Dunedin.

--Stephanie Garry, Times Staff Writer

Write-in candidate's residency questioned

Write-in candidate John M. Taylor's surprise candidacy for Pasco County Commission ran into some surprises of its own -- he lived outside the district,  at least until days before qualifying. And he already supported a candidate, Republican challenger John Nicolette. Taylor signed a pledge card for Nicolette, there's a Nicolette sign outside his (new) address -- Taylor even bought land from him.

Why the fuss? Taylor's candidacy means 170,000 Democrats and other voters won't have a real say on who the next commissioner is -- triggering threats of a challenge by Democrats and Schrader.

-- David DeCamp/Times staff writer

Max Linn drops out of House race

TREASURE ISLAND -- Democrat Max Linn, a multimillionaire former financial planner from Treasure Island, announced today he is suspending his campaign for the House seat of Rep. C.W. Bill Young.

The announcement came as news to Linn's Democratic opponents, Samm Simpson and Bob Hackworth. In a statement, Linn said he would work to elect U.S. Sen. Barack Obama because the impact of a Democrat as president would be greater than another Democrat in Congress.

"Bill Young’s days in office are numbered and I hope we have a strong nominee here in the 10^th District, whether it’s Samm Simpson or Mayor Hackworth. I look forward to working with either of them as they strive to defeat Bill Young in November," Linn said in the statement. "

Some people run for public office for their own advancement but my goal has always been to do what best serves the community we all share. That’s why I am dedicated to doing everything in my power to ensure that Florida is a blue state and Senator Barack Obama is our next President."

When asked if they would seek Linn's endorsement, Hackworth and Simpson said they would like his support.

Simpson, a Dunedin activist who won 34 percent of the vote when she challenged Young in 2006, said she didn't learn of Linn's decision until today.

"I wish Max the best. He made the race fun," Simpson said in an e-mailed statement. "I look forward to winning the August primary and taking the voice of the people to Washington in November."

Hackworth, the mayor of Dunedin, said Linn's departure doesn't change his argument for why voters should choose him. But he said it makes his campaign easier, because Linn brought more money to his campaign than Hackworth could ever match. According to the Federal Election Commission, Linn has donated about $170,000 to his campaign.

"I still continue to believe that I was always the best choice to take on Mr. Young in the fall and also to replace Mr. Young in the fall," Hackworth said. "It doesn’t change that at all."

--Stephanie Garry, Times Staff Writer

No Democratic primary in HD44

BROOKSVILLE -- Democrats can't wait to take on Robert Schenck in House District 44, but first it looked like they would have to battle in a primary .

That changed Friday when Democrat Aaron Whitaker, a 32-year-old Hernando school district employee, failed to qualify for the ballot. It leaves Democrat Joseph Puglia, 41, as the lone major-party challenger to the Republican incumbent. (Read earlier post about surprise Green Party candidate.)

Whitaker, who filed papers of intent in October, was blindsided earlier this month when the state party and Hernando party Chairman Jay Rowden through their support behind Puglia, a former New York cop who owns a small business in Brooksville. But he said just earlier this month he planned to stay in the race. He couldn't be reached for comment Friday.

--John Frank, Times staff writer

By the numbers: State legislative qualifying

The dust settled from today's filing deadline for legislative candidates. Here's how it breaks down by the numbers.

In the state Senate, 21 seats were up for grabs.
-Seven open races with no incumbent (Senate districts 9, 23, 24, 29, 31, 35, 37)
-Nine incumbents face challengers
-Five incumbents won re-election when no opponent filed to run
-One won election without a challenge (Republican Garret Richter in Senate District 37)

In the state House, 120 seats were up for grabs.
-32 open races with no incumbent
-54 incumbents face challengers
-31 incumbents won re-election when no opponent filed to run
-Two won election without a challenge (Republican Tom Grady in House District 76 and Democrat Mark Pafford in House District 88)

--John Frank, Times staff writer

Pasco GOP loyalty pledge? Not so much, chair says

Pasco GOP chairman Bill Bunting said this afternoon he may abandon his idea to ask Republican candidates to promise to endorse the winner in their primaries. The party faces challenges to incumbents in the sheriff's office, and all three commission races. But ill reaction to the concept reduced momentum, Bunting said.

"The candidates, they're all treating each other with respect," Bunting said, not mentioning Commissioner Ted Schrader's tangle with challenger John Nicolette over a write-in candidate. Or Sheriff Bob White's refusal to debate Bob Sullivan Wednesday and Thursday. Or Commissioner Ann Hildebrand turning rival Wil Nickerson into the consumer affairs office for not having a license to be a handy man.

Pasco Democrats have no plans for a pledge. Or course, they only have two primary races.

--David DeCamp, Times staff writer

Surprise on the ballot in Pinellas District 5

His name is Jake Mullens and he's a surprise qualifier in the District 5 Pinellas County Commission race. He'll be on the ballot in November along with Democrat Norm Roche and incumbent Republican Karen Seel.

A first time candidate for office, Mullens, 55, of Clearwater, is a licensed Realtor and owns Jake Mullens Building & Roofing. He said that after years of complaining about government waste, he finally decided to run for office and do something about it.

"Somebody at some point has to stand up and say enough is enough," said Mullens, who paid a qualifying fee and has no party affiliation. "I know that I can be more fiscally responsible that any of them have been."

--Will Van Sant, staff writer

It got lost in the e-mail?

ST. PETERSBURG-- Mayor Rick Baker's staff says he never got an invitation to this year's St. Pete Pride event.

Here is the e-mail David Schauer, co-chairman of the annual gay pride event, said he sent City Hall.

From: David Schauer <david.schauer@stpetepride.com>

Date: June 15, 2008 1:44:05 PM EDT

To: mayor@stpete.org

Subject: St. Pete Pride

Dear Mayor Baker,

On behalf of the Board of Directors of St. PETE PRIDE, we would like to invite you and yours to meet our sponsors at our annual Taste of Pride reception on Thursday June 26, 2008. The reception will be 7-11pm. St. Pete Pride is the largest Gay Pride event in Florida and we would like to welcome you and thank you for your support. Taste of Pride is the annual sponsor reception, on June 26th from 7 PM-10 PM at NOVA 535, located at 535 Martin Luther King Boulevard, St. Petersburg. Live jazz will compliment the night as sponsors and friends enjoy a sampling of 6 wines and 2 sparkling wines, presented by Barefoot Wines. Light hor'dourves will be served as well. Proceeds will benefit the Ryan Skipper Foundation

If you are able to join us to meet our sponsors, Grand Marshal and the comedian ANT please respond to this email. It would be a great honor to have you join us.

David Schauer

CoChair

St. Pete Pride

-Cristina Silva, Times Staff Writer

Golding out of District 55 race

ST. PETERSBURG- Republican Paul J. D. Golding has dropped out of the District 55 race.

Golding, a Sarasota activist, said several of his family members have fallen ill.

"It would be irresponsible of me to continue a race and not be fully focused on the constituents of District 55," Golding said.

This means write-in candidate Calvester Benjamin Anderson will again be the ultimate hurdle for whomever wins the Democratic primary. State Rep. Darryl Rouson and the Rev. Charles McKenzie are both vying for that spot.

-- Cristina Silva, Times Staff Writer

Rouson raises $100,000 for summer jobs

ST. PETERSBURG- State Rep. Darryl Rouson says he has raised $112,442 for summer jobs for troubled youths.

That's more than double the original $50,000 goal when he and activist Gypsy Gallardo announced their 50-50-50 challenge Monday.

The challenge aims to recruit 50 mentors to help 50 troubled youths and place 50 teenagers in jobs this summer.

By the way, Rouson is still raising money if anyone has some to give.

-- Cristina Silva, Times Staff Writer

Tiger Bay, LWV take on Hillsborough mayor

The folks for and against a proposal to create a Hillsborough County mayor are beginning to hone their messages, now that the spotlight is starting to shine on the issue.

Former Hillsborough Commissioner Jan Platt and former state Rep. Mary Figg squared off Friday before a capacity crowd for a joint meeting Friday of the Tiger Bay Club of Tampa and the League of Women Voters of Hillsborough County.

Hillsborough's Blair headed for cage match

Hillsborough County Commissioner Brian Blair attracted the most attention among the three board members seeking reelection in November. The qualifying period ended at noon Friday.

Blair will have to weather a Republican primary opponent and then face off against the winner of a three-way race for Democrats to return for a second term in the at-large, District 6 seat.

The Democrats are strip club owner and businessman Joe Redner, making his eighth stab at winning an elected office; Denise Layne, a community activist and paralegal making her third run at County Commission and Kevin Beckner, a financial planner who is seeking office for the first time.

Beckner contrasted himself with his primary lot as someone who can bring new eyes to the commission and who has the background dealing with money needed for these trying times.

"I offer a fresh voice," he said. "I'm not in the thick of the forest. I'm on the outside of the forest."

Blair's primary opponent is Don Kruse, a sales manager for Bill Currie Ford.

-- Bill Varian, Times Staff Writer

Doing the victory dance in Hillsborough

Sheriff David Gee, a Republican, and Clerk of the Circuit Court Pat Frank, a Democrat, waltzed into another term today when the qualifying deadline for candidates passed and there were no challengers to their posts. Both Frank and Gee tipped their hats to their staffs when discussing their easy wins, saying smooth-running offices kept opposition at bay.

In other races: Hillsborough Supervisor of Elections Buddy Johnson will face Democrat Phyllis Busansky, a former Hillsborough County Commissioner; property appraiser Rob Turner will face Rob Townsend in the Republican primary, the winner of which will face Democrat Ken Ayers in November; and Tax Collector Doug Belden, a Republican, drew one opponent, Beverly Harris, a Wimauma resident with no party affiliation.

--Janet Zink, Times staff writer

Pasco gets a surprise in county commission race

With qualifying done, the race for County Commission for the district based in east Pasco got a surprise write-in: John Taylor. Taylor, Republican since March, has had a district address on his voter registration since Tuesday. He also happens to have signed a petition on April 22 to put Republican John Nicolette on the ballot to unseat Ted Schrader, a Republican incumbent.

The effect of the write-in candidacy: the primary, which would have been open to all voters since only two Republicans were running, now is closed to all but the 110,000 Republicans among Pasco's 280,000 registered voters. Nicolette has enjoyed support among Pasco Republican executive committee, and a closed primary gives them more influence.

--David DeCamp, Times staff writer

Clearwater mayor gives pitching lessons