Iorio stands behind firefighters, sometimes

So is it possible the whole battle over emergency workers at Raymond James Stadium during Bucs football games is really just about assuaging Tampa firefighters, who aren't getting any traction with the city and Mayor Pam Iorio on salary negotiations?

Iorio, for the record, says no. "Our impasse on salaries is solely because of our decrease in revenues," she  said. "The stadium issue and our stance is in response to the unreasonable arguments being put forth by Commissioner (Jim) Norman.This should not even be an issue and no one considered it an issue until Commissioner Norman raised it. The stadium is in the city of Tampa, and we for years have handled the off-duty requirements with no problems whatsoever and there is no reason for any changes."

If you need a refresher on the issue, read here.

-- Janet Zink, Times staff writer