Some hefty last minute spending in Pinellas

Not all campaign reports were available on the Pinellas SOE site for the period from Oct. 11 to Oct. 30 this evening, meaning several candidates decided to discreetly mail them in rather than hand deliver.

From what's available, though, it's evident whose been burning through war chests as Election Day nears.

Free fish, or free laughs: You decide

TAMPA -- State Rep. Michael Scionti, D-Tampa, is sponsoring a free fish fry and spaghetti blowout Saturday as part of an "old-fashioned political rally." But he's getting some last-minute competition.

The Scionti event, which is being called "Democrats United for Change," is taking place from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Tampa Letter Carriers Hall, 3003 W. Cypress St. in Tampa.

The start time is right around the same time that comedian Chris Rock is planning to parachute in for a brief free concert and get-out-the-vote rally in Tampa. But the concert is only slated to last about 40 minutes, so you could do both if you're really looking to get your political fix.

-- Bill Varian, Times Staff Writer

Miller was for tennis complex before she opposed it

In a mailer to voters, Democrat Ginny Miller ripped Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano for supporting the $7.9-million tennis stadium planned in Wesley Chapel. It would be run by officials from Saddlebrook Resort.

But Miller, a former New Port Richey city council member, actually voted for the stadium when it was initially proposed in 2002. She was a member of the Tourist Development Council when the project was budgeted for $5.7-million and planned in a different spot (but run by Saddlebrook, too).

At that November 2002 meeting, Miller said Saddlebrook's track record provided proof the project would be in good financial hands.

-- David DeCamp, Times staff writer

Giuliani in Tampa for McCain event

Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani will stump for John McCain at 9:30 a.m. Sunday at Square One Burgers, 3701 Henderson Blvd. No tickets are necessry, but for more information call  (813) 254-0810.

Jim Frishe shares mailers

So, it's not just Democrat George Gonzalez with the mailers in House District 54. Incumbent Republican Jim Frishe sent along the following: Download frishejobsfinal.pdf , Download 1831GonzalezPromises1.pdf

Will Van Sant, Times staff writer

Hernando voters furious with Obama attack

An advertising circular appearing in 70,000 Hernando County mailboxes features a controversial advertisement simulating a conversation between Osama Bin Laden and three apparent terrorists saying to wait for Obama to take office before attacking next. A McCain-Palin logo appears underneath.

The half-page ad, which appeared in Spring Hill-based the Scene Magazine, is paid for by Concerned Citizens for America. The group does not appear to be registered as a Florida political committee.

A number of Hernando residents are peeved. "I'm from New York and I'm really offended," said Dawn LaDuca, an Obama supporter. "My nephew ran out of those towers. It really pisses me off."

Read more here.

Chris Rock will host Tampa vote rally

Comedian Chris Rock will host a free concert and get out the vote rally Saturday in Tampa at the Belmont Heights Little League Park on E. Martin Luther King Jr., Boulevard at N 22nd Street. Gates will open at 11:30 a.m. The event is free and open to the public. Parking will be available at Young Middle Magnet  School, 1801 E. Martin Luther King Blvd. The event takes places just two blocks from the College Hill Library, where voters can cast their ballots.

Though event organizers have a permit for 900 attendees, Tampa Police have set up a plan that will help control crowds of up to 9,000 people, said Laura McElroy, a spokeswoman for the department.

"Because of who it is we're expecting a large crowd," McElroy said. Police plan to start the morning prepared for a smaller rally, but are staffed to expand very quickly if needed.

Frishe's Big Boys

The goofy mailers continue in the House District 54 race. This time Democrat George Gonzalez has Republican incumbent Jim Frishe mocked up as the Big Boy Restaurant icon. The mailer is here: Download frishes20big20boys20final.pdf

Will Van Sant, Times staff writer

Brickfield: The campaigner

Neil Brickfield has some huge advantages in his Pinellas County Commission District 1 race against Democrat Paul Matton. But is he too partisan for the clubby commission? Read today's story here.

Will Van Sant, Times staff writer

Voters complain of parking tickets

ST. PETERSBURG-- Casting a ballot is costing some voters $25.

That's how much the city of St. Petersburg charges motorists for overtime parking fees.

Joe Kubicki, the city's transportation and parking director, said long lines outside the downtown St. Petersburg County building this week meant some voters came away with parking tickets. There are only three early voting locations in Pinellas County.

"It's unfortunate," he said. "I think the real issue is how can it take more than two hours to stand in line and vote?"

Kubicki encouraged voters to bypass street parking for the city's metered parking garage across the street from City Hall.

He expects less parking problems on Election Day, when more voting locations will be open.

-Cristina Silva, Times Staff Writer