NewsSan Pedro GazetteAugust 2, 2026Pinellas
St. Petersburg Mayoral Candidates Hold Final Debate Before Primary
Mayoral candidates in St. Petersburg participated in a final debate hosted by the Suncoast Tiger Bay Club at the James Museum. The discussion focused on major local development projects and cultural institutions.
Read the full story at San Pedro GazetteWhy It Matters
The debate informs voters on candidate positions regarding the redevelopment, the Mahaffey Theater, and local museum funding ahead of the upcoming .
Key Facts
Each fact below is taken from the article. Click one to see the exact passage.
Who's Mentioned
personMaria Scruggs“Mayoral candidate and former jail administrator.”personKen Welch“Incumbent mayor seeking re-election.”otherGas Plant District“A major redevelopment project discussed by candidates.”locationSt. Petersburg“The city where the mayoral election is taking place.”personBrandi Gabbard“Mayoral candidate advocating for an issues-based campaign.”personKevin Batdorf“Mayoral candidate and businessman.”organizationSuncoast Tiger Bay Club“Organization that hosted the mayoral debate.”locationJames Museum“The venue where the mayoral debate was held.”personPeter Schorsch“Alleged on Facebook that Mayor Welch had an affair.”otherMahaffey Theater“A cultural institution discussed by candidates.”personJim Large“Candidate facing questions regarding past allegations of workplace misconduct.”personMichelle Todd Schorsch“Spouse of Peter Schorsch and campaign manager for Charlie Crist.”organizationThe Florida Orchestra“Potential operator for the Mahaffey Theater.”personTerri Lipsey-Scott“Executive director of the Woodson African American Museum.”organizationSeminole Gaming“Reported donor of $50,000 to Charlie Crist.”personCharlie Crist“Former Governor and Congressman who held a competing tele-town hall.”