NewsTampa Bay TimesAugust 14, 2026Hillsborough
Charlie Crist campaign uses complex PAC network linked to fraternity house and utility interests
St. Petersburg mayoral candidate Charlie Crist has raised a record $2 million, with a significant portion of funds flowing through a complex network of political committees (PACs) that obscure the original donors. A Tampa Bay Times analysis reveals that some of these committees are registered to a University of Florida fraternity house and have received indirect funding from major utility companies, including Duke Energy.
Read the full story at Tampa Bay TimesWhy It Matters
The funding structure raises questions about transparency and potential influence from utility companies at a time when the St. Petersburg City Council is evaluating whether to replace Duke Energy with a city-run utility.
Key Facts
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Who's Mentioned
personKen Welch“Incumbent mayoral candidate.”organizationDelta Upsilon“Fraternity house used as a registered address for multiple PACs.”personCharlie Crist“Subject of the campaign finance report.”personDarryl Rouson“Associated with Floridians for Common Sense.”organizationSt. Pete Shines“PAC supporting Charlie Crist.”personNicholas P. Andrews“Chair of Friends for a Better St. Petersburg.”personKyle Fitzpatrick“Chair of Floridians for a Better Florida.”organizationDuke Energy“Major utility company with interests in city energy policy.”organizationTampa Bay Times“Publisher of the report.”personBrandi Gabbard“Mayoral candidate calling for more transparency.”