Sunday December 15, 2013

St. Pete
Mayor-elect Rick Kriseman announced the appointment of Sally Everett to serve as the Director of Legislative, Education, and Intergovernmental Affairs for the City of St. Petersburg, filling the long-vacant Education and Government Services post.    

The Mayor-elect also named Robert Danielson the Interim Marketing Director for the City.

Transparency has become an issue for the Kriseman transition team. See My Post tomorrow Transparency - Not So Much.

GreenLight Pinellas

The Pinellas County Commission voted to put the 1% sales tax for the GreenLight Pinellas Plan on the November 2014 ballot.

The Ballot language, essentially developed by the PSTA Legal team, accepts the GreenLight plan, dedicates the sales tax revenue to that plan.

For a look at the opposition check out No Tax Tracks.

The County Commission accepted the language with no changes. As such I cannot support the sales tax referendum and the only sensible vote is NO.

The Rowdies

Local Businessman Bill Edwards has become the new majority owner of the Tampa Bay Rowdies.
"The Rowdies are a fantastic part of downtown St. Petersburg," said Edwards. "It is my goal to build the best team in American soccer and create the best fan experience in American soccer. I am confident we can do both."

Rick Baker, President of the Edwards Group, says there are a few things the club is doing to enhance the fan experience come the start of the season in April of 2014, starting with the addition of 1,100 seats at midfield in Al Lang Stadium, the club’s home field. 

Now if Mr. Edwards could just convince former mayor Baker to become managing general partner of the Rowdies, Soccer could take off like a moon shot in St. Petersburg. To say nothing of what Baker might be able to accomplish for the NASL.

Just in case you missed it, this move gives Mr. Edwards control of all of the entertainment real estate south of Central, with the exception of the Dali Museum. Add to that the Edward's Shops at Bay Walk, and Mr. Edwards becomes quite a force in downtown St. Pete.

Here is the reaction from Soccer News: Soccer News: NASL Rowdies Get Even Rowdier As Bill Edwards Becomes Principal Owner - .

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