Crist officially files bid for St. Pete mayoral office

Former Florida Gov. and Congressman Charlie Crist formally announced his bid for St. Petersburg mayor today, though with little fanfare – a small gathering of reporters in place of the usually large campaign-style fanfare that accompanies officially filing for office.

Crist enters the race with a formidable campaign war chest of nearly $1.2 million, according to public records, though campaign manager Michelle Schorsch said the figure is closer to $1.3 million.

Those financial numbers dwarf incumbent Mayor Ken Welch’s campaign finances, much of which was allegedly fleeced by Welch’s former treasurer, who presided over his Political Action Committee under the name Yolanda Brown, formerly Yolanda Cheers.

Mayoral candidate Charlie Crist and his fiance, Chelsea Grimes, outside City Hall Monday afternoon. Photo by Bill DeYoung.

Questions have swirled over why Crist is seeking a mayoral seat after occupying higher offices during his political career – what some might consider a step down in political hierarchy. Crist rejected that notion.

“I would never consider being in St. Pete a step down. I think it’s a step up,” Crist told the Catalyst. “It’s the most beautiful city in the world. My family lives here. I grew up here. It’s where I went to high school. I think it’s a wonderful opportunity for St. Pete to move forward faster and better.”

Asked what he could bring to City Hall, Crist pointed to experience.

“Better leadership. My experience as governor and a member of Congress, attorney general, commissioner of education … I think all of that experience can come to bear as the next mayor of St. Pete,” he said.

He added, “Public service is in my heart. I’ve dedicated my adult life to it and I’m proud of that.”

Crist’s announcement follows months of speculation over when he would formally enter the race. Most recently, anticipation swirled around Opening Day for the Rays at Tropicana Field, when Crist appeared on the stadium’s big screen in what amounted to a teaser campaign ad, looming over Welch and Tampa Mayor Jane Castor after the two mayors threw out the opening pitch.

In that ad, Crist teased a run without confirming it, saying, “Our community is facing important decisions about the future of baseball. It’ll be important we have leaders with the right vision.”

“Today, let’s put that aside and cheer on our team,” he had added in the political ad, closing with, “Play ball!”

Whether he originally intended to announce during Opening Day went unanswered after he filed at city hall, but Crist told the Catalyst he postponed an announcement because his mother recently died and “that slowed things down a bit.”

Crist now enters the mayor race which already includes St. Pete City Council member Brandi Gabbard, former city Fire Chief Jim Large, former Shore Acres Neighborhood Association President Kevin Batdorf and perennial candidate Maria Scruggs.