Calendar of Events
Unless otherwise noted, meetings begin at 12:00 noon and end promptly at 1:15 p.m.
(The Registration desk is open by 11:30 a.m.)
Reservations Required: Members - $25.00 Guests - $30.00.
Cancellation Policy:
Once you make a reservation for yourself or a guest, you are included in the reservation number submitted to the venue.
Unless you cancel 48 hours prior to the program, it is the policy of the Suncoast Tiger Bay Club to invoice you for that program. The Club pays for the guaranteed number of meals regardless of whether all are in attendance.
Reservations made after the deadlines are subject to a $5.00 late fee.
The club meets at the pleasure of our speakers (many of whom travel to join us) on different days of the week as their schedules permit. Meeting locations vary as well, based onavailability.
View past events here.
Mayor Bill Foster
What will 2012 bring for St. Petersburg?
Come see how St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster has adjusted to people calling him "Mayor" instead of "Bill" and learn what plans he has for 2012.
The Mayor has gone head-to-head with the St. Pete Times (soon-to-be Tampa Bay Times) over his secret "plan" for the Rays. The reputation of Mayor Foster's administration may well hinge on his effective negotiation with the Rays, as Tampa's Mayor drools on the sidelines waiting to catch a foul ball.
How will the Mayor and City council choose the iconic landmark to grace the Pier for the next 50 years? What will it ultimately cost the taxpayers in subsidies and future building? Do any of the "international" designs fit our community?
Since Gov. Scott killed plans for high speed rail, what are the transportation options to connect St. Petersburg with Tampa, Orlando and beyond? How does transportation fit into the City's plans for job growth?
Now that we can visit bars until 3:00 a.m. (though it eludes me why anyone needs to visit a bar until 3:00 a.m.) what is the cost to taxpayers for additional police presence to protect us from drunken disturbances.
The Republican National Convention promises to put heads in beds and customers in our restaurants. But, who will foot the bill for the Tropicana festivities and additional security?
These are just a few of the questions Tigers may have for St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster as he returns to the Den for our traditional start-of-the-year program.
RSVP Deadline: Friday, January 20th
St. Petersburg Yacht Club
11 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg
Annual Event & Awards
2012 Suncoast Tiger Bay Club Annual Event & Awards
Paul Tash, Chairman and CEO, Times Publishing Company will be the featured speaker - "Five Reasons Why Tampa Bay is the Center of the Political Universe"
Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at the
St. Petersburg Marriott Clearwater
12600 Roosevelt Boulevard, St. Petersburg
5:45 pm Cocktails
6:30 pm Program
$20 for current 2012 members
$40 for guests/non-members
Heavy hors d'oeuvres and cash bar
Annual Meeting - David Colborn and Tiger Bay Elections
Florida Politics in 2012-A Historical Perspective
Are these truly odd times for Florida politics and government? Or are there historical cycles at work, which make the present scene not all that strange? If anyone is in a position to know, it is the University of Florida's David R. Colburn, and he will be our final speaker for 2011. Colburn is the leading academic expert on Florida political history over the last 50 years. He has written or edited 14 books on 20th Century politics including From Yellow Dog Democrats to Red State Republicans (2007). A member of the university's history faculty since 1972, Colburn also served as provost from 1999 to 2005. Among his special areas of academic interest are Florida's governors and the civil rights movement in the state. He is founder and director of the Reubin O'D Askew Institute on Politics and Society at the university. Tigers, who have been known to have theories of their own on the state of Florida politics will want to compare their perspective with Professor Colburn's, and fang and claw a bit too.
RSVP Deadline: Tuesday, December 13th
St. Petersburg Yacht Club
11 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg
Senator Jack Latvala
Jack is back on November 30th. After serving in the Florida Senate from 1994-2002, Senator Jack Latvala became the first person to be returned to the Senate in 2010 after retiring due to term limits. Like Ken Burke, Senator Latvala isn't afraid to buck the party line, earning him the reputation as one of last session's most effective lawmakers. Senator Latvala led the charge to defeat the bill to stop unions from collecting dues from state workers' pay checks. He also killed a proposal which would have allowed Governor Scott to appoint all new members to the state's 26 judicial nominating commissions. Because of the redistricting law, Senator Latvala along with all 40 Florida Senate seats will be up for election in 2012. Will Senator Latvala continue to leverage his popularity to another historic win? Or will bucking the party come back to haunt his re-election bid?
Feather Sound Country Club
2201 Feather Sound Drive, Clearwater
RSVP Deadline - Friday, November 25, 2011
Ken Burke, Clerk of the Circuit Court
Ken Burke, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Pinellas County, will be here on November 9th to discuss the Clerk's responsibilities and Ken's personal aspirations. If you have paid a parking ticket, traffic ticket, gotten married or have a home mortgage, then you have had the chance to do business with the Clerk of Court's Office. Ken isn't afraid of a little controversy nor does he shrink from doing battle against Goliath. Ken defeated Clearwater Mayor, Brian Aungst in the Republic primary in 2004 even though Aungst had raised twice as much money. Ken went on to beat Carrie Wadlinger who moved here from Ohio in 2000. He has crossed party lines to endorse Representative Bill Heller and Angela Rouson in her St. Pete City Council bid. As if that is not controversial enough, as a Trustee of SPC, Burke was instrumental in eliminating Mayor Rick Baker as a candidate for President of the College. Will Ken run for re-election or seek higher office? How will his party respond? Come to the den to ask the Clerk of Court your questions.
Feather Sound Country Club
2201 Feather Sound Drive, Clearwater
RSVP Deadline - Friday, November 4, 2011
St. Petersburg City Council Candidate Forum
Confirmed to attend:
District 1 - Charlie Gerdes and Bob Kersteen
District 3 - Brent Hatley and Bill Dudley
District 5 - Steve Kornell
Distric 7 - Gershom Faulkner and Wengay Newton
Come meet all of the candidates vying for 4 out of the 8 seats in the St. Petersburg City Council. Retiring Council Member Herb Polson's District One was the only seat on the August primary ballot, which ousted newcomer Joshua Shulman in favor of two veteran politicians, Charlie Gerdes and Robert Kersteen. Gerdes, 54, is an attorney who served as the fundraising Chair for Bill McBride's losing gubernatorial bid and ran a failed race for the Florida House in 2006. Is he doomed to failure, or is the third time a "charm"? Bob Kersteen, 74, served on City Council from 1995 - 2001 and holds multiple endorsements. Is he a beloved veteran politician or a washed up has-been? Also on the November 8 ballot, will be Council Member "Coach" Bill Dudley who faces Brent Hatley a former student of Dudley's and Producer/Co-Host of Bubba the Love Sponge show for District 3. We can just imagine the questions Tigers may have for him. District 5 leaves Steve Kornell unopposed after Bill Protz, Catalina Marketing Executive, withdrew due to family health issues. And lastly, District 7 incumbent Wengay "Newt" Newton faces repeat challenger Gershom Faulkner to a showdown. Join us in the den to question the candidates about allowing the Rays to move to Tampa, the construction of the new Pier, budget constraints and possible pool closings.
St. Petersburg Yacht Club
11 Central Avenue
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
RSVP Deadline - Monday, October 17, 2011
Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn
Soon after his election in March, Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn told his St. Pete counterpart Bill Foster, "I'm not going to be the boyfriend in your divorce" from the Rays. Since then, the St. Pete Times has found Buckhorn "flirty" in his approach to keeping baseball in the region. It is one of many issues Tigers will want to ask Buckhorn about as he steps into the Den. If times get better, will he pick up his predecessor Pam Iorio's advocacy of regional transportation initiatives? With Mayor Foster focused on St. Pete issues and constituents, does Buckhorn aspire to lead the region as well as the city of Tampa? Will public and private resources come through to successfully stage the Republican National Convention? Buckhorn has been in training for his job for more than two decades. He was Mayor Sandy Freedman's special assistant in the late 1980s and early 1990s, leading an important initiative to protect MacDill from a wave of base closings. He has won some elections and lost some but triumphed over a very strong field to win the Mayor's race. Come hear Mayor Buckhorn's vision for his city and our region.
St. Petersburg Yacht Club
11 Central Avenue
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
RSVP Deadline - Friday, September 23, 2011
Col. Mike McCalister, Candidate for U.S. Senate
Is Florida ready for a retired military man, fresh to politics, as its next U.S. senator? Well, the first Quinnipiac poll on the race found Mike McCalister leading a four-man field with a 15 percent share, compared to former U.S. Senator George LeMieux's 12 percent. McCalister a Republican is currently running for the Senate seat currently held by Democrat Senator Bill Nelson, Florida's 11th district.
McCalister is a retired U.S. Army Colonel, entrepreneur and university instructor. Colonel McCalister earned his B.S. from Southeast Missouri University and a Ph.D. in Management from Union Institute. He is also a graduate of the Command & General Staff College, the Army War College Defense Strategy Curriculum, and The Air War College and The Harvard University Program on Senior Executive Leadership. McCalister is owner/operator of a tree farm in Plant City.
McCalister's campaign themes include limiting government spending and building a stronger military. As a retired Colonel with 33 years of service, he is well positioned to build support among Florida's 1.65 million Veteran voters.
Tigers may remember that McCalister ran for Governor in 2010, finishing with unexpected 10 percent of the vote in a primary against favorite Bill McCollum and well-bankrolled Rick Scott. Will he break-through in 2012? What solutions does he offer to reduce the national debt, reduce taxes, create jobs, and improve health care? How will he respond to recent media reports accusing him of padding his resume? Tea Party audiences have been receptive to his message - will McCalister embrace the movement or keep his distance as Sen. Marco Rubio has?
Join us in the den for one of the first chances to meet a new political figure in Florida.
Feather Sound Country Club
2201 Feather Sound Drive, Clearwater
RSVP Deadline - Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Pam Dubov, Pinellas County Property Appraiser
Pam Dubov, was sworn in as the Pinellas County Property Appraiser on January 6, 2008, she and her staff are dedicated to producing a fair and equitable tax roll, and provide courteous, competent, and efficient customer service. The Property Appraiser’s Office consists of 129 employees, a main office, and 3 branch offices.
Pam earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Cameron University, Masters of Business Administration from Florida Institute of Technology, and a Law Degree from Stetson University College of Law. Pam served in the U.S. Army from 1980-85 and attained the rank of Captain.
Active in the community she is a graduate of Leadership Pinellas, served as a mentor for middle school students, and has been a member of numerous community organizations. Pam and her husband of twenty-eight years have three step-children and eight grandchildren.
Our curious Tigers that own property are anticipating receiving there Trim Notices from the Appraiser’s Office. How much will my Taxes go up!!!! Given the economy what will happen?
St. Petersburg Yacht Club
11 Central Avenue
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
RSVP Deadline - Friday, August 19, 2011
Police Chief Charles "Chuck" Harmon
Chief Harmon joined the St. Petersburg Police Department in 1982, and was named police chief in 2001. He oversees all police operations for Florida's fourth largest city; the department has 805 sworn and non-sworn positions in three bureaus: Investigative Services, Uniform Services, and Administrative Services. Chief Harmon is honorary executive director of the St. Petersburg Athletic League, Tampa Bay Area Police Chiefs, Southeastern Public Safety Institute Advisory Committee, and volunteers with numerous community projects.
Chief Harmon is a graduate of Brevard Community College in Cocoa, Florida in 1979 with an associate of arts degree in general studies and an associate of science degree in criminal justice. He earned a bachelors degree in criminology from Florida State University in 1982 and a master's degree in public administration from Troy State University in 2001. Chief Harmon is actively involved in community service where he serves as a soccer coach in youth activities and has volunteered for a variety of events such as American Heart Association, Urban League Crime Run, and Paint St. Pete Proud and a 1999 Leadership St. Pete graduate. His hobbies include bowling, golf, and fishing.
Our curious Tigers may be interested in the new proposed police complex, the recent shootings within our city that resulted in three outstanding police officers losing their lives in the line of duty, and the results of the county-wide police review of the department's operating procedures.
RSVP DEADLINE: Thursday, July 14th
St. Petersburg Yacht Club
11 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg
Pinellas Delegation Legislative Wrap-Up
Amidst Howard Troxler's characterization of the legislature as being akin to the "Whore of Babylon" for its decision to re-create leadership funds, the House and Senate marched on undaunted.
As the Republican Party exercised its commanding control of a veto-proof majority in the Florida Legislature, with the backing of the governor and entire cabinet, it could ignore minority objections. Please come hear the gory details of how the session concluded with our guests:
Pinellas Delegation Chair, Rep. Jim Frishe,
Pinellas Delegation Vice Chair Sen. Jack Latvala,
Along with Representatives Peter Nehr, Ed Hooper, Rick Kriseman, Larry Ahern and Darryl Rouson.
You may want to be prepared to ask your legislators how the slush funds benefit the elections process along with the reduction in early voting and restrictions for third party groups to submit voter registrations.
You might want to hear why there were five abortion-related pieces of legislation introduced, with four of the five passing on to the Governor's desk; as if this was taking government off the backs of Americans.
Perhaps we can learn why we lost $2 billion dollars of High Speed Rail money to other states when Florida needs the jobs and transportation desperately.
How does reducing teacher and state workers' income balance with corporate tax reductions for the rich?
Lastly, 26-year-old legislation curbing developers' out-of-control growth was annihilated like a mosquito on a summer evening, laying the foundation for unbridled building again.
Join us for what is certain to be a spirited discussion of a contentious session.
RSVP Deadline: Friday, June 10th
PLEASE NOTE LOCATION
**St. Petersburg Marriott Clearwater**
12600 Roosevelt Boulevard
Howard Troxler
A Parting Shot From Our Favorite Curmudgeon
After two decades as the St. Pete Times' ace metro columnist, Howard Troxler, has announced that he is departing in June for the North Carolina mountains. He will, however, step one more time into the Tigers' Den first. Perhaps with an escape from Florida pre-planned, Troxler will tell us what he really thinks of the Florida political scene. In particular, he may clarify his ambiguous thoughts on the reinstatement of "leadership funds" by the Florida legislature. Seriously, Troxler's trademark mix of indignation, thoughtful analysis, humor and clear writing have brightened the pages of the Times and many a Suncoast Tiger Bay event. You won't want to miss his farewell performance.
RSVP DEADLINE: Friday, May 20th
St. Petersburg Yacht Club
11 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg
WEDU Florida This Week with Moderator Rob Lorei
First Time WEDU Florida This Week doing the TV Show Off-Site
Panelists:
Jeff Brandes
Janet Long
Darryl Paulson
Adam Smith
"Florida this Week" is West Central Florida's longest-running, primetime, public affairs program. Moderator Rob Lorei leads a diverse roundtable of journalists, academics, officials, and other political insiders for lively talk. A weekly mixture of familiar panelists and fresh faces promises a wide marketplace of ideas. Frequent viewer feedback and "Person on the Street" segments bring more viewpoints into the mix; Year-in-Review, Legislative Focus, and One -on-One Interview specials deliver even more variety.
Rob Lorei is the Managing Editor of Florida This Week on WEDU-TV (PBS) and a co-founder of WMNF Radio. He took the moderator's seat of WEDU Tampa Bay Week in 2001 and has piloted the program through its 2005 update to Florida This Week. He's interviewed hundreds of authors, academics, politicians, musicians, artists for this broadcast, among his guest: Former President Jimmy Carter, Ralph Nader, Sen. Mel Martinez, Al Franken, John Dean, Bill Moyers, Tampa Mayors Dick Greco and Pam Iorio, Gov Charlie Crist, and many others.
Our curious Tigers will watch this episode of Florida This Week being live-to-tape before our audience for 26 minutes and 40 seconds. Once the bright lights of television are turned-off, then our Tigers' can enjoy a 20 minute Question & Answers to the panelists and moderator of Florida This Week.
RSVP DEADLINE: Monday, May 9th
St. Petersburg Yacht Club
11 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg
Carol Cook, Chairperson, Pinellas County School Board
The Big Challenge-----Budget, Class Size, Quality Education
The Pinellas County School Board is made up of seven elected members; the board provides the best opportunities for all students to succeed by adopting policies, encouraging the highest student achievement, safe learning, and effective and efficient operation of our school system. Our guest speaker was elected Chairperson on 11/16/10. A graduate of the University of South Florida, she taught school in Pinellas County for ten years. Mrs. Cook served on the Florida PTA Board of Directors for nine years, during which her service included vice president for region and councils and vice president for leadership. Mrs. Cook is a former president of the Pinellas County Council of PTAs. Mrs. Cook served on the Florida School Boards Association Board of Directors and has served on several task forces for the Florida Department of Education. In addition to her Board responsibilities, she is currently serving on the Partnership for a Healthier Pinellas Board of Directors and continues to be active in her church and community. Curious Tigers want to know about funding our schools, security in our schools, and what our Governor has in store for our local school system and how should we respond!
RSVP DEADLINE: Monday, April 18th
Feather Sound Country Club
2201 Feather Sound Drive, Clearwater
Arts Forum
Cultural Arts & Our Community Economy and Responsibility
Dr. Hank Hine, Dali Museum
Kent Lydecker, Museum of Fine Arts
Michael Pastreich, Florida Orchestra
Katee Tully, Morean Arts Center
Taxpayers Subsidize Culture Arts Institutions, Four Executive Directors Tell You Why
Come hear from Executive Director Dr. Hank Hine about the fabulous Dali Museum, its spectacular geodesic "Glass Enigma" and "Helical Staircase". With Spanish Royalty presiding over its Grand Opening, taxpayers face $5 million dollars worth of construction shortfall.
Joining Dr. Hine is Florida Orchestra President & CEO, Michael Pastreich, who reigns over the only cultural organization to perform elegant classical and pop symphonic music in three Bay Area Communities (Tampa, Clearwater & St. Petersburg). He is challenged with serious budget deficits and reduced salaries for musicians, while playing in a venue (The Mahaffey Theater) that operates a consistent annual deficit ranging between $900,000 and $1.4 million.
Our third presenter, Dr. Kent Lydecker, The Museum of Fine Arts new Director, brings with him vast cultural experience form the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in N.Y. City. Can this distinguished director breathe new life into the museum with a bare-bones staff and limited budget?
The Fourth and final Speaker is Katee Tully, the President & Executive Director of the Chihuly Collection of the Morean Arts Center. When you see paint spattered shoes around St. Petersburg look no further than leaders of this unique art collection who brought Dale Chihuly's Avant-Guard Glass work to life last July despite financial difficulties.
Come ask why our City and County Officials voted to subsidize cultural arts institutions as our budgets face serious financial shortfalls.
RSVP DEADLINE: Friday, April 1st
St. Petersburg Yacht Club
11 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg
Chris Steinocher, President & CEO of the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce
St. Petersburg Chamber 2.0
Late January the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce announced the appointment of Chris Steinocher as the new President & CEO replacing John Long who retired in July after serving nearly 5 years with the Chamber. As some dissatisfaction by Chamber members and City leaders became apparent, the goal of the selection committee was to hire an executive who demonstrated outstanding community service, a solid grasp of economic development issues and possessed secure chamber relationships. Mr. Steinocher served as Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President of Marketing & Business Development with the Tampa Bay Partnership. As a long-time St. Petersburg resident, Chris joined the Tampa Bay Partnership at its inception and has more than 25 years experience in community development, advertising, brand marketing and sales. Prior to joining the Partnership, Mr. Steinocher was the AVP of Marketing for Fortune Bank, a Tampa Bay based bank. Come to the den with your questions and find out if the Chamber's faith in Chris's damage control and positive attitude will create a new Chamber 2.0 after all.
RESERVATION DEADLINE: Friday, March 18, 2011
St. Petersburg Yacht Club
11 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg
Tiger Bay Annual Event
Please click here for more information or to RSVP. The direct link is www.tigerbay.org/annual event
Bill Law, St. Petersburg College President
The New Guy Takes Charge at St. Pete College
Though Bill Law has been president of St. Petersburg College for just nine months, you could argue he has been preparing for the position most of his professional life. Earlier in his career he was a staffer for the Florida House and the Board of Regents. Next he served in his predecessor, Carl Kuttler's administration as director of planning for seven years. He left in 1988 for a community college presidency in Illinois, was founding president of a community college near Houston and returned to Florida in 2002 as president of Tallahassee Community College. St. Pete College has continued its rapid growth through the recession and Law's plans for 2011 include hiring more faculty and improving remediation. Curious Tigers will want to know what Law plans to keep, what to change and what to discard entirely from the regime of the dynamic but controversial Kuttler.
Reservation Deadline: Tuesday, January 18th
St. Petersburg Yacht Club
11 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster
A Happy New Year for the City of St. Pete?
Since last we heard from Mayor Bill Foster, the homeless have stopped panhandling at busy intersections, but they are still camping downtown. Or will they be moving to new mid-county quarters by early 2011? The Rays still play at the Trop - but for how long? The inverted pyramid at the end of the Pier will be coming down - but what will be built in its place? These are just a few of the questions Tigers may have for the Mayor as he returns to the Den for our traditional start-of-the-year program. And as all governments prepare to tighten budgets, what will austerity look like here in St. Petersburg? A long-time City Council member before winning the Mayor's race in 2009, the plain-spoken Foster has drawn a crowd at two Tiger Bay Club debates and his appearance earlier this year. Come by for 2011: The Sequel.
RSVP Deadline: December 30th
St. Petersburg Yacht Club
11 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg
Steve Bousquet
Steve Bousquet, Tallahassee Bureau Chief, St. Petersburg Times
Tallahassee 2011: Conservative Republican Rule Like Never Before?
Republicans won the governorship, all three other cabinet positions and a veto-proof majority in the Florida House and Senate. So what will they do with one-party rule? One of Tallahassee's most-seasoned observers, St. Petersburg Times Bureau Chief Steve Bousquet will give Tigers a preview at our final meeting of the year. Bousquet has been covering the state capital for the Times for nearly a decade and reported for the Miami Herald for 17 years before that. Who's in charge in the new regime? Are the legislators in sync with outsider Rick Scott, or are splits starting to show? And what's ahead for teacher accountability, abortion restrictions, offshore drilling and high-speed rail? How will budget cuts and tax cuts be balanced? Come to the den with your questions as Florida moves into the New Year with all new leadership.
RSVP Deadline: Tuesday, December 14th
St. Petersburg Yacht Club
11 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg
Post Election Wrap-Up with Susan MacManus and Adam Smith
Turnout, Tea Party and Tactics -- The Why of Election 2010 Results
The returns will be in, and Tigers are invited to join the state's two top political analysts in exploring the winners and losers - and where Florida is headed next. What tipped the Scott-Sink race? Has early voting made electioneering a different game? What messages did voters send in sorting through a meaty bunch of constitutional amendments? Do repetitive negative ads work or suppress voting or both? Is Florida headed to two years of conservative law-making and deep budget-slashing with Governor Scott -- or a legislative-executive faceoff with Governor Sink? Dr. Susan MacManus, distinguished professor of political science at the University of South Florida, is a longtime student of why Floridians vote as they do. One of her main areas of research has been on the influence of seniors, other "super voters" and those who participate only occasionally. Dr. MacManus is the go-to source on Florida politics for the national media and a frequent commentator on WFLA-TV. Adam Smith, political editor for the St. Petersburg Times for nearly a decade, led the front-line coverage of campaign 2010 and was the only Florida journalist asking questions on the CNN Senate and Governor's debates. Tigers, come grill the experts, and test out your own theories of an historic Florida election.
RESERVATION DEADLINE: Tuesday, November 2nd
St. Petersburg Yacht Club
11 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg
Bill Heller, Jeff Brandes, Jack Latvala, and Nina Hayden
Pinellas County Legislative Races
Newcomers vs. Experience - What's Needed Now in Tallahassee?
For our final pre-election program, we sample two of the more interesting legislative races in Pinellas County. Tigers can see where the candidates stand on K-12 and higher education, tightening Florida's budget yet again, economic recovery and other issues. Appearing will be:
Republican Jack Latvala served four terms in the Senate from 1994 to 2002, when he was term-limited out. He announced for Sen. Charlie Justice's seat in April 2009 soon after Justice decided to run for Congress. Formerly a political consultant, Latvala currently runs a printing company in Largo.
Democrat Nina Hayden, Latvala's opponent, is completing a term on the Pinellas County school board. A graduate of Stetson Law School, she is a lawyer in the Public Defender's Office.
Democrat Bill Heller is seeking a third term in the State House. Following service as an army paratrooper, he became a teacher and served as dean and CEO of USF's St. Petersburg campus from 1992 to 2002.
Republican Jeff Brandes, Heller's opponent, is making his first run for office. He joined the army after graduating from high school and was called to active duty in Iraq for 14 months in 2003 and 2004. He has worked in his family business, Cox Lumber Co., and currently manages the family's real estate holdings.
RSVP Deadline: Friday, October 22nd
St. Petersburg Yacht Club
11 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg
Charlie Justice
Charlie Justice
Trading a Safe Legislative Seat for a Run at Congress
For most of Congressman Bill Young's 40-year career, he has had light opposition or none at all. But 18 months ago St. Petersburg native Charlie Justice decided not to seek a third term in the Florida Senate and instead challenge the U.S. House's longest serving Republican. The usually low-key and friendly Justice has taken a tougher tone during the campaign, accusing Young of "corrupting the budget process" with his legendary earmarks and practicing nepotism by hiring his future daughter-in-law. The quiet race is heating up in the final six weeks. Justice has youth on his side and deep local roots, cultivated during 10 years as a state legislator. Young has a fund-raising advantage and a strong following of his own. Come to the den and decide for yourself whether it is time for a change.
Unfortunately Rep. Bill Young will not be able to attend because of his continuing recovery from back surgery.
RSVP DEADLINE: Friday, October 8th
Feather Sound Country Club
2201 Feather Sound Drive, Clearwater
Scott Maddox and Adam Putnam - Candidates for Agriculture Commissioner
Has either of these guys ever milked a cow?
This year's race for Agriculture Commissioner pits two rising stars in their respective parties - former Tallahassee Mayor Scott Maddox for the Democrats and five-term U.S. Rep Adam Putnam of Bartow for the Republicans. In the so-called year of the outsider both of these gentlemen might plead guilty to being career politicians, and from an early age. Maddox, 41, was elected to the Tallahassee city commission at 24. He went on to serve a four-year term as mayor, to chair Florida's Democratic Party and to run for Attorney General. He practices law in Tallahassee with former House Speaker and Senate President Mallory Horne. Putnam, 36, was elected to the Florida House at age 22 and the U.S. House at 26. Putnam was a member of the Rules, Agriculture and Financial Services committee and was elected chairman of the House Republican conference. He stepped off the House leadership track to return to Florida and run for this office. Putnam is a fifth-generation Floridian from a citrus and cattle-ranching family. (Maddox says he grew up in rural Homestead and Leon County and frequently visits the family farm of his in-laws). What are the current plans and future ambitions of these two candidates? Which can best serve the state's large agriculture enterprise and be an effective member of Florida's four-person Cabinet?
RSVP DEADLINE: Friday, September 10th
Feather Sound Country Club
2201 Feather Sound Drive, Clearwater
Amendment 4 Debate
A Debate on Amendment 4 - Planning With Teeth or Expensive Boondoggle?
Sarasota attorney Dan Lobeck says the far-reaching constitutional change will bring runaway development under citizen control. St. Petersburg City Council member Karl Nurse argues that the proposal would be cumbersome, anti-business and would actually encourage sprawl. Come hear the pros and cons of one of the most hotly contested Florida Amendment fights in a decade - and judge for yourself.
RSVP DEADLINE: Monday, August 30th
Feather Sound Country Club
2201 Feather Sound Drive, Clearwater
Rick Scott - Candidate for Governor
An Outsider for Governor? A $25 Million Bet Says This is the Year
For most of the summer, your program committee has been wondering whether multi-millionaire Republican Rick Scott would stick to the comfort of the TV studio and Republican audiences or also venture into the Tiger's Den. Well, here's the answer. Six days before the primary, Scott will be joining us for some talking and some fang and clawing. The novice candidate's omnipresent and well-crafted TV ads have earned him a comfortable lead in the polls over Atty. Gen. Bill McCollum. Can Scott close the deal August 24? Though Scott has never held office, he has lived in Naples for a dozen years and built a new business empire since his departure from health-care giant HCA. How much Scott knew about the activities that earned the company a record $1.7 billion fine for Medicare fraud remains an issue. Lately, though, focus has shifted to whether Scott knows enough about Florida government to lead effectively. He has advocated an Arizona-like immigration crackdown and corporate tax cuts as the cornerstone of an economic stimulus package. The more general question may be whether the business chops and tight eye on expenses that twice created huge business successes qualify Scott to lead the nation's fourth largest state. Tigers and their guests are invited to come look and listen, then decide for themselves.
RSVP Deadline: Friday, August 13th
St. Petersburg Yacht Club
11 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg
Kendrick Meek - Candidate for U.S. Senate
Aiming for the Senior Chamber in a Race That Has Drawn a Crowd
For U.S. Senate aspirant Kendrick Meek, 2010 has gotten a lot more complicated as the year goes on. First the four-term Congressman from Miami had the Democratic field to himself and figured to face Gov. Charlie Crist or former House Speaker Marco Rubio in the general election. Now he faces a tough challenge from billionaire Jeff Greene in the primary, and, if he wins, gets to face both Republican Rubio and independent Crist in November. Meek isn't complaining about these bad breaks, however, forging ahead with a campaign claiming he is a champion of the middle class and has the Washington experience to look out for Florida's best interests. Plus he could become the first elected African-American senator from the South since Reconstruction. Meek's early career in the Florida House included a sit-in in Gov. Jeb Bush's office over college admissions policies and successful advocacy of the class-size amendment (still a lively issue eight years later). In the U.S. House, Meek has been a favorite of leadership, landing a seat on the Ways and Means Committee. Inquiring Tigers will want to know both why Meek thinks he is best-qualified for the office and his game-plan for beating three well-funded, high-profile opponents.
RSVP Deadline: Friday, August 6th
St. Petersburg Yacht Club
11 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg
Attorney General Bill McCollum - Candidate for Governor
Can Experience Trump Big Bucks in an Intense Primary Fight?
With 10 terms in Congress and four years as attorney general, Bill McCollum was anointed last year by Republican Party officials to run for governor. But what would count as solid experience most years is a mixed blessing at best in 2010. Health care multimillionaire Rick Scott, his primary opponent, has launched a wall-to-wall TV ad blitz boasting of never having held office. Is this truly the year of outsider or does the seasoned McCollum have the right stuff to fight off Scott's challenge? McCollum readily accepted an invitation to the Tigers' Den to make his case. He boasts of a variety of strong conservative credentials -- a consistent pro-life record and endorsements from Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich. He was first of a group of Republican AGs to file suit challenging the constitutionality of President Obama's health care legislation. Looking beyond the primary, Tigers may want to question McCollum on his plans for economic recovery and state spending if he becomes Governor. What is his position on immigration? And will he embrace or disavow the label of "career politician?"
RSVP DEADLINE: Friday, July 23rd
Feather Sound Country Club
2201 Feather Sound Drive, Clearwater
Candidate for Governor - Alex Sink
Democrat Alex Sink is rolling out the public phase of her campaign for governor, and one of her first stops will be the Tigers' Den. Chief Financial Officer Sink accumulated more votes than Governor Crist when she first ran for office four years ago, but faces a tougher climb this time. Though closing in the polls, she still trails probable Republican opponent Bill McCollum. It's a tough year for the D's, her long private sector career as a corporate bank president may not be the plus it once was, and even supporters have criticized her campaign as slow out of the gate. Sink, of Tampa, runs as a pro-business moderate with an eye both on curtailing unnecessary spending and recharging the state's economic development efforts. Will she be Florida's first female governor? Could a late entry by Bud Chiles block her path to the Democratic nomination? Come hear Sink, and judge for yourself.
RSVP DEADLINE: Monday, June 7th
Feather Sound Country Club2201 Feather Sound Drive, Clearwater
Attorney General Candidates - Holly Benson, Pam Bondi, Jeff Kottkamp & Jim Lewis
In late March the two Democratic candidates for Attorney General joined us. Now it's the Republican's turn, and all four announced candidates will converge on the Tigers' Den for a debate/joint appearance. They are (in alphabetical order): Holly Benson, a three-term legislator from Pensacola and twice an agency head in the Crist administration. Pam Bondi, an assistant state attorney and criminal prosecutor in Tampa. Her high profile cases have made her a frequent guest on cable television, and she is known locally for adopting a St. Bernard lost in Hurricane Katrina, then fighting in court its eventual return to its previous owners. Jeff Kottkamp, completing his term as Crist's Lieutenant Governor, was previously a three-term legislator from Cape Coral. Jim Lewis of Fort Lauderdale has seven years experience as a prosecutor and, unusually, advocates lighter sentences for offenders especially those convicted on drug charges. All four are graduates of Florida law schools. Kottkamp and Benson have experience as elected officials but have never been prosecutors. Bondi and Lewis have not held public office. Watch for a spirited debate on which of the candidates has the right stuff to be Florida's top law enforcement official and what their concept of the job is. Tigers may also want to ask how the candidates would handle the significant responsibilities of the three-person Cabinet including buying land for environmental protection and managing the state's investments.
RSVP DEADLINE: Monday, May 31st
St. Petersburg Yacht Club
11 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg
Paula Dockery
Taking on the Republican Establishment in a Marquee Race - State Senator Paula Dockery of Lakeland jumped into the governor's race last November well aware that her opponent had a running start in name recognition, fund-raising and endorsements. But she maintains that her notions of "common-sense conservatism" have been eclipsed in the party by a dictatorial style and undue deference to big business. She opposed the Everglades land deal with U.S Sugar and voted against the bill abolishing teacher tenure this session. In recent months, she has ramped up the criticism of her primary opponent, Attorney General Bill McCollum, for snoozing through the Republican Party credit card scandal. A Queens native, Dockery began her legislative career in 1996 and has worked on issues as diverse as high-speed rail, water management and open records. She steps into the Tigers' Den to give us her take on the leadership Florida needs next and her reasons for taking on a long-shot candidacy.
RSVP DEADLINE: Tuesday, May 18th
St. Petersburg Yacht Club
11 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg
Sheriff Jim Coats
Keeping the County Safe on a Tight Budget - More than half of Pinellas County's budget goes to support its 2,800 person Sheriff's department. But in a year of making do with less, Sheriff Jim Coats has been asked to cut $30 million for 2010-2011. Can it be done without a significant hit to public safety? The sheriff steps into the Tiger's Den to tell us where he is willing to tighten and what needs to stay. As budget planning begins in earnest will he fight to be spared the full force of the budget ax as he has in past years? Or are a smaller force and a more crowded jail inevitable? Curious Tigers may also wish to ask whether there is any way to reduce significant future liabilities for pension benefits and retiree health benefits. Coats has 38 years experience with the Pinellas Sheriff's office and has been tapped several times by Florida governors to serve as interim sheriff in counties whose sheriff was removed.
RSVP DEADLINE: Monday, May 3rd
Feather Sound Country Club2201 Feather Sound Drive, Clearwater
ABC Baseball Coalition
Take Me Out to Which Ballpark?
A Report from the ABC Baseball Coalition by Craig Sher
When the ABC Coalition of business and civic leaders completed more than a year's study of baseball alternatives, Mayor Foster deemed the findings too hot to handle. Well not for the Tigers! Craig Sher of the Coalition will enter the den and walk us through the options and take your questions. What will it take to keep the Rays in St. Petersburg? In Pinellas County? In the Tampa Bay region? How and when can our recession-plagued community come up with the public share of the hundreds of millions required? Or do taxpayers want out of the game? What's so wrong with Tropicana Field, anyhow? And what will it take to re-sign Carl Crawford? Sher, Executive Chairman of The Sembler Company, is a veteran community business leader with service on several dozen civic organizations and was the original developer of BayWalk. On opening week of the baseball season, come for a briefing on the Rays prospects....of staying here in coming years.
RSVP Deadline: April 5th
St. Petersburg Yacht Club11 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg
Attorney General Candidates Dave Aronberg and Daniel Gelber
Who Should be Florida's Next Attorney General?
Many years Cabinet races don't take much shape until close to Election Day. But Democrats Dave Aronberg and Dan Gelber have been charging hard for six months already to become their party's candidate for Attorney General, as incumbent Bill McCollum exits to run for governor. The two state senators from South Florida have agreed to a joint appearance in the Tigers' Den to let Tampa Bay look them over and hear their pitch to manage Florida's legal affairs. Both have prosecutorial experience. Gelber spent a decade in the U.S. attorney's office, specializing in criminal cases, and worked as counsel on a U.S. Senate subcommittee on terrorism in the 1990s. Aronberg spent two years as an assistant attorney general specializing in civil matters (and shutting down TV-psychic Miss Cleo) for Bob Butterworth, who he cites as a role model. Beyond legal matters, Tigers may wish to quiz the candidates on the broader business of the State Cabinet including environmental lands purchases and oversight of state investments. And we will be mid-session with an array of pending issues on which the Democratic minority looks to have a say. The two agree on some substantive issues but look for sharp debate on who is best qualified to be Florida's top lawyer.
RSVP DEADLINE: March 25th
St. Petersburg Marriott Clearwater
12600 Roosevelt Boulevard
PSC Chair Nancy Argenziano
A New Day at the Public Service Commission
Not so long ago stock analysts praised the "reliable" regulatory climate for Florida's big power companies - that is to say consistently pro-industry. There is a new sheriff in town, though. Chairman Nancy Argenziano took charge at the start of 2010 along with several like-minded commissioners appointed by Governor Charlie Crist. They just said no this January to the customary generous rate increase requests from Progress Energy and Florida Power and Light. The howls of protest from executives of the two companies and their legislative allies haven't died down since. There are rumblings that the two newest commissioners may not be confirmed, that the public counsel who successfully represented customers' interests in the rate cases will be replaced. Another proposal would require a college degree of commissioners. (Ms. Argenziano, up for reappointment in 2011, dropped out of veterinary college years ago to care for her son). Also legislation is pending to impose a much stricter ethics code on how the five PSC commissioners interface with those they regulate. Commissioner Argenziano is not at liberty for legal reasons to discuss details of the rate cases. But we can count on her to have plenty to say about the contentious atmosphere of utility regulation in Florida. The outspoken Brooklyn-native had a reputation as a brawler during her 10 years representing Citrus County in the legislature and once famously sent an Associated Industries lobbyist a 25-pound box of cow manure. So watch for sparks to fly as she ventures into the Tigers' Den the week the 2010 legislative session opens.
RSVP Deadline: March 3rd
St. Petersburg Yacht Club11 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg
Mayor Bill Foster
The First 50 Days -- Baseball, Budget and the Homeless Twice in 2009, he packed the Yacht Club with Tigers for the mayoral debates. Now Mayor Bill Foster returns to the Tiger's Den to discuss the state of St. Petersburg as seen from his office inside City Hall. Historians assess presidents on what they get going in their first 100 days; the city ought to be a little simpler so we will be taking the Mayor's measure after his first 50. Old issues have a way of rolling over to a new administration. The homeless are still with us. When, where and whether to build a new baseball stadium is back on the agenda. A blue-ribbon study group has produced a report the Mayor and City council are so far declining to consider. Why is that? Also in the bricks-and-mortar zone, the Mayor will be asked to provide leadership on what to do with the Pier -- its funky inverted pyramid building and its rotting support beams. Is a fix a good use of $50 million in these tight times? What to do with the Mahaffey Theater? A new public safety policy? Finally, there is another budget coming up -- and a $14 million deficit in prospect. Mayor Foster began his term January 2nd with a prayer breakfast and 40 very specific campaign promises. Come hear how it's been going since.
RSVP Deadline: February 18th
St. Petersburg Yacht Club11 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg
U.S. Representative Kathy Castor
Congressional Democrats -- Time For an Audible? Fresh from a ride on Air Force One, two-term U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor pays her first visit to the Tiger's Den. We just heard from Bill Young, and Kathy Castor is Pinellas' other representative in Congress, with a district that includes most of south St. Petersburg as well as all of Tampa and a slice of Manatee County. With control of the presidency and big majorities in both houses of Congress, Democrats figured to be running up the score in the Super Bowl of legislation about now. But it hasn't worked out that way. Ms. Castor, on her party's steering and policy committee, may offer some ideas on how to change the game plan in 2010. Health care has been one of her issues since her days as a Hillsborough County Commissioner. Is there still a way to salvage the President's plan? The Congresswoman worked with Young and other Florida Republicans on offshore drilling and other issues in her first term. But do her mates and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi need to learn to play better with the other kids? Or are those other kids obstructionists? Ms. Castor, still in her early 40s, is (pardon the cliche) a rising star in the House. While on the fast track with plum committee assignments both terms, she occasionally breaks party ranks -- for instance, voting twice against the financial industry bailout. Come hear what she has to say on energy policy, the economic stimulus -- and the future of Tampa Bay.
RSVP DEADLINE: February 9th
Feather Sound Country Club2201 Feather Sound Drive, Clearwater
Congressman Bill Young
After a long absence, the Honorable C.W. Bill Young ventures back into the Tigers' den. The 20-term Congressman has a rich array of current issues he may choose to address - economic recovery and the stimulus, the health-care debate, energy policy and offshore drilling. Rep. Young is an influential and knowledgeable master of the Appropriations game. How does he balance fiscal conservatism with bringing home a prodigious share of earmarks to his district and Florida universities? Another of Rep. Young's specialties is veterans' affairs. He and his wife, Beverly, were flagging lapses in care at Walter Reed hospital before the Washington Post expose. How is our own Bay Pines performing? Finally, Tigers may wish to ask the Congressman as he approaches the big eight-o in 2010, is he thinking of calling it a career or is he just not the retiring type?
RSVP DEADLINE: Wednesday, January 20th
St. Petersburg Marriott Clearwater
12600 Roosevelt Boulevard
Howard Troxler - Evening Reception
The Suncoast Tiger Bay Club Board of Directors cordially invite you to attend the 2010 Suncoast Tiger Bay Club Annual Reception.
DATE: Tuesday-January 19, 2010
TIME: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
LOCATION: St. Petersburg Marriott Clearwater
12600 Roosevelt Boulevard
St. Petersburg, FL 33716
ENTERTAINMENT: Howard Troxler
Heavy hors d'oeuvres and Cocktails
This evening is FREE to current Suncoast Tiger Bay Club Members. Your dues must be current for the new 2010 year.
Guests $30.00 per person
Reservations must be received by Thursday, January 14th.
Reservations can be made online at wwww.tigerbay.org, via voicemail at (727) 822-1001 or via e-mail to Chandra@tigerbay.org.
Click here to RSVP online.
Legislative Preview - Representative Ed Hooper & Representative Rick Kriseman
Take us to your Leaders: A 2010 Legislative Preview
If space aliens were to land in our fair State and seek to ascertain the burning issues of import to our society by examining the recent acts of our Legislature, they would come to understand that we, as Floridians care very deeply about young men wearing droopy pants which expose the tops of their boxers. They would also determine that we take grave offense to those who would display metalic replicas of bull reproductive organs on the backs of their pickup trucks, and that the best way to ensure a future of economic prosperity for all is to make it as easy as possible for developers to pave over every last patch of the bovine realm, such that metalic replicas may be all that will one day be left. So what will these visitors from afar see from our leaders in 2010? While committees are already meeting, the formal legislative session doesn't begin until early next year. To give us a preview of the hot issues and likely outcomes are two members of our Pinellas County delegation. The chair of the delegation, Rep. Ed Hooper, represents the Clearwater area of the County and the Republican party, while Rep. Richard Kriseman, a Democrat, hails from west St. Petersburg. So what will the 2010 session entail? Will the Seminole Indian Tribe be authorized to expand its gambling empire in exchange for much needed cash? Will the Legislature authorize oil drilling off Clearwater Beach? Will the House convict its former Speaker for doing what only has come natural to every Speaker in modern times? With so many foster children in need, will gay couples be allowed to adopt? And perhaps most importantly, with revenues continuing to shrink, what will be cut next? Leave your ray guns at home but bring your sharpened Tiger claws to this sure-to-inform program, and remember, our speakers, though not little or green, come in peace.
RSVP DEADLINE: December 11TH
St. Petersburg Yacht Club
11 Central Avenue, St. PetersburgBob Dillinger, Public Defender - 6th Judicial Circuit of Florida
For the Defense
Crime. Its a perennial topic, again on everyone's lips as St. Petersburg looks to a new Mayor and the State a new Governor. Since first becoming Pinellas County's Public Defender in 1996, Florida native and Columbia and Stetson grad Bob Dillinger has had a front row seat on the topic. With many years of experience, both in private practice and public office, Mr. Dillinger, a long-time member of our Club, has developed a distinguished career, including having a key role in publishing the State's first comprehensive death penalty defense training manual. But what does this official, elected by the people, think of his Office's role defending the majority of criminal defendants arrested every year? Does he think Mayors or Governors can really make a positive impact on criminal activity? Was Police Chief Harmon correct to recently cite a bad economy as the reason for increased crime? Does he see any political danger in having his employees actively running for political offices, as several recently have? And does this life member of the National Rifle Association, distinguished expert rank, think gun ownership should have any limits? While police officials and prosecutors often weigh in on such matters, we don't often-enough hear from "the other side." So don't be found guilty of failing to exercise your right to remain an active Tiger by attending this arresting program!
RSVP DEADLINE: Nov. 10TH
St. Petersburg Yacht Club
11 Central Avenue, St. PetersburgDr. Peter Armacost
Out of Pakistan
Most
Pinellas County residents knew him as a former Mr. Sun, former St. Petersburg Charter Review Chairman, and President of Eckerd College till 2000. However, while Dr. Peter Armacost spent many years at the helm of this venerable institution, he has led an even more eventful "retirement." Soon after leaving Eckerd, and at 67 years of age, Armacost and his wife packed up their belongings from their waterfront condo and departed for Lahore, Pakistan, where he would become president of Forman Christian College, in the heart of a 97% Muslim country. In his first weeks there, gangs carried a coffin with his name on it and gangs of extremists regularly harassed his campus, which had been nationalized by the government. While his campus is now private again and thriving, the Armacosts have had a front row seat these past seven years on the war on terror. Don't miss this very special visit from a distinguished resident as he gives his informed views on the state of the Islamic world, the effectiveness of our Nation's efforts to combat terrorism at its source, the future of Pakistan and Afghanistan, the effect of the election of President Obama, and more personally his own efforts to create a top-tier institution of higher learning in an economically challenged part of the World.
RSVP Deadline: October 26th
St. Petersburg Yacht Club
11 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg
Mayoral Candidates
Decision Time 2.0
Last month, the voters of St. Petersburg had a veritable cornucopia of candidates to select from to replace the term-limited Rick Baker. In the primary, candidates Bill Foster and Kathleen Ford won enough votes to proceed to the general election. While the primary election relationship of these two former city council colleagues was cordial, the final race to the finish has the candidates trying harder to distinguish themselves from one another. Foster, the top vote-getter in the primary, continues to note his calm business-like demeanor while Ford focuses on her plans to re-tool the managerial ranks of the City and drive a harder bargain with the Rays on a new stadium. Ford has gained credit with some for her hard-charging stance on fiscal issues and history of support for gay rights, while Foster has risked his faith-based support by announcing support for same-sex benefits for city workers. While Ford recently drew some criticism by suggesting Foster knew of a former council member's alleged improper conduct, Foster has been less direct, while still casting Ford as a 'loose cannon.' Please join your fellow Tigers to hear these two candidates reveal their visions for the future of St. Petersburg, and their plans to win the office which will allow them to implement their vision.
RSVP DEADLINE: October 9TH
St. Petersburg Yacht Club
11 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg
Pinellas County Commissioner Calvin Harris
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
As most know, the Chair of the Pinellas County Commission regularly rotates among its members as time goes by. Until recently, it was a sweet assignment, where tax pennies from heaven let successive chairmen take credit for days of wine and roses. So what luck Commissioner Calvin Harris had to take the office at the bottom of a historically bad economy. The proposed County budget would slash funds for needs such as social services, Sheriff patrols, park access and code enforcement. And relations with the County's many cities remain testy. What does Chairman Harris see as the answer to the budget crisis? Why did he decline to back a fellow Commissioner's idea to raise "revenues" to plug budget holes? Does he back the idea of consolidation of fire services as a way to save money? Does he have high hopes for a light rail connection between Pinellas and Hillsborough? Will he agree to spend taxpayer money to fix the friendship trail bridge? You simply must come hear how Chairman Harris plans, come rain or come shine, to end his term able to say, it was a very good year and the best is yet to come!.
RSVP DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 14th
2201 Feather Sound Drive, Clearwater
Mayor Pam Iorio
Hands Across the Bay
Every day, thousands cross between our two counties to live and work. And while we often host those who govern our home turf, its time to invite Tampa's popular and powerful leader, Mayor Pam Iorio, into the Den. Approaching the end of her time in the Mayor's office, she has had a largely successful run. Her popularity has remained high as she focused on "nuts and bolts" issues such as infrastructure repair, code enforcement, and crime prevention. Some even mention her as a logical "county manager" should that elected position be created by Hillsborough voters. Yet she still faces many challenges. Does Tampa need a private convention center to compete with the city-owned facility, as is being proposed? Will she push for the new taxes or fees surely required to build the regional rail system she so strongly supports? Did she do enough to fix the "behavior problems" visited upon homeowners by ever-growing Gasparilla Day crowds? Where does she see the future of her city, and its relations with St. Petersburg? Why didn't Iorio run for statewide office in 2010 given her widespread support among Democrats? And where does she see herself landing next? Please join your fellow tigers for this historic visit from across the pond
.
RSVP DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 4
Feather Sound Country Club
2201 Feather Sound Drive, Clearwater
Paul Tash, Editor - St. Petersburg Times
It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Tmes
As Editor, Chairman & CEO of a storied newspaper with a rich history, unique ownership structure, fine writers and editors, modern printing facilities, blessed with local and state politicians uniquely skilled and willing to provide daily content, and fresh off a historical win of two (count em TWO) Pulitzer Prizes, Paul Tash should be in high cotton! After all, that whole 'Pravda-on-the-Bay' rep is so last administration. Yet while a series of wise ownership and business decisions over the years have positioned the St. Petersburg Times in a better position than many other papers, it still faces the same current economic strains and evolutionary currents of media content delivery. Please join your fellow tigers as Mr. Tash discusses how he plans to shepherd the Times through the current bad economy, what he envisions the entity being in future years, and how such changes may change the way news media impacts politics and policy in our Nation. For a man who only recently published a nostalgic book on St. Petersburg's history as seen through the good ole printed paper, some of his ideas will surely surprise. RSVP DEADLINE: AUGUST 21st
St. Petersburg Yacht Club
11 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg
Pinellas County School Superintendant Julie Janssen
Making the Grade
In 1998, she was a fairly unknown Assistant Principal at a Pinellas County high school. Ten years later, she is the chief executive of Pinellas County's largest employer and the entity to which the County's citizens entrust the education and development of their children. Unlike other superintendents of major school districts, Julie Janssen has spent her entire academic and education administrative career in one system. Having worked as a deputy superintendent under the charismatic and at times polarizing prior superintendent, Janssen was not the School Board's first choice to replace him. However, with a "freshman year" under her belt, many feel she was the right choice for the times. But how does she feel taking over the top job just as budgets need drastic reductions and many County schools are seeing lower overall grades? Does she feel the district's recent tussle with the union over teacher schedules was a good fight to have picked? Will she offer new plans to deal with a growing student discipline problem in some County high schools? And what is her relationship like with the new union head, who took over after the sudden loss of the long-serving, and powerful Jade Moore? Please be sure to register for this course in education administration from a woman who knows, and be sure to do your homework so your questions make a point a No. 2 pencil would be proud of! RSVP DEADLINE: AUGUST 10th
Feather Sound Country Club
2201 Feather Sound Drive, Clearwater
St. Petersburg City Council District 5 & 6 Candidates Forum
Fat Cats, Dark Horses and Underdogs
The two races for St. Petersburg City Council District 5 and 6 seats each share common elements. They both contain economically and racially diverse areas of the City with some of the most valuable, and most economically troubled real estate. They also feature open, or nearly open seats as opposed to other districts where the incumbents are fairly securely entrenched. But the most interesting element each shares is the field of candidates. Each has a presumed front-runner. In District 5 its Angela Rouson, the wife of a prominent state representative. And in District 6, Karl Nurse, a business man recently appointed to the Council to finish an unexpired term, is formally endorsed by none other than the current Mayor. Each race also features dark horses who, though less known, could be surprise victors with their unique backgrounds and "outsider" status. Neighborhood activist and School District Counselor Steven Kornell may convince District 5 voters that his Masters degree in social work will give him the skills to navigate the varied personalities on Council, while USF student Derrick Frohne will try to make the case to District 6 that generational change will bring a new energy to the job, as jigsaw puzzle company owner Phillip Garrett argues to the same voters he can piece together quality public policy. Respectively, under-funded underdogs Joseph Smith and Vel Thompson will fight for attention in races which may be decided early by mail-in ballots influenced by costly candidate direct mail. Will an African American woman win a "traditionally white" seat. Can a white male businessman keep his "traditionally black" one? Will the local political party leaders continue to inject party politics into what in theory are non-partisan races? And why do these "political animals" want so badly to join the City Council zoo? Being kings of the political jungle, our Club's Tigers will be out to test the instincts and reflexes of these candidates. Be sure to reserve your seat now to see how they do.
At the time of printing, the following candidates are confirmed: Derrick Frohne, Steve Kornell, Karl Nurse, Angela Rouson, Joseph Smith and Vel Thompson. Phillip Garrett has withdrawn from the race.
RSVP deadline: Friday, July 17th.
St. Petersburg Yacht Club
11 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg
Mayoral Forum
SOLD OUT!
PLEASE NOTE - 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. - Extended Luncheon Program.
As St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker turns into his final lap in his eight year historical tenure as the head of the largest city in Pinellas County, no less than 9 candidates lined up to succeed him. Stiff competition for sure. The race is expected to see the major candidates raise and spend historical funds. Why do they all want the job? Is the economy so bad they can't find other work? Do they feel they have the skills to make the city's law enforcement into the dream police force many residents clamor for? Will the city see a rare female Mayor, or will it have its first minority chief executive? As the election draws near, will the more marginal candidates surrender to the big names on the ticket? It won't be hard to tell what the hot election debate ticket will be in June, it will be our Tiger Bay Mayor's forum. Be sure to register now for this extended program before it sells out faster than an Illinois governor. Because, to be sure, with so many candidates in the running, winning the Mayor's office will be no cheap trick!
RSVP DEADLINE: FRIDAY, JUNE 12TH.
St. Petersburg Yacht Club
11 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg
All nine candidates are confirmed to be in attendance: Jamie Bennett, Paul Congemi, Richard Eldridge, Kathleen Ford, Bill Foster, Deveron Gibbons, Alex Haak, Scott Wagman, Larry Williams.
Police Chief Charles "Chuck" Harmon
Crime and Punishment
The City of St. Petersburg has plenty of the former these days, but what of the latter? Military-style assault weapons freely accessible by common criminals, open season on convenience store owners, young children in their homes losing their innocent lives, drug and prostitution deals happening openly on the streets. While every economic downturn in history has had its attendant spike in crimes associated with economic distress, many citizens of the City feel more unsafe than ever. Yet as at least one Mayoral candidate calls for his job, the City's Police Chief, Charles "Chuck" Harmon, would cite statistics to show many crimes are down from earlier years. Who is right? Who is safe? Why do so many crimes go unreported, or if reported unpunished? Missing this program with the City's top cop would be a crime!
St. Petersburg Yacht Club
11 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg
Attorney General Bill McCollum
Mansion Envy, or, Navy Man Wants to Board Sinking Ship
When elected in 2006, Florida's Attorney General was heard to say he'd gotten the best job in Florida! Yet just two years later, Bill McCollum is eying the Governor's mansion should the Governor decamp for the U.S. Senate. In his time as the "AG" McCollum has focused like a laser-beam on kiddy porn and cyber crime, hunted gas stations which might be charging too much, and generally avoided making any mis-steps like winning a title with the words "chief" and "financial" in them in these finan-cially hard times. But why does he want to become the CEO of a financially sinking ship of state? Does the moniker "general" just so not fit this former Navy Com-mander? Or does he feel his many years in Congress will allow him to "hit the ground running" in dealing with Tallahassee's growing lobbyist corps? And when he departs his current gig, does he see a soon-to-be unemployed lawyer-mayor as a worthy suc-cessor to the "best job in Florida?" Arrive in the den early for this sure to be crowded program!
Feather Sound Country Club
2201 Feather Sound Drive, Clearwater
Tom James
Chairman & CEO, Raymond JamesHow Now Down Dow?
Feather Sound Country Club
2201 Feather Sound Drive, Clearwater
Click here to RSVP online.
Jeff Lyash
President & CEO Progress Energy
St. Petersburg Yacht Club
11 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg
Ramsay McLauchlan
Chairman
Pinellas County Democratic Executive Committee
Long in the political wilderness, the 2008 presidential and congressional elections demonstrated a drastic return to power for the party of the left. But while Democrats bask in the glow of their successes in National elections, the party hasn't been able to make much of a go of it in Florida and Pinellas County. Why hasn't the local party been able to translate the national voting mood into success for state and local candidates? Can Pinellas County's new Chairman of the Democratic Party Ramsay McLauchlan, a fairly recent Florida transplant, end the "circular firing squad" and bring discipline and harmony to a local party membership which has had several public ugly fights involving past Chairmen? What does he see as the best strategy for building the party and its candidate bench? Will he join local Republicans in ignoring the fig leaf designation of local races as non-partisan and treating them as partisan events with party-identified candidates? Be sure to register for this program now, as only paid Tiger members will be able to ask questions (cause you know we aren't just going to give that right away!) and like famed Democratic voters in Chicag o, questioning will be done early and often!
RSVP DEADLINE: FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2009.
Feather Sound Country Club
2201 Feather Sound Drive, Clearwater
Ray Tampa
President St. Petersburg NAACP
With blacks having finally become CEO's of national corporations, held some of the Nation's top posts in military, judicial and foreign affairs, the possibility of not one but three serious black contenders for the St. Petersburg Mayor's race, and most recently the election of the first black President of the United States, who got more white votes than Al Gore or John Kerry. One might ask: What's a civil rights leader to do? Newly elected president of St. Petersburg's NAACP branch Ray Tampa now must answer that question. Will his leadership term focus on the battles of the past such as school desegregation and police mistreatment, or does he intend a "post racial" NAACP agenda? How does he intend to respond to those in the community who would say he is too close to, and influenced by, former NAACP head and current State Representative Darryl Rouson? And does he find any humor in the influx of white mayoral candidates to his organization, seeking to perform all manner of services? Join your fellow Tigers to hear how President Tampa intends to "fight the power" in President Obama's post-partisan, post-racial world.
RSVP DEADLINE: MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2009.
St. Petersburg Yacht Club
11 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg
Steve Seibert
Executive Director
Florida's Century Commission
Florida’s being paved over by developers! It’s a refrain often heard in the debates on how development in the Tampa Bay area will occur. Steve Seibert was a well liked and admired Pinellas County Commissioner before being asked by Governor Jeb Bush to lead the State’s Department of Community Affairs, which oversees development and environmental issues. Since leaving that post in 2007, he has become Executive Director of Florida’s Century Commission, created to advise the Governor and Legislature on how the State can achieve a sustainable future. Yet can this man, who sits on the board of directors of Mosaic, a $6 billion dollar phosphate/fertilizer company based in Minnesota, see a way to give developers and industry a way to profitably use their lands while not destroying Florida’s natural resources? What does he think of the effort to dismantle Hillsborough County’s environmental protection agency, and the Legislature’s desire to abolish the DCA itself as an unneeded and inefficient barrier to development? Can the developer lions really lie down with the environmentalist lambs? Join your fellow tigers to find out!
St. Petersburg Yacht Club
11 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg
RSVP Deadline: Tuesday, February 17
Daniel Ruth
St. Pete Times Columnist
Daniel Ruth has worked as a reporter, radio show host, film & television critic and opinion columnist for 36 years, including stints with the Chicago Tribune and Tampa Tribune. Once given a “vigilance in media” award by the Pinellas ACLU, his columns were either loved or hated, but rarely uncontroversial. Yet last November, the Tribune decided it could not afford its “old lion” and fired Ruth after 17 years. Perhaps sensing an opportunity to again point out its relative strength in the market, about a month later the St. Petersburg Times began running his column. So what did the man who once characterized the Tampa Bay area as “Mayberry with a skyline” do to get das boot? Was it calling Governor Bush “the Royal Me” or suggesting that if a Hillsborough Commissioner really wanted to do something to make the community better he should sleep in. Does he find fertile ground in Pinellas for column material? In an era of blogs and unplugged youth, is there a future for columns and indeed newspapers? Get the scoop from the guy who’s got the poop with your favorite tiger group!
St. Petersburg Yacht Club
11 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg
RSVP Deadline: Monday February 2
