Media Page
Suncoast Tiger Bay Club has a Youtube Channel. We have decided to only video tape the full program when possible and the Q&A portion of the programs and edit down the winning Fang & Claw questions. We also ask each program speaker how their experience was in the Tigers' Den at the end of the videos.
If you want to see the latest videos when they are ready you can become a subscriber to the channel on YouTube or you can check back here. We also post all the videos on Facebook and Twitter.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
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?
Friday October 21, 2011
St. Petersburg City Council Candidate Forum
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.
Wednesday, September 29, 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.
Tuesday, July 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.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
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.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
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.
May 12, 2011
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
Watch the full episode. See more Florida This Week.
"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.
April 6, 2011
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.
March 23, 2011
St. Petersburg Chamber 2.0
Chris Steinocher, President & CEO of the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce
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.
January 21, 2011
The New Guy Takes Charge at St. Pete College
Bill Law, St. Petersburg College President
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.
<January 5, 2011
A Happy New Year for the City of St. Pete?
St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster
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.
December 17, 2010
Tallahassee 2011: Conservative Republican Rule Like Never Before?
Steve Bousquet, Tallahassee Bureau Chief, St. Petersburg Times
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.
October 26, 2010
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Newcomers vs. Experience - What's Needed Now in Tallahassee?
Bill Heller, Jeff Brandes, Jack Latvala, and Nina Hayden -
Pinellas County Legislative Races
Candidate Introductions
Q&A with winning Fang & Claw question.
Candidate Closing Statements
October 12, 2010
Charlie Justice - US Congressional Candidate for District 10
Opening and Closing Remarks
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.
October 12, 2010
Charlie Justice - US Congressional Candidate for District 10
Fang and Claw Winner - Carolyn Fries
September 1, 2010
A Debate on Amendment 4 - Planning With Teeth or Expensive Boondoogle?
Speakers: Attorney Dan Lobeck and St. Petersburg Council Member Karl Nurse
September 1, 2010
Q & A
A Debate on Amendment 4 - Planning With Teeth or Expensive Boondoogle?
Speakers: Attorney Dan Lobeck and St. Petersburg Council Member Karl Nurse
September 1, 2010 - Suncoast Tiger Bay Program: 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.
September 1, 2010
A Debate on Amendment 4 - Planning With Teeth or Expensive Boondoogle?
Fang and Claw Winner - Marilyn Nass
August 11, 2010
Kenrick Meek, Democratic Candidate for U.S. Senate - Winning Fang & Claw question by Peter Schorsch
June
27, 2010
Attorney General and Rebublican Candiate for Florida Governor - Bill McCollum
June 10, 2010
Democratic Candiate for Florida Governor - Alex Sink
June 3, 2010
Republican Attorney General Candidates - Holly Benson, Pam Bondi, Jeff Kottkamp and Jim Lewis
Suncoast Tiger Bay Club Thursday, June 03, 2010 - Q & A - Attorney General Candidates - Holly Benson, Pam Bondi, Jeff Kottkamp from MityMo Design on Vimeo.
April 8, 2010
ABC Baseball Coaltion - Craig Sher
March 5, 2010
PSC Chair Nancy Argenziano - Winning Fang & Claw question by Past President Cory Adler-Leidersdorff
