The two remaining candidates for St. Petersburg mayor will square off tonight for the first of what is likely to be many debates.
Current Mayor Bill Foster and former state Rep. Rick Kriseman will take part in the debate, which will focus on economic development and small businesses. It will be held at 6 p.m. at the USF St. Petersburg;s Uiversity Student Center Ballroom, 200 6th Ave. S. A public reception preceding the forum begins at 5 p.m. Complimentary parking will be available at the university's garage, 250 5th Ave. S.
The forum will be moderated by USF St. Petersburg Political Science professor Judithanne Scourfield McLauchlan, associate director of the USFSP Bishop Center for Ethical Leadership and Civic Engagement.
The forum is presented by LocalShops1 and USF St. Petersburg and sponsored by St. Pete Patch, the League of Women Voters of the St. Petersburg Area, the USF St. Petersburg Student Government Association and the USF St. Petersburg Bishop Center.
The panelists include William Jackson, USF St. Petersburg professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Director of the USFSP Entrepreneurship Program; Mark Lombardi-Nelson, USF St. Petersburg Student Government President and member of the USF System Board of Trustees; Linda Hersey, freelance journalist; Jack King, Three Birds Tavern co-owner; and Mo Venouziou, LocalShops1 vice president.
To reserve a seat, click on localshops1.com/forum.
