St. Petersburg voters learn & inquire at Meet the Candidates event

The St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce organized the biannual Meet the Candidates event on August 6, located at Tropicana Field. The Tampa Bay Rays and Orlando Health were co-presentors of this event which featured the only opportunity in St. Petersburg for voters to have individualized conversations with a multitude of candidates ahead of the August 20 Primary Election.

Over 250 attendees mixed and mingled with 35 registered candidates running for offices including US Congress, US Senate, Florida House, Florida Senate, County Commission, Pinellas County School Board, St. Petersburg City Council and several Circuit Judge groups.

Many thanks to Tampa Bay Rays, Orlando Health, TECO, St. Anthony's Hospital and Spectrum for sponsoring this event, and for their ongoing support for Chamber advocacy issues. Without the support of these corporate sponsors, the Chamber would not be able to provide programming and education on important topics relevant to the business community.

In addition to the candidates on the Primary ballot, there is one referendum question that all eligible voters in Pinellas County will have the opportunity to vote on. The referendum is proposing the renewal of the Ad Valorem Tax Exemption. The Ad Valorem Tax Exemption is an investment tool and incentive designed to assist local businesses with expansion and create new job opportunities. Click here for additional nonpartisan information on the Ad Valorem Tax Exemption provided by Pinellas County Economic Development.

The Chamber Board of Governors has voted to SUPPORT this ballot initiative.

Please note the following list of additional opportunities to learn more about the candidates and ballot initiatives ahead of the General Election on November 5. Get engaged, ask questions and VOTE!