Latest news with #RichedeanHillsAckbar
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Tampa voters weigh in on District 5 city council candidates
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Friday is the final day for candidates to qualify for September's special election to fill Tampa's District 5 city council seat. The position has been vacant since the death of Councilwoman Gwen Henderson. The Tiger Bay Club of Tampa will host a moderated discussion with all qualified candidates, Friday afternoon. As of Friday morning, 14 candidates had declared their intentions to participate in the race. Richedean Hills-Ackbar is a lifelong resident of District 5 and believes there's been a void in the community since Henderson's death. 'She showed up to a lot of the local meetings, and she wasn't afraid to answer questions,' Hills-Ackbar said. Seven of the candidates participated in a forum at Blythe Andrews Jr. Public Library. They laid out plans for housing, business development, and funding for the East Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency. Hills-Ackbar explains, 'It's important that someone actually cares about this community, that's from this community, they actually answer and return phone calls, that their concerns are the concerns of the people here.' 'It's real hard out here, but all the elected officials get in, they talk about they're going to do something for the people, but when they get there, they don't do nothing,' describes another district 5 voter. Whoever wins the race will represent families in portions of downtown, the Channel District, Ybor City, West and East Tampa, Sulphur Springs, McKay Bay, and Palmetto Beach. 'I hope their intentions are to do their best for the community and their intentions are to serve the people of District 5. If they're not here for that, they can just keep it moving,' describes Hills-Ackbar. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Tampa voters hear from several candidates vying to fill vacant District 5 seat
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Tampa residents heard from some of the candidates looking to fill a city council seat vacated earlier this year when the very popular Gwendolyn Henderson suddenly passed away. Take it from the man selling watermelons on 29th Street. Or the woman whose family has lived in East Tampa for more than a century. They said District 5 needs a leader who will get things done. St. Pete city council advances utility rate hike proposal despite residents' complaints over abnormal bills 'For the people that are running, I hope their intentions are to do their best for the community,' said Richedean Hills-Ackbar. 'It's real hard out here. But you got all the elected officials that get in talking about they are going to do something for the people, [but] when they get in there they don't do nothing,' said Rome Harmon. The race is packed with 14 registered candidates. Seven of them showed up to a forum Thursday night. Common themes they spoke on were housing, opportunities, experience, and strategy. Many of the candidates spoke about the East Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency Funding or CRA. 'We really want to see community built up with those dollars,' said candidate Fran Tate. 'I would really focus on CRA and go back to the original vision and original intent of the $200 million dollars that was supposed to be going to small businesses,' said candidate Thomas Scott. Scott told voters he helped create the CRA, touting his experience on city council and the Hillsborough County Commission. 'If experience was what we needed then we would not be sitting in these rooms having these same conversations,' said candidate Naya Young. 'To me, it's all about this district getting it's equity first before anybody else,' said candidate Darrell Dundey. Candidates ended with their plans and why they believe voters should choose them to fill the seat. 'I want to help, that's what I want to do, I want to represent our most marginalized communities,' said candidate Thomas DeGeorge. 'My job as a city councilperson is to do what I can to help the city grow,' said Albert Cooke, another candidate. 'I make sure big chains won't come inside District No. 5, we need to strengthen the people who still own business,' said candidate Jose Vazquez. You must request a mail-in ballot in order to receive one. Early voting is Sept. 4. Election day is Sept. 9. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
