Fourteen candidates are eligible to represent Tampa’s District 7, but the choice on Tuesday belongs to six people: the remaining members of City Council. Four must agree on a name to fill the vacancy for the rest of the term.
The district includes New Tampa, Forest Hills, Terrace Park and the University area. Its former representative, Luis Viera, was elected to Florida House District 67, according to the city clerk’s notice. Applications closed at noon on November 9.
Who gets a say on Tuesday?
Eighteen people applied; city staff found 14 eligible, Creative Loafing reported Saturday. Those numbers describe two different stages of the same process. The pool includes a physician, a newspaper editor and a community organizer. Three eligible applicants have also filed to run for the seat in March.
Each applicant gets two minutes to introduce themselves, according to Axios Tampa Bay’s guide to the candidates. Residents can listen to those introductions and compare what each person would prioritize in the months remaining. Tuesday’s appointment and the March municipal election are separate decisions.
Speaking from home? Monday is the deadline
The official meeting notice sets the special session for Tuesday, November 17, at 1:30 p.m. in the third-floor council chambers at Old City Hall, 315 E. Kennedy Blvd. Public comment comes at the start. Speakers have three minutes apiece and must address the appointment.
To speak remotely, submit the city’s public comment form and specify under “Request Type” that you wish to speak live. The city asks for at least 24 hours’ notice. For this meeting, that means requesting a spot by 1:30 p.m. Monday, November 16. The city will follow up with participation instructions.
People who only want to watch can use the city livestream, Spectrum channel 640 or Frontier channel 15. The council page also links the appointment guidelines and meeting notice. For more local coverage, visit Tampa Bay.
Image credit: BRoys, November 5, 2018. File photo of Tampa City Hall from the Madison Building. Original photograph, CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized.
