Stretching from the city's southern reaches up through downtown, St. Pete's 6th council district comprises a wildly diverse swath of the city.
That explains why there are so many candidates vying for the seat, which Councilman Karl Nurse is vacating after a decade due to term limits.
Nurse has been popular on the council, and has a legacy that balances green and progressive initiatives with economic development effort.
So, naturally, his nod would be a boon to any candidate.
On Wednesday, he announced that he's endorsing Gina Driscoll, who is president of the Downtown Neighborhood Association and a member of the Downtown Business Association board, among other things.
“I believe of the large field of candidates Gina Driscoll is the most ready to step into this city council seat due to her years of civic involvement,” said Councilman Karl Nurse. “Gina is capable of representing the broad range of neighborhoods and has the temperament and drive to be effective on the City Council.”
Driscoll is one of eight candidates in the race. The others are Corey Givens, Maria Scruggs, Eritha "Akile" Cainion, James Jackson, Justin Bean, James Scott, and Robert Blackmon.
She acknowledged the value of having the support of the well-liked councilman who is leaving the seat.
“It means so much to me to have Councilmember Nurse’s endorsement,” said Gina on Wednesday. “Councilmember Nurse has done so much for our city during his tenure. I look forward to building on his successes and working every day for the people of District 6 and St. Petersburg on sustainable development, protecting our environment, increasing affordable housing, and creating jobs that pay a living wage.”
Councilwoman Darden Rice, a progressive ally of Nurse's, has indicated that Driscoll has her support as well.
