TAMPA BAY, Fla. — Welcome to 9 Questions with…, a new regular feature in which we’ll get to know some of the Bay area’s movers and shakers a little better. It could be a politician, an artist, a first responder, a bartender—just about anyone, really. We’re kicking the series off with St. Petersburg City Councilperson and chairperson for transit and sustainability initiative Forward Pinellas, Darden J. Rice. Is there someone you’d like to answer 9 Questions? Let us know!

Are you a Tampa Bay native? If not, where are you from?

I’ve been in St. Pete most of my life, but I’m not a native like my wife, who is fourth generation. My family is southern; my formative years I grew up in Martinsville, VA and Charlotte, NC. My dad’s side of the family arrived in Pinellas County from Salem, VA in the ‘50s. My mother’s family goes way back many generations from Pompano Beach. 

How would you describe your job or claim to fame?

I am grateful to have the best job in the world serving the people of St. Petersburg. There’s such a special vibe and authentic feeling about our city. St. Petersburg has a rich and diverse history, and world-class opportunities before us. We also face serious challenges we cannot ignore and I have no doubt that our city is united in facing our future together. 

What’s your favorite Tampa Bay restaurant? 

Too many greats to pick just one. The Chattaway because I used to work there in my early years, and it’s the quintessential neighborhood eatery. Bella Brava for lunch with friends, Parkshore Grill to impress, and Il Ritorno for date nights.   

Do you have a personal Tampa Bay “secret spot” and/or “hidden treasure?” 

I lived in Old Southeast for many years, and part of my heart is still definitely in that neighborhood. Lassing Park is so many things—a walk in solitude, a place for heart-to-heart talks, kayaking and sea bird watching, picnicking, and a really special treat is attending Easter sunrise service. I loved the simplicity and routine of morning walks where most of us first knew each other through our dog’s names.  

What is your favorite Tampa Bay tradition?

My top three: St. Pete Pride Parade, American Stage in the Park, and the October 15 opening season date for stone crab claws. 

What’s one thing many people don’t know about you that you’re willing to share with us?

On rare occasion, I’ve been known to enjoy a cigar, preferably one hand-rolled in Tampa.   

If you could change one thing about the Tampa Bay area or your community specifically, what would it be?

This sounds bold, but I’d like to make my city recession-proof. We do that by focusing on bringing more diverse jobs in vital sectors here. Our people, neighborhoods, and businesses can bounce back more quickly if opportunities are available. I like the idea of the city being in control of its own future and less susceptible to knocks that happen at the state or national level.  

How have you been spending your time during the COVID-19 pandemic?

We have all had to be patient to make accommodations and changes to our daily routines in the name of safety and health. On the plus side, I’ve been able to get through more of my reading list, and we cook more at home. This time has been a good time to reset and focus on what matters. 

You’re a self-described “transit geek,” and just took on the role of chairperson for Forward Pinellas. What are some of your near-future goals for the organization regarding transit in downtown St. Pete and the county at large?

Regionally, we have the SunRunner Bus Rapid Transit in construction and should be done in a year. We will see completion of important and much-needed road projects in the Gateway area. We know the Howard Frankland Bridge north span replacement is scheduled and budgeted to get completed over the next few years, as well as fixing the bottleneck at 275 and SR-60 on the Tampa side. 

We just found out that work on the Pinellas section of 275 has been pushed back a few years, but we will continue to work with the Florida Department of Transportation to come up with ways to get that work prioritized in the work program and to hopefully eliminate those delays. It’s all budgetary decisions at the state level that in part determine the timing of these major projects, so we will continue to be good partners and look out forward for the needs of St Pete and Tampa Bay.