TAMPA, Fla. — City voters are choosing the person who will replace Bob Buckhorn as Tampa mayor.
Former Tampa police chief Jane Castor appears to be the leading candidate but it is unclear if she will garner 50 percent of the vote. If no candidate garners that 50 percent, that means a run-off vote on April 23 between the top two candidates.
- Tuesday, March 5 is Election Day in Tampa
- Voters will choose new mayor, vote on 18 amendments
- Polls open Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- RELATED:
- See a City of Tampa Election Sample Ballot (.pdf)
- Decision 2019: Spectrum Bay News 9 Politics
- Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections page
Voters can head to the polls Tuesday from 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
The mayoral candidates are:
- Jane Castor, former police chief
- Harry Cohen, member Tampa City Council
- Topher Morrison, small business owner
- David Straz, billionaire philanthropist
- Mike Suarez, member Tampa City Council
- Ed Turanchik, former County Commissioner
- Dick Greco, Jr., former Asst. State Attorney, former circuit court judge
There have been a number of debates held between the candidates, including one that was carried on Spectrum Bay News 9 on January 9.
Among the issues that will welcome the new mayor are transportation issues, helping develop poor neighborhoods, and the ongoing saga surrounding where the Tampa Bay Rays will play when their Tropicana Field lease expires.
Voters will also choose representatives for the city's seven council seats.
Outside of mayor and city council, there are 18 amendments on the ballot.
The amendments mainly address semantic changes to the city charter, budgeting issues, and general government operation.
Election officials are advising residents to view a sample ballot for an understanding of the 18 amendments.
Spectrum Bay News 9 will have live coverage after the polls close, and you'll be able to track the results on our website.