Ken Welch is the winner of the St. Petersburg mayor race, besting opponent Robert Blackmon and becoming the 54th mayor in the city's history.

What You Need To Know

With 100% of precincts reporting, Welch received 38,037 votes (59.7%) while Blackmon garnered 25,712 (40.3%).

At a victory speech Tuesday night, Welch said he had heard from Blackmon, who conceded the race.

Welch will be the first Black mayor of St. Petersburg. The 57-year-old ran for mayor after serving 20 years on the Pinellas County Commission. Welch and his supporters are gathered tonight at Carter G. Goodson African American Museum.

Speaking to supporters at the Carter G. Goodson African American Museum, Welch talked about some of the challenges facing St. Petersburg. Those include the Rays future and public safety.

"Progress will require honest and sometimes difficult conversations," he said to applause from supporters. "That is the path to process in these challenging times."

In a prepared statement announcing his win, he said: “Because of each and every one of you here today we have made history. But this election is not about me, it's because of the giants that came before me-- it's because of the inclusive progress we are working towards and that's why we're all here today.

"Because of you, we will work around the clock, along with our partners in law enforcement and the community, to find creative solutions to reduce crime plaguing our streets. Because of you -- we are one step closer to reducing the effects of sea-level rise and climate change. And because of you, we will have incredible partners in progress on day one so we can hit the ground running on our opportunity agenda. Thank you again, St. Pete, for believing in our vision, you've never let me or my family down.”

ABOVE: Robert Blackmon speaks after mayoral loss

Rick Kriseman, who will leave the mayor's office because of term limits, posted a statement on Twitter congratulating Welch.

In St. Petersburg City Council races, the winners were Copley Gerdes (District 1), Lisset Hanewicz (District 4) and Gina Driscoll (District 6).

The District 8 race between Richmon Floyd and Jeffrey Danner had not been called shortly before 8:30 p.m. Floyd had 28,977 votes (50.1%) and Danner had 28,861 votes (49.9%).

MUTZ WINS LAKELAND MAYORAL RACE

Meanwhile, in Lakeland, current mayor Bill Mutz defeated challenger Saga Stevin - 3,910 to 2,759 - to win a second term as mayor. 

 

Also in Lakeland, Sara Roberts McCarley defeated Allyson Lewis in the District C Southwest race.

Mike Musick bested Shandale Terrell in the District D Southeast contest.

And in Winter Haven, James Powell won Commission Seat 5, defeating Matthew Crawley.

In Manatee County, John Chappie defeated David Galuszka in the race for Bradenton Beach mayor.

You can view all race results from Pinellas, Polk and Mantee counties by clicking here.

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