Charlie Crist, former governor, to run for St. Pete mayor

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist has filed to run for St. Petersburg mayor.

He filled out the paperwork Monday afternoon at City Hall.

Crist was governor from 2007-11, then served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2017-22.

In that role, he represented the state’s 13th District.

Incumbent Mayor Ken Welch has filed to keep the post. He took office in 2022, replacing Rick Kriseman.

St. Pete Councilwoman Brandi Gabbard has thrown her name into the running, along with community activist Maria Scrubbs.

Kevin Batdorf, Paul Congemi and Jim Large have also filed to run.

The election will be on Aug. 18.