Former Florida governor and congressman Charlie Crist has raised almost $1.2 million through a political committee supporting him for a likely run for mayor of St. Petersburg.

St. Pete Shines’ haul over the first three months of the year totaled $473,461, according to a report shared with the Tampa Bay Times ahead of Friday’s state deadline.

Crist has been eyeing a challenge to Mayor Ken Welch. Both Democrats, Welch and Crist have endorsed each other in past election cycles. On Monday, ahead of the Tampa Bay Rays’ home opener, Crist aired an advertisement touting St. Petersburg’s and his personal ties to baseball.

“I am amazed, humbled and honored,” Crist said Tuesday. “I’m grateful to God and the many people who have decided to give to this effort.”

Crist said should he decide to run, he may file election paperwork sooner than later. He said the passing of his mother, Nancy Crist, in February put a pause on things.

Michelle Todd Schorsch, the political committee’s chairperson, touted bipartisan support in a news release.

“The growing coalition of diverse donors to the committee reflects just how strongly people believe in our vision for a brighter future for St. Petersburg,” she said.

Seminole Gaming, the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s gaming operation, gave the largest donation this round of $50,000. Political committee Down Ballot Democrats gave $30,000, and Tallahassee lobbying firm Ballard Partners donated $25,000. Former Florida CFO Alex Sink and independent state Sen. Jason Pizzo are also listed as donors.

While many contributions came from out of town, prominent local donors include developers Brent Sembler and Craig Sher, former Pinellas GOP leader Paul Bedinghaus and longtime Mahaffey Theater operator Bill Edwards. Joyce Baker, wife of former St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker, also donated.

St. Pete Shines’s news release made a comparison to a political committee supporting Welch. The Pelican Political Action Committee, it pointed out, had about $31,000 in its account after it accused its former treasurer of improperly spending more than $200,000. A spokesperson for Welch’s campaign did not make its latest report available Tuesday.

St. Pete Shines has spent $57,439 total, leaving $1.1 million in cash on hand.

Five other candidates include two-term City Council member Brandi Gabbard, former St. Petersburg Fire Rescue Chief Jim Large, former St. Petersburg NAACP branch president Maria Scruggs, former Shore Acres Civic Association president Kevin Batdorf and perennial candidate Paul Congemi.

The primary election is Aug. 18. If no candidate wins a majority, the two candidates with the most votes will head to a runoff Nov. 3.

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