Meet the Candidates: Live (Completed)

The Gulfport Democratic Club and St. Petersburg Republican Club are hosting a candidate forum on Thursday, Sept. 20, at 7 p.m., at the Gulfport Casino Ballroom, 5500 Shore Blvd. S.

Update: 8:50 p.m.

Jessica Ehrlich, the Democratic Candidate for U.S. House District 13 introduced herself and then excused herself from the debate and walked off of the podium. Congressman Young's Son, Bill Young, explained that the Congressman has to be in Washington D.C. today because the House is in session. Young Jr. then stated, "I feel like Clint Eastwood."

Update: 8:30 p.m.

Pinellas County Commission Candidates weighed in on their stance about florida in the county's water and are now talking about when to put a project up for referendum. Overall, all candidates feel like issues such as the St. Pete Pier or Tropicana Field are projects that should be up to the people, however, other projects should be left in the hands of elected officials.

Update: 8 p.m.

Pinellas County Commission Candidates Neil Brickfield, Janet C. Long, Nancy Bostock, Charlie Justice, Buck Walz and Ken Welch are answering questions from the moderator.

Update: 7:35 p.m.

Pinellas County School Board Candidates Janet Clark, Rene Flowers and Glen Gilzean are giving their opening statements. Each candidate is given two minutes to speak. The moderator has two prepared questions for each race.

Update: 7:20 p.m.

Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri and the Democratic Candidate Scott Swope finished with their opening statements and answered three questions. The hot topic of the debate involved the county's fugitive unit. We'll have details about their answers tomorrow morning.

Update: 7 p.m.

Three protestors are outside the ballroom calling for Congressman Bill Young to attend a debate. Young's son will be attending and speaking on his behalf.

Bonnie Sklaren, with the Florida Nurses Association, is kicking off the forum with the Pinellas County Sheriff's race.

Update: 6:20 p.m.

Pinellas County Sheriff's Candidate Scott Swope has just arrived. A few supporters clapped upon his arrival.

Update: 6 p.m.

Several supporters are setting up political signs around the ballroom.

Supporters for Bob Gualtieri and Scott Swope are setting up tables at the ballroom. Janet Clark and Glen Gilzean have arrived and are speaking with voters.

Related Articles:

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• Vice Mayor Endorses Swope, Mayor Backs Gualtieri
  
• Video: Gualtieri Wins GOP Nomination for Pinellas County Sheriff
• Gualtieri Beats Rice for Republican Nod for Sheriff
• Clark, Stern to Face Off in November