Politics & Government

Sam Henderson to Run for Gulfport Mayor

Vice Mayor Sam Henderson wants to continue serving on the Gulfport City Council as the next Mayor of Gulfport.

Sam Henderson, Vice Mayor and Ward 4 councilmember, wants to continue serving Gulfport and it's residents. Henderson was elected as the Ward 4 representative in 2009, and then ran unopposed in 2011. Now, he wants to move forward as the city's next mayor.

“I’m excited to do it and if people are happy with what I’ve done the last 3 and a half years, hopefully I will be the next Mayor," Henderson said.

Henderson wants to continue with environmental projects and continue with Tangerine Greenway developments by connecting trails from the greenway to downtown and then to Clam Bayou.

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"I would like to see that connection from downtown also connect with the St. Pete spur that runs into Clam Bayou," he said.

Henderson says he's looking forward to improving the city.

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He notes Mayor Mike Yakes' recent announcement as the final factor in his decision.

"I knew I was never gonna run against Mayor Yakes," he said.

Once he heard Yakes was not going to run again, he decided to "put my name in the hat."

“I never even considered the mayor position until I was well into my second term,” he said.

Henderson declared his candidacy on Wednesday but still has to qualify as a candidate by noon on Monday, Dec 10 to get his name on the ballot.

The municipal elections are on Tuesday, March 12, 2013. The mayor serves a three-year term. The voter registration deadline is Monday, February 11, 2013 for the next city elections. For more information on how to register visit the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections website.

Another Candidate: Bob Worthington

Former city councilmember and volunteer firefighter, Bob Worthington, declared his candidacy for Gulfport Mayor in May of this year. Worthington told Gulfport Patch that he believes it's time for new leadership.

“I don’t believe that’s something that’s being encouraged right now. I believe that I am a team builder and I think that you start with the team that sits on council," he said.

Learn more about Worthington in our article "Bob Worthington to Run for Gulfport Mayor."

How to Become a Declared Candidate:

To become a declared candidate, a person must first turn in the "Appointment of Campaign Treasurer and Designation of Campaign Depository for Candidates” information.

To then qualify as a candidate, people must turn in the required qualifying paperwork and fees between Monday, Dec. 3, after 8:30 a.m., and Monday, Dec. 10, by noon.

Related Articles:

Meet the Candidates: Sam Henderson (Jan. 2011)

Henderson Elected Gulfport Vice Mayor (April, 2012)

Bob Worthington to Run for Gulfport Mayor (May, 2012)

Stay tuned to Gulfport Patch for future articles about all the candidates running for Gulfport Mayor.


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