Brandi Gabbard is running for the District 2 seat on the St. Petersburg City Council.

ST. PETERSBURG -Former Council Member Bill “Coach” Dudley has endorsed Brandi Gabbard in her race for the District 2 seat on the St. Petersburg City Council.

Dudley served two terms on the council, including one year as chair.

“Truly a people’s candidate. Brandi is an independent thinker who will serve without prejudice” Dudley said. “She is knowledgeable on issues and has solutions. I give her my strongest endorsement.”

Gabbard said, “I am so proud to announce this endorsement. I have long admired the work Coach Dudley has done for our community. We have a shared passion for the future of St Petersburg. We both know how to put partisan issues aside and work hard for all residents of our city. His 37 years of working with our children and being an advocate for our families is inspiring. I am honored to have his support.”

Dudley’s endorsement is the latest for Gabbard. She has also been endorsed by Council Member Amy Foster, State Rep. and former council member Wengay Newton, the Pinellas Realtor Organization, the St Petersburg Association of Firefighters Local 747, and the Sun Coast Police Benevolent Association.

Gabbard has been involved with the community ever since she and her family relocated to St Petersburg more than 13 years ago.

A real estate broker with Smith and Associates Real Estate, she has served for more than a decade in leadership with state, local and national real estate associations. Gabbard was chair of the board of the Pinellas Realtors® Organization in 2014 and was awarded Realtor® of the Year in 2015.

Her testimony before Gov. Rick Scott and his cabinet in 2013 regarding the effects of flood insurance affordability led Gabbard to her current position as vice chair of the insurance committee of the National Association of Realtors®.

Gabbard serves as vice president of the Barcley Estates Homeowners Association. She is a member of the city of St. Petersburg program for public information task force on flood insurance and is a member of the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce, serving on both its public policy committee and transportation task force.

The District 2 seat is currently held by Jim Kennedy who is terming out of office. Gabbard, a first-time candidate, is facing another first-timer, Barclay Harless, in the Nov. 7 General Election.

St. Petersburg council members serve four-year terms and earn $44,452 a year.

For information about Gabbard, go to brandi4stpete.com.

Brandi Gabbard | Barclay Harless | Bill Dudley | Jim Kennedy | St Petersburg Election | Politics | Tampa Bay News | TB Reporter

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