Jesse Nevel is running for mayor. Eritha “Akilé” Cainion is running for the District 6 seat on the St. Petersburg City Council.

ST. PETERSBURG – Mayoral candidate Jesse Nevel and District 6 city council candidate Eritha “Akile” Cainion have scheduled a joint fundraiser.

The fundraiser, a vegan ice cream social, is set for 5:30 p.m. Wednesday (June 14) at Love Food Central, 2057 Central Ave. The event will begin with a meet-and-greet where guests will be treated to delicious vegan ice cream served by Love Food Central, followed by brief presentations from the candidates.

Nevel, 27, and Cainion, 20, said they are committed to prioritizing reparations and economic development for the black community as the center of a progressive agenda to unite and uplift the city of St. Petersburg.

“This is about reclaiming power in the hands of the people and the neighborhoods,” Nevel said. “We are fighting back against the big moneyed interests who pull the strings in City Hall today.”

Nevel said his opposition includes two establishment politicians responsible for St Pete’s trend towards gentrification, skyscrapers, and environmental disaster.

The Nevel/Cainion campaign for mayor and District 6 is “backed by a growing people’s movement comprised of St Pete residents of all ages and backgrounds who desire change, unity and justice,” said Penny Hess, Nevel’s campaign manager.

Qualifying for the St. Petersburg election opened Thursday (June 8) and closes 5 p.m. June 23.

Thus far, seven people have announced an intention to run for the office: Nevel, incumbent Mayor Rick Kriseman, former Mayor Rick Baker, Theresa Lassiter, Ernisa Barnwell, Anthony Cates III, and Paul Congemi.

In the District 6 race, 11 have announced they intend to seek the seat: Cainion, Justin Bean, Robert Blackmon, Gina Driscoll, Corey Givens, Jr., James Jackson, John Johnson, Ziya Kardas, Sharon Russ, James Scott and Maria Scruggs.

The primary is Aug. 29 and the general election is Nov. 7. Deadline to register to vote in the primary is July 31. The election is nonpartisan. For information about voter registration, go to votepinellas.com.

To RSVP for the Nevel/Cainion fundraiser, email info@jesseformayor.com or go to facebook.com

For information about Nevel, go to jessenevel.com. For information about Cainion, go to akilefordistrict6.com.

Jesse Nevel | Akile Cainion | St. Pete Election | Politics | Tampa Bay News | TB Reporter

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