Rep. Brandes Receives a Unique Homecoming Gift

Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, returned to his home in St. Pete this week, but not without a party. The representative was , which is an organization that gives a voice to local citizens about social and economic issues.

Supporters of Awake Pinellas gathered outside of Brandes' office at 3637 4th St. N. around 4 p.m. on Friday afternoon. Signs reading messages like "Vote for the Middle Class" and "Brandes Your Voting Record Stinks" were hoisted up for all of 4th St. to see.

Of the issues that Brandes voted on, education seemed to be the one that most protesters were concerned with. For Bill Hurley, it was personal. "My daughter is 12 years old and she wants to be a teacher," said Hurley. "And at the rate we are going right now, it won't even be worth it to be a teacher."

Hurley said that charter schools, which Brandes voted in favor of, are all about profit. According to Hurley, the push for charter schools would only eliminate more job opportunities for young people like his daughter.

Around 4:30 p.m. Hurley, who was dressed as the Monopoly character Rich Uncle Pennybags, was presented as a "gift" to Brandes. Hurley stepped out of a life-size gift-wrapped box and proposed a toast to Brandes.

His toasting speech was written on the back of a large, cardboard $100 bill. 

"And don't you worry about taking all those millions away from public schools, that's what you have bake sales for," Hurley said in his speech.

Protesters booed and chuckled throughout the skit.  

Mark Hanisee, Chair of the Pinellas County Democratic Party, also showed up in support of the protest. Hanisee was also concerned with Brandes’ recent votes, especially on small business matters.

"I'm third generation St. Pete and I've never seen this county in such bad shape," said Hanisee. "There just doesn't seem to be a lot of reach between Tallahassee and the local community."

Hanisee referred to small businesses as "the backbone of the community" and that the Republican Party's lack of attention to them, is a problem. 

Protesters were scattered between the 3700 and 3800 blocks of 4th St. N. for about two hours. 

Event Chair for Awake Pinellas, Kofi Hunt, had one thing to say to Brandes on behalf of the protesting citizens: 

"For two years, you have not been voting along the lines of the interest of the citizens as far as securing the economy and you probably need to step aside, so that someone can come in your seat and vote."