Civic Leader Darden Rice Launches Campaign

Long time community leader Darden Rice launched her campaign Thursday to run for the open District 4 City Council seat vacated by Leslie Curran.

Rice said, “I am running because I believe in making St. Pete Strong. I have a clear vision for the future of our city. It is based on three foundations for the health of the community. It includes ensuring strong businesses and jobs; healthy and vital communities and neighborhoods; and effective city services,” according to a press release.

A 20-year resident, civic leader, Eckerd College alumni, and longtime homeowner, Rice launched her campaign website VoteDardenRice.com that details her three-prong plan for the city called St. Pete Strong.

The plan is listed under the tab ‘Darden’s Plan.' In an Issues page on her website, Rice explains her positions on red light cameras, the Pier, the Rays, the police headquarters and support for the arts, according to the release.

Rice recently moved to ensure she could run for the District 4 council seat. Through the redistricting process, Rice and Dr. David McKalip found out they could be drawn out of their districts if council adopts Plan 7, the proposed redistricting map. Council has until May 12 to complete redistricting.

Dr. David McKalip has also filed to run for the District 4 seat and announced just last week that he's taken up residence in a new district to ensure he will be able to run for office in November.

St. Petersburg City Council will hold a public hearing about Plan 7 on Thursday, March 21 starting at 8 a.m.

Related Coverage

• Redistricting Map Closer to Adoption
• City Council Redistricting Leaves Candidates Out of Election 
• Redistricting Leaves Council Candidates Scrambling
• City Council Redistricting Hearing Tonight
  
• St. Pete Set for Redistricting

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Correction: In the original version of this story Patch indicated that Darden Rice could have been drawn out of her current District. Rice, in fact, has moved to ensure she can run in November.