Email: william.mansell@patch.com	
Phone: 941-387-6494
Hometown: Kansas City, MO
Birthday: 03/04/1986
Bio: William Mansell was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri where he developed his love for journalism reading the Kansas City Star. His dream job was to be cover sports for a living. After high school, William decided to pursue journalism in college. He attended and obtained and Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Missouri.
At the Columbia Missourian, William was a sports reporter, copy editor and web editor. It was while working for the Missourian that William learned he loved all facets of journalism. From there, William moved to Sarasota in September 2009 and became a reporter with the Pelican Press. In March of 2010, William expanded his role in journalism by entering the management field. He became the editorial director of Home Renovation Magazine in Orlando while continuing to live and report in Sarasota.
In his spare time William enjoys watching the Mizzou Tigers, listening to music and playing basketball. William wishes Kansas City BBQ was available in Florida.
Your Beliefs
At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable.
This disclosure is not a license for us to inject our beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that our beliefs are on the record will cause us to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know.
Politics
How would you describe your political beliefs?
My political beliefs do not fall to the left or right. If I ever strike up a conversation about politics, I usually end up playing devil's advocate. I'm a firm believer in common sense and doing what's right for the greatest amount of people.
Are you registered with a certain party?
I am not registered with any party nor will I probably ever be. Both sides are wrong more then right.
Religion
How religious would you consider yourself? (casual, observant, devout, non religious)
I'm a believer in Christ, faith and the Bible, but not in religion. I think religion tends to divide people. Looking at the world's wars, struggle and conflicts, differences in religion are almost always at the heart of the disagreement.
Local Hot-Button Issues
What do you think are the most important issues facing the community?
Budgets and Schools. While these issues are nationwide problems, budgets and our school systems always bring about the most debate. Property values have fallen drastically and local municipalities and governments have been left with a smaller pool of money. Government entities are faced with either raising taxes or making drastic cuts.
Where do you stand on each of these issues?
When people and the community are struggling financially, that is not the time raises taxes. Governments should try to make financial decisions with the people in mind first, not special interests or projects.
City Council will consider a fire readiness fee Thursday that is projected to generate around $10 million for the city next year, which would cover most of the city's projected budget shortfall.
Each week, Old Northeast Patch features an adoptable pet of the week from Pet Pal Animal Shelter in St. Petersburg.
On Tuesday, MLB Commissioner Bud Selig said with a competitive team like the Rays, there is no excuse for the poor attendance at the Trop.
Since Florida is a “closed primary” state, only voters registered with a political party may vote in that party’s primary. All registered voters may vote in nonpartisan contests, which include judicial and school board.
Free Slurpee Day, Bark in the Park, Pet Pal Calendars, Ballots Mailed and Patch Newsletters are five things you need to know today.
The Tampa Bay Rays are inviting you and your furry friends to Tropicana Field for the first annual "Bark in the Park" when the Rays take on the Baltimore Orioles on Aug. 5.
Additional mail ballot requests will be fulfilled daily as received.
We want to take the pulse of Patch readers as we lead up to our July 17 Pinellas County Sheriff candidates debate.
Two 16-year-olds have now been charged in an armed robbery where the victim collapsed and died.
Police said there was a 2-year-old child in the stolen vehicle at the time of the crash.
Investigating a hit-and-run crash where two underage drivers fled on foot, police discover a man unconscious nearby. He later died.
The suspect pointed the gun at the employee, forced him inside and told him to go to the cash register.
The season will close July 17, with the last day of the season being July 16.
Red Snapper Season, Sister City in Japan, Bald Eagle Population, Rays Concert Series and Patch Newsletters are five things you need to know today.
Pinellas County residents are eligible to receive federal assistance as they clean up after Tropical Storm Debby, officials said.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission estimates there are 1,457 active bald eagle nests in Florida, which is a 9 percent increase since 2008.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission estimates there are 1,457 active bald eagle nests in Florida, which is a 9 percent increase since 2008.
Miss Florida, Foreign Exchange Students, Bald Eagle Population, Rays Summer Concert Series and Patch Newsletters.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission estimates there are 1,457 active bald eagle nests in Florida, which is a 9 percent increase since 2008.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission estimates there are 1,457 active bald eagle nests in Florida, which is a 9 percent increase since 2008.