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.
Police have no suspects and are meeting with residents of Causeway Isles Wednesday afternoon to address the situation. Detectives believe all the arson cases could be related.
The bullet lodged in the 67-year-old woman's wrist. Police said her injuries are a consequence of 'celebratory gunfire.'
When is the Quadrantids Meteor Shower? If you don't pay attention, you may miss this New Year's light show!
Here is a quick rundown of need-to-know info for St. Pete's biggest party of the year.
Got something to say? Tell us in your very own Patch blog.
St. Pete Patch has compiled a list of the top local stories of 2012. What was the biggest story of 2012 for you?
Each week, St. Pete Patch features an adoptable pet of the week from Pet Pal Animal Shelter.
The local music store located in the 600 block had its employees name their favorite albums of the year. What was the best new music you listened to in 2012?
The $50 million winning ticket was sold at the Sweetbay located at 2139 34th St. North in St. Petersburg.
The $50 million winning ticket was sold at the Sweetbay located at 2139 34th St. N.
The festivities of the 20th annual First Night St. Pete kick off at 5 p.m. Dec. 31 in downtown St. Pete.
Is your New Year's resolution to de-stress already stressing you out? Here are some tips to help you unwind.
Each week, St. Pete Patch features an adoptable pet of the week from SPCA Tampa Bay.
The Boundary opened in August and closed its doors in December of this year. The Grille will be moving to Gulfport.
St. Pete Patch has put together a list of places we were sad to see close their doors in 2012. Did we leave out a great business that closed? Let us know in the comments.
St. Pete Patch takes a look at 10 places in St. Pete we are happy that opened in 2012. What was your favorite place that opened in 2012?
Just sign up for the free newsletter and you’ll be able to keep up with what’s going on around town.
Dec. 26 is National Candy Cane Day. How much do you know about the beloved treat, St. Pete?
On Friday night at Tropicana Field is the 6th annual Under Armour All-America High School Football game, which features the nation's top senior football players.
While arresting a hit-and-run suspect, arresting officers were fired upon by a suspect in a sedan.
