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.
Bars that serve alcohol after midnight will now have to get an after hours permit. If bars continue to cause trouble they could be forced to hire additional security or lose their permits.
President Barack Obama and Gov. Rick Scott both released statements today honoring the 71st anniversary of Pearl Harbor.
The City Council voted 7-1 Thursday to approve the next round of funding for the Lens. The funding, however, will be approved in smaller increments to protect the city in case pending lawsuits and petition drives are successful.
What are you doing this weekend, St. Pete? A Doll's House at American Stage, Jingle Bell Run, Holiday Boat Parade, First Friday and Cirque du Soleil's KOOZA are just a few of the options this weekend.
Two large drug busts netted $45 million worth of cocaine.
The Florida Consumer Action Network lit up a walkway over I-275 Wednesday to protest Republican Rep. Bill Young.
The Michael Maltzan Architecture team has released a promotional video what the new St. Petersburg Pier would look like.
Attorney Kathleen Ford, representing 15,000 petitioners, and the city of St. Petersburg are ordered to sit down with a mediator and work toward drafting a referendum.
An updated design includes more shade structures, restaurant spaces and wider walkways. New renderings were also released.
On Tuesday, Michael Maltzan presented an updated design for the "Lens" pier.
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Sunday, Rodney Blanchard was arrested and charged with four counts of animal cruelty. Monday, his son was charged with two counts of attempted first-degree murder.
One kitten is dead and three are at the Emergency Care Center At Tampa Bay Veterinary Specialist in Largo. The suspect has been charged with four counts of animal cruelty.
A look at what's cooking in Pinellas County school cafeterias this week.
On Saturday, Dec. 21 the University of Central Florida will take on Ball State inside Tropicana Field at the Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl.
We are looking for a new Facebook cover photo for December. Upload your photos by the end of the week.
St. Petersburg Police say a man crossing 4th Street at Central Avenue was hit by a taxi.
A presentation by the Michael Maltzan team, a pier petition court hearing and council vote on the "basis of design" for the "Lens".
According to list on Forbes, Tampa-St. Pete is No. 4 on the list of cities people are moving to.
Pinellas County Deputies arrested and charged Francis James Bahr with two counts of attempted first degree murder. A second suspect is sought.
