Week in Review

IORIO IS TAMPA'S NEW MAYOR: In her trademark sky-blue business suit, Pam Iorio stood at the podium Tuesday night, measuring her words carefully. Her supporters shouted out, trying to get the next mayor to go wild. "We believe in you!" someone yelled. "And I believe in you," Iorio said slowly.

Iorio calmly accepted victory Tuesday as she won the most expensive election in Tampa's history. Iorio handily defeated Frank Sanchez, a former Clinton White House aide, with 64 percent of the vote. Sanchez got 36 percent, even though he raised twice as much money.

Turnout was slightly below average, with 29 percent of registered voters going to the polls. In New Tampa, turnout was 17.6 percent.

Iorio will become the second woman in Tampa history to serve as mayor, widely considered the most visible elected office in west-central Florida. She will oversee a budget of $660-million and a city government of 4,800 employees.

Iorio will take the oath of office Tuesday with an unusual amount of independence. Most of outgoing Mayor Dick Greco's top staff will retire this year. The good old boy network will likely be replaced with a younger, more diverse staff that includes women in top positions.

Key Iorio supporters included women such as lawyer Catherine Toth, publicist Ann Sahlman, former Education Commissioner Betty Castor and former County Commissioner Fran Davin.

Iorio's campaign slogan to build a "livable city" focused on improving parks, roads and neighborhoods. She also pledged to redevelop east Tampa, launch a referendum to improve transportation, and revitalize downtown. Her first priority will be reorganizing City Hall and improving city services. "We are going to work hard to make it a great city," she said.

MILLER WINS CITY COUNCIL SEAT: Gwen Miller stayed ahead of her opponent from the outset Tuesday and went on to easily win the City Council District 1 race, becoming the first black woman in Tampa elected in a citywide race. Miller gathered 55 percent of the vote to defeat banker Curtis Stokes of Tampa Palms.

"I made history, which I wasn't even thinking about," said Miller, 68. "I was just thinking about winning, and now it's sinking in.

Stokes, 34, said he plans to continue working in the community. "We're going to continue to do things to keep my name among the public," he said.

PLANTATION MAN CHARGED AS DRUG DEALER: A man sheriff's deputies have described as one of the primary distributors of cocaine in the Town 'N Country area was arrested early Thursday in an undercover operation. Brian Ramirez, 24, of 10717 Meadowglen Lane is charged with trafficking in cocaine while armed. He is being held on $225,000 bail.

Sheriff's spokeswoman Debbie Carter said the arrest follows a monthlong investigation. She said Ramirez tried to sell 145 grams of powder cocaine to undercover officers at 6802 W Hillsborough Ave.

Carter said at the time of his arrest, Ramirez was alone. She said the drugs have a street value of $3,625.

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