Weather | Sports | Forums | Comics | Classifieds | Calendar | Movies
By PAMELA GRINER LEAVY
© St. Petersburg Times, published March 12, 2000
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH -- Two local political veterans are squaring off in Tuesday's mayoral election, while three candidates are vying for two commission seats.
Mayor Robert H. DiNicola, has held office since 1994 and says effective leadership has resulted in a lack of divisive issues.
DiNicola, who lives at 471 Harbor Drive S, is facing Jean Scott, 51, 420 Harbor Drive S. A Realtor and city commissioner since 1994, Scott wants the city to stop speeding and make the streets safe for children.
In the races for two City Commission seats, candidates are:
R.B. Johnson, 1206 Beach Trail. A real estate manager who opposes overdevelopment, Johnson said he is upset over a recent city case in which developers were awarded a variance to construct a four-story building instead of the regulated three.
Austin F. Campbell, 77, 80 Gulf Blvd., a retired structural engineer and a city commissioner from 1993-1997. A former chairman of the planning and zoning board as well as the city's representative to the Metropolitan Planning Organization, Campbell calls the widening of Gulf Boulevard an issue. He said changes in coastal construction restrictions could have "disastrous effects" on rebuilding of gulf-front property after storms.
Thomas "Toby" O'Brien Jr., 118 Haven Drive, who has a business and marketing degree from Cornell University. He has lived in Indian Rocks Beach for the past eight years and lists his occupation as director of operations for Manatee Sports Inc.