News Briefs
Written by Crow's Nest Staff, Sep 10, 2012, 0 Comments
Some 11,000 people showed up to see President Barack Obama speak Saturday morning at St. Petersburg College’s Seminole campus. Former Governor Charlie Crist introduced the president, and the two shared a “hearty bro hug” onstage, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
“I don’t believe, and you don’t believe, that another round of tax breaks for millionaires is going to bring good jobs back to our shores, or pay down our deficit,” the president said. “I don’t believe that firing teachers or kicking students off of financial aid — students who go right here to this institution — that somehow that’s going to help our economy, or help us compete with scientists and engineers coming out of China.”
Recent polls indicate the Florida race is evenly tied between Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney, with many saying Obama has a stronger hold on the state now than earlier in 2012. This is the 16th Florida visit for Obama this year.
Before leaving the Bay Area for his next scheduled stop in Kissimee, Mr. Obama picked up Cuban sandwiches at the West Tampa Sandwich Shop and visited with the unsuspecting customers.
Early Sunday morning, Romney announced he would hold a campaign event in Oldsmar on Sept. 12, but it was canceled without explanation several hours later. Former President Bill Clinton will speak in Orlando that evening.
Pinellas County philanthropist and USF St. Petersburg supporter Gus Stavros will be honored at “USFSP Celebrates!” in the University Student Center on Sept. 20. The $125 per plate event will benefit the USFSP College of Business.
Reception will begin at 6 p.m. and will be followed by a dinner and a program honoring Stavros. James MacDougald, a USF Foundation member and president of investment company Westshore Ventures, will serve as the featured speaker.
USF President Judy Genshaft announced the College of Business is the “top priority for the USF system” at the formal USC opening last week.
