ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Welcome to 9 Questions with…, an exclusive Spectrum Bay News 9 feature in which we get to know some of the Bay area’s movers and shakers a little better. It could be a politician, an artist, a first responder, a bartender—just about anyone, really. This week’s subject is St. Petersburg City Councilperson and mayoral candidate Robert Blackmon. Is there someone you’d like to answer 9 Questions? Let us know!

Are you a Tampa Bay native? If not, where are you from?

I am a native! I was born at Bayfront hospital in the heart of downtown and attended St. Pete High.

How would you describe your job or claim to fame?

I wear a few hats. I have created a private business buying and rehabbing blighted and forlorn apartment properties throughout our city, for which I have been awarded top honors from Preserve the Burg, and commended by the Tampa Bay Times.

In my public career, I am a current member of the St. Pete City Council representing District 1. Highlights of my work have included securing funding for a fire station for my district, fighting against the privatization of our municipal marina, and working across party lines and partnering with State Representative Linda Chaney, State Senator Darryl Rouson and Congressman Charlie Crist to secure state and federal money to save the historic Science Center in West St. Pete and restore its usage as a center of scientific learning.

What’s your favorite Tampa Bay restaurant?

There are so many great ones. Ciccio’s Cali and Nueva Cantina are wonderful, as are The Mill and Rococo for fine dining. When I cross the bay, Charley’s is my choice if I can get reservations!

Do you have a personal Tampa Bay “secret spot” and/or “hidden treasure”?

My favorite spots in our city are all our wonderful parks! Swimming and kayaking off the shore of Lassing Park in Old Southeast has been a tradition for years. Albert Whitted Park is serene, and has some of the best views in the city. The [Gizella Kopsick] Palm Arboretum is a living museum.

Speaking of museums, all of ours are wonderful. And we have been working to attract as many new ones as possible to strengthen our reputation as a preeminent cultural destination.

What is your favorite Tampa Bay tradition?

Going back to my high school days, not stepping on the Green Devil’s Head in the halls of St. Pete High!

I always got a kick out of the urban legend that the comfort station on the [St. Petersburg Pier] pier head was modeled after St. Mary’s Church by a vengeful architect who had been stiffed on their bill. The yearly Grand Prix is always a thrill as well!

What’s one thing many people don’t know about you that you’re willing to share with us?

2021 has been a tough year. My two best friends have both passed away in the past six months. This loss has only furthered my determination to help others, no matter their background or situation, or what they may be going through. You can always serve others, whether in an elected capacity or by just being a good friend.

If you could change one thing about the Tampa Bay area or your community specifically, what would it be?

I love our community. But I am a firm believer that we can always be better. Introducing more compassion into our culture, and encouraging the willingness to have uncomfortable conversations for growth are always at the forefront of my mind. Helping out a stranger in any way, without judgment is a goal I constantly strive for.

How are you approaching campaigning for November's election differently than for the primary?

I was the last serious contender to enter the race; while my opponent announced his intentions in early 2018, I have been in the running for just over three months. It’s been a sprint from Day One!

Learning from and listening to everyone in our community has been my goal, and will continue to be. I will continue to work with the mindset of people before politics.

Can you give us an idea of what your "Day One" would be, your first actions should you be elected mayor?

In my administration every voice will be heard, and every viewpoint represented. Tangible “Day One” plans to live up to these goals include:

• Relocation of the Municipal Services Center to the long-shuttered Tangerine Plaza grocery store in Midtown, creating an economic catalyst for the community and saving taxpayers citywide $50 million dollars.
• Introducing a city-backed low-interest mortgage program, where every dollar that enters the program will never leave. Currently, we give developers large subsidies (in some cases, $70k-plus per unit) that disappear after construction. This change will create a positive snowball effect to help those most in need.
• Invest in the renovation of our municipal marina to keep our precious public waterfront from being privatized.
• Oversee the demolition and reconstruction of the Sunshine Senior Center to be rebuilt as a state-of-the-art seniors’ activity hub with a vertical tower of affordable senior housing above.
• Resume negotiations with the Rays based on mutual respect, to finally get clarity on the future of Tropicana Field.
• And most importantly, I will reopen the communication between the mayor’s office and city council that has been fractured under the current administration. This includes reaching out to every former councilmember, mayor, and elected official in our community for advice and viewpoints to make our city the best it can be.