Press Mention Tampa Bay Times August 13, 2026
SACE Quoted
Some Charlie Crist campaign money passed through PAC at Florida frat house
In this mention
An investigative report on Charlie Crist's St. Petersburg mayoral campaign reveals that over $550,000 in donations have been funneled through multiple political committees, including money with indirect ties to Duke Energy and other utilities. Stephen Smith, executive director of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, criticizes Crist for abandoning his former stance as a consumer advocate and utility watchdog, noting that SACE's political arm endorsed rival Brandi Gabbard instead.
It's very sad to see how far (Crist) has fallen away from his fire-in-the-belly stance he's had to defend consumers. To me, it's just a very overwhelming moment of disappointment.
Stephen A. Smith