ST. PETERSBURG – Lisa Wheeler-Brown, a community activist turned political candidate, captured the pivotal District 7 City Council seat Tuesday, perhaps paving the way for renewed stadium negotiations with the Tampa Bay Rays.
Wheeler-Brown defeated Winthrop “Will” Newton, 58-42 percent, in a race to replace Newton’s brother, Wengay, who must give up the seat because of term limits.
Also, Council Chairman Charlie Gerdes and incumbent Steve Kornell easily turned back challengers to maintain their seats.
Gerdes defeated Monica Abbott, 64-36 percent, in District 1, which covers the city’s west side. Kornell captured 56 percent of the vote to defeat Philip Garrett in District 5, covering the Skyway Marina and Maximo areas.