It’s officially official. Bob Buckhorn is running for mayor of Tampa.
He will be formidable — whatever the ultimate mix, which formally includes City Council Chairman Tom Scott and former police captain Marion Lewis for now. It will likely expand to County Commissioner Rose Ferlita and developer/Florida Rail Enterprise consultant Ed Turanchik — and possibly former U.S. Rep. Jim Davis and conceivably former mayor Dick Greco.
Recall Buckhorn’s previous mayoral run in 2003.
Timing is everything, and no one — not Buckhorn, Frank Sanchez or Charlie Miranda — was going to defeat Pam Iorio. Also recall that no one in ’03 had a more detailed, smart-growth agenda for Tampa than Buckhorn. The former city council member can wax wonkish on details; he can also sell sizzle; and he’s on board with the light-rail nexus to economic viability.
Scott is no longer the early leader.