Tampa St. Petersburg, FL, August 13, 2026 —

Jeff Patterson, a familiar face to many in Tampa with a 38-year career in local news, has announced his candidacy for the District 4 City Council seat. Patterson filed the necessary paperwork to run in the upcoming 2027 municipal election, marking his transition from behind the news desk to seeking public office.

Following his retirement from WFLA, Patterson stated his intention to focus on key issues facing the city. His platform priorities include significant improvements to the city’s infrastructure, with a particular emphasis on the repair of roads and sidewalks. Patterson also indicated that addressing affordability concerns within Tampa will be a central tenet of his campaign.

Beyond local infrastructure and affordability, Patterson has also weighed in on broader city and state issues. He commented on the proposed deal for a new Rays stadium, a topic that has generated considerable public discussion. Additionally, Patterson expressed apprehension regarding a statewide property tax amendment. He voiced concerns that this amendment could potentially affect the revenue available to local governments, impacting their ability to fund essential services and projects.

Patterson’s extensive background in journalism, spanning nearly four decades, provides him with a unique perspective as he enters the political arena. The 2027 municipal election will determine whether his long-standing familiarity with Tampa’s issues translates into a successful campaign for a City Council seat.



Story summarized from the original created by Leif Helland on www.cltampa.com, see more information here.

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