A vacant seat on the Tampa City Council has attracted 18 applicants, setting the stage for a consequential appointment that could influence the future of a multibillion-dollar Tampa Bay Rays stadium project and other major decisions affecting the city's growth.

The vacancy follows the resignation of former District 7 Councilman Luis Viera, who won election to the Florida House of Representatives in November. His departure leaves the six remaining council members evenly divided on key financial decisions related to the proposed Rays stadium.

According to WUSF, who first reported the list of applicants on Nov. 9, the individual selected will serve the remainder of Viera's term, ending April 30, 2027.

While the appointment is temporary, the incoming council member could play a significant role in shaping Tampa's economic development priorities, public spending and neighborhood investment. 

The City of Tampa accepted applications through noon Monday, Nov. 9, with city officials scheduled to review the applicants qualifications before the selection process moves forward.

The 18 applicants are:

• Erik Edward Morris

• Clifford Maurice Allen

• James P. Davison

• Robin Lockett

• Kamolika Batabyal

• Candice Monique Cowen

• Alan M. Cohn

• Joseph Silisavage

• Vickie Schandera

• Belinda Gail Quarterman Noah

• Nasrin Aldawoodi

• Patricia Altagracia Alonzo

• Darnell Eason

• Morris Lopez III

• Eyad John Gheith

• John M. Kelly

• Gene Siudut

• Jessica Parks

The applicant pool includes individuals with backgrounds in community organizing, public safety, journalism, and politics. Members are elected by voters within the city of Tampa to serve a term of four years. 

Among the applicants are community organizer Robin Lockett, former television journalist Alan Cohn, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Division Chief Morris Lopez III and longtime journalist Gene Siudut, according to Fox 13.

Three applicants — Patricia Alonzo, Alan Cohn and Morris Lopez III — have also filed to compete for the District 7 seat in the March 2027 municipal election. Council members are expected to hear two-minute presentations from applicants on Nov. 17 before voting to fill the vacancy. At least four votes are required to secure the appointment, according to Fox 13. The selected applicant is expected to take office Nov. 19.

District 7 includes New Tampa, Forest Hills, Terrace Park and neighborhoods surrounding the University of South Florida.

Rays stadium project adds urgency to appointment

The appointment comes at a critical point in Tampa's efforts to advance a new home for the Tampa Bay Rays.

In August, the Tampa City Council and Hillsborough County Commission approved a financing framework for a proposed $2.36 billion stadium at Hillsborough College's Dale Mabry campus.

The agreement includes approximately $1.37 billion in private funding from the Rays, with the team responsible for construction cost overruns. Public contributions total up to $876 million, including $80 million from the City of Tampa and $796 million from Hillsborough County.

The proposed 31,000-seat ballpark is expected to open for the 2029 Major League Baseball season, accompanied by a larger mixed-use development featuring commercial space, housing, hospitality.

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