Email: william.mansell@patch.com	
Phone: 941-387-6494
Hometown: Kansas City, MO
Birthday: 03/04/1986
Bio: William Mansell was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri where he developed his love for journalism reading the Kansas City Star. His dream job was to be cover sports for a living. After high school, William decided to pursue journalism in college. He attended and obtained and Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Missouri.
At the Columbia Missourian, William was a sports reporter, copy editor and web editor. It was while working for the Missourian that William learned he loved all facets of journalism. From there, William moved to Sarasota in September 2009 and became a reporter with the Pelican Press. In March of 2010, William expanded his role in journalism by entering the management field. He became the editorial director of Home Renovation Magazine in Orlando while continuing to live and report in Sarasota.
In his spare time William enjoys watching the Mizzou Tigers, listening to music and playing basketball. William wishes Kansas City BBQ was available in Florida.
Your Beliefs
At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable.
This disclosure is not a license for us to inject our beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that our beliefs are on the record will cause us to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know.
Politics
How would you describe your political beliefs?
My political beliefs do not fall to the left or right. If I ever strike up a conversation about politics, I usually end up playing devil's advocate. I'm a firm believer in common sense and doing what's right for the greatest amount of people.
Are you registered with a certain party?
I am not registered with any party nor will I probably ever be. Both sides are wrong more then right.
Religion
How religious would you consider yourself? (casual, observant, devout, non religious)
I'm a believer in Christ, faith and the Bible, but not in religion. I think religion tends to divide people. Looking at the world's wars, struggle and conflicts, differences in religion are almost always at the heart of the disagreement.
Local Hot-Button Issues
What do you think are the most important issues facing the community?
Budgets and Schools. While these issues are nationwide problems, budgets and our school systems always bring about the most debate. Property values have fallen drastically and local municipalities and governments have been left with a smaller pool of money. Government entities are faced with either raising taxes or making drastic cuts.
Where do you stand on each of these issues?
When people and the community are struggling financially, that is not the time raises taxes. Governments should try to make financial decisions with the people in mind first, not special interests or projects.
The following report shows charges associated with residents arrested by Treasure Island Police and Indian Shores Police and booked at Pinellas County Jail between July 23 - 29.
Green benches, home surveillance video, Maximo Park, Hurricane Preparedness and national father-in-law day are five things you need to know today.
Tuesday morning the ribbon was cut on the center, which is located at the former McLin Pool Bathhouse, 1201 7th Ave. S.
Rays tweet at Red Sox to change Fenway Park scoreboard. Red Sox jab at Rays fans. Do you think the tweets were out of line?
Anthony Stanislas, 21, of the 700 block of 17th Avenue South in St. Pete, was charged with eight counts of animal neglect and one count of animal cruelty.
James Wheeler, 48, of St. Pete Beach, was arrested by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office and charged with assault and criminal mischief.
Here are five things to know on the beaches today: Bayway closing, 'Sharknado', St. Pete Beach property taxes, rainy weather and national cheesecake day.
Highs into the 90s dominate a week that’s anticipated to follow a typical seasonal pattern of afternoon storms. Dorian’s remains are far off, but they still bear watching.
We compile the odd, unusual and the "oh my gosh" police items from throughout the Tampa Bay region.
We compile the odd, unusual and the "oh my gosh" police items from throughout the Tampa Bay region.
Do you lock up your bicycle around town?
These snazzy renderings show what the interior will look like for the Pinellas County communications center. High tech is an understatement.
According to the FWC, the harvest of egg-bearing females is prohibited.
Police said the altercation began after the victim refused to give the suspect another woman's phone number.
The proposed property tax rate would not have to be offset by the use of reserve funds.
Police said there is no known motive for the apparent homicide. There are no identifiable suspects at this time, police say.
The artwork is now on display at Nuance Galleries in South Tampa and St. Petersburg.
Keith Gentry, 45, has been charged with domestic battery
From France to St. Pete, these delicious dairy-free desserts are quickly gaining popularity.
Each week the St. Petersburg Police Department releases a "highlight" reel of red light runners in St. Pete.
