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 total economic impact of February overnight visitation to Pinellas county added $689,232,813 to the economy, according to a report by the TDC.
The Gulf Grill is expected to open in December.
Council member Wengay Newton's motion to delay closing the pier died for lack of a second, which means the St. Petersburg Pier is still set to close May 31.
The St. Petersburg Pier is slated to close May 31. The next phase of "Lens" funding is up for approval on May 2.
From 1-3 p.m. Thursday, there will be a pier workshop at city hall to discuss the design materials of the lens and a possible referendum schedule.
What are you doing this weekend, St. Pete?
Since 2008 Record Store Day has been helping vinyl make a comeback.
The body of a female was found in a canal on the south side of the Jacaranda Retirement Home.
"Rebates for Residential Rehabs" creates an incentive for private investment in the target area by providing a 20 percent rebate of the cost of specific building improvements to the owner of the residential property.
Each week, St. Petersburg Patch features an adoptable pet of the week from Pet Pal Animal Shelter.
Each week, the St. Petersburg Police Department posts video of red light runners throughout St. Petersburg
The following report shows charges associated with residents arrested by Treasure Island Police and Indian Shores Police and booked at Pinellas County Jail between April 9-15.
St. Petersburg firefighter/paramedic Jim Cunningham was one of the first people to respond to the bombings at the Boston Marathon.
The first part of the project is complete and traffic is now running over the new bridge.
Boston Police said the blast occurred just before 3 p.m. Reports say two are dead and more than 100 injured.
Updated: Boston Police said the blast occurred just before 3 p.m. Police say three are dead and dozens injured.
Boston Police said the blast occurred just before 3 p.m. Police say at least two are dead and dozens are injured.
Boston Police said the blast occurred just before 3 p.m. Police say at least two are dead and dozens are injured.
Boston Police said the blast occurred just before 3 p.m. Police say at least two are dead and dozens are injured.
The program creates an incentive for private investment in the target area by providing a 20 percent rebate of the cost of specific building improvements.
