ST. PETERSBURG - City Council member Jamie Bennett has become the first mayoral candidate to erect a campaign billboard.

"Jamie Bennett for mayor," reads the billboard at 53 Avenue and Fourth Street N, "The experience we need for the change we want."

The plain maroon and white billboard is adorned with his campaign logo and the date of the Sept. 1 primary. It does not include a picture of Bennett.

"I like the slogan," he said. "As people are driving by around the city, they get reminded."

Bennett said he paid for three billboards. Another one is on U.S. 19 and the third is near Tyrone Square Mall, he said.

"I can't think of a better time," he said. "We saw this as a way of getting out there early."

Asked how much they cost, he said only, "They are not cheap."

Cristina Silva, Times staff writer

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