A politically active south Tampa Democrat filed and qualified to run for the District 57 Florida House of Representatives seat this week, making Yvonne Capin the only challenger to Republican incumbent Faye Culp.

This is the first time Capin has run for office. "I'm a well-kept secret," Capin said. "Not anymore." Capin, 58, most recently organized a fundraiser where artists sold their work in an auction and contributed a portion of proceeds to the state Democratic Party.

Capin is also listed as co-host of a fundraiser for Christine Jennings slated for next week. Capin said she decided to run because Culp had no opponent. "I felt that the voters in my district need an alternative," she said. "It's time for a change and I think the citizens realize that."

-- Janet Zink, Times staff writer