ST. PETERSBURG -- City officials played a short video titled, "Jamie Bennett: A man of the people," during today's council meeting as a farewell to City Council member Jamie Bennett, who resigned to run for mayor last year.

Bennett placed sixth in September's 10-way primary race.

He wiped tears from his face as he accepted a key to the city and thanked his family. "We will truly look back on this and we will be proud," he said.

"I know the world is a better place because he stepped up," said council member Wengay Newton.

Social worker Steve Kornell was later sworn in as Bennett's replacement.

Bennett was elected to represent District 5, which includes Greater Pinellas Point, in 2001.

Cristina Silva, Times staff writer