Here's one more reason beyond federal funding that St. Petersburg and Pinellas County officials are emphasizing a high turnout: a new congressional seat.

St. Petersburg City Councilman Herb Polson told the crowd at today's press conference that a high response could help Pinellas land another congressional seat.

Florida stands to gain a seat after the next count, estimates show. But before would-be House members start crafting plans, will it be in Pinellas?

Others are less optimistic than Polson, because census estimates have shown the county losing population while neighbors Pasco and Hillsborough counties gained people at a higher rate since 2000.

David DeCamp, Times staff writer

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