The comparison came in the middle of a discussion about a cyberbullying policy at Tuesday's Pinellas School Board meeting.

Outgoing board member Jane Gallucci said the type of insults students are experiencing at the hands of bullies who post hurtful messages online are similar to the ones political candidates endure from readers who post "horrendous" comments on blogs like the St. Petersburg Times' Bay Buzz.

"Some of the atrocious things that have been written on that blog during this campaign cycle about some of the candidates (are) untrue and journalistically are things that would not be put in the hard copy of the St. Petersburg Times, but are being allowed," Gallucci said. "We need to say, 'Stop!' "

She suggested that the public cease patronizing advertisers on sites like Bay Buzz that "breed all kinds of ugliness in this community and give a venue for people who are not willing to show their faces."

Gallucci said after the meeting she was referring to comments made during her recent unsuccessful bid for County Commission about her makeup and the way she dresses, as well as accusations that she had lied on her financial disclosure form. She also cited slurs against other candidates, including County Commission candidate Nancy Bostock and Pam Dubov, who ran for property appraiser.

"The Gradebook seems to stay more on point," Gallucci allowed.

Donna Winchester, higher education reporter

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