If Gov. Charlie Crist was pivotal in bringing the GOP presidential contenders to St. Petersburg for a debate this fall, he wasn't letting on Thursday.

"I was cheering from the sidelines," Crist told the Buzz after his remarks at the Florida Farm to Fuel Summitt at St. Petersburg's Renaissance Vinoy Resort. Crist wouldn't say much more about the debate, saving the details for Friday.

He did, however, announce Thursday that he will lead a trade mission to Brazil in November to study that country's ethanol program. More details coming on that at our sister blog, The Fueling Station.

-Craig Pittman, Times staff writer