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Times, 10 News, USF to host gubernatorial debate Oct. 7

 
Published April 24, 2014

The Tampa Bay Times and WTSP-10 News will partner with the University of South Florida to present a statewide televised gubernatorial debate this fall.

The Oct. 7 debate will be broadcast live on CBS stations throughout Florida, as well as NBC in Jacksonville.

The debate will be held in the USF Music Concert Hall on the Tampa campus before a live audience of about 500. It is sponsored by AARP. Candidates will be invited to participate based on results of polling following the Aug. 26 primary.

The Times has produced debates for national, state and local offices for 20 years. The Times and USF joined forces to host a Republican presidential primary debate in 2012, back-to-back U.S. Senate and gubernatorial debates in 2010, and the 1996 vice presidential debate.

"The Times believes that these debates are a great way to help voters learn about the candidates," said Times editor Neil Brown. "We look forward to a thoughtful, lively exchange about Florida's future."