Terri Balliet, a candidate running for District 6’s City Council seat, drew a waterfront crowd at Big Catch at Salt Creek, where the political and social currents went down smoother than the Tequila shots. The party was hosted by Mario and Susan Farias, as patrons, business owners and campaign volunteers packed the patio.
Balliet’s husband Sergio Lopez opened the night by introducing his wife to a throng that was already laughing and sipping cocktails – many of whom became contributors after hearing her speak.
Balliet delivered confident remarks. “My entire career I’ve been in public service serving the community,” she began.
She talked about starting as a case manager then rising to a chief officer role before launching the CALL program with the St. Pete Police Department. CALL sends trained social workers to respond to non-violent 911 calls.
At one point someone in the crowd couldn’t resist interjecting “no more condos” during her remarks, but Balliet brushed it off with a laugh and kept right on going unfazed.
Balliet who also serves as CEO of Children’s Network, overseeing more than 2000 children who have been abused, neglected and sometimes trafficked, didn’t soften her edge. “I’m comfortable in Tallahassee pushing policy,” she said. “I’m solid in my beliefs.”
Her beliefs center on infrastructure and on bolstering small businesses, including the very location where the fundraiser was held – a high risk storm zone that locals know well.
She drove it home with a line that had guests nodding. “Every single day I’m making critical decisions on hundreds of lives, and I do so with integrity and common sense and strong leadership.”
The scene was classic St. Pete, where suits blended effortlessly with flip flops.
Balliet’s core campaign crew and supporters were out in full force, including Maria Alvarez, Joanne Wolf, Sergio Lopez and Julie Alleman. Wealth management figures like Adrienne Brown and her daughter Mimi Brown mixed in with donors and neighborhood regulars.
Conversations drifted between policy gossip and who was ordering the next round of grouper bites. Mario and Susan Farias played hosts with natural ease, moving between tables greeting newcomers and making sure every handshake landed with the right introduction.
Balliet’s past events have drawn big names from across the region including former Mayor Rick Kriseman, who has endorsed her, along with former Florida Representative Sandy Murman, Senator Les Miller and Public Defender Julianne Holt.
Among all the notable movers and shakers in attendance, the most admired among everyone was the de facto campaign mascot, Max (Julie Alleman’s dog) – although Max declined to comment for this story.