Florida Blue Key to host final gubernatorial debate at UF

August 6, 2010

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida Blue Key, the University of Florida’s leadership honorary, will host the final gubernatorial debate on Oct. 26, just one week before Election Day.

The event, presented by UF Student Government’s ACCENT Speakers Bureau, will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts on the UF campus.

The debate will be broadcast live statewide by Bay News 9, a cable-based news channel in St. Petersburg, and its affiliates. St. Petersburg Times political editor Adam Smith will moderate along with a panel of three UF students.

Former Republican Gov. Bob Martinez and former Democratic Gov. and U.S. Sen. Bob Graham have been asked to serve as the honorary co-hosts for the student-initiated debate.

“The Florida Blue Key’s inaugural gubernatorial debate offers an opportunity for the student generation, the greater University of Florida community and the state of Florida to actively engage in this year’s election as our state faces tipping points in our economy, education system and health care system among other sectors,” said Jon Philipson, debate co-chairman.

The debate’s co-sponsors include the Florida Law Review, UF Student Government and the Bob Graham Center for Public Service.