Charlie Crist to speak in Lakewood Ranch tonight

Former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist will make his first major speech as a registered Democrat tonight in Lakewood Ranch.

Crist will be the keynote speaker at the Manatee County Democrats' annual awards dinner and dance tonight at the Fete Ballroom at the Polo Grill in Lakewood Ranch.

Although the dinner starts at 6 p.m., Crist isn’t expected to speak until roughly 8 p.m.

Crist, who is considered a likely candidate for governor against Republican Rick Scott in 2014, changed his party affiliation in December after helping President Barack Obama campaign in Florida during the 2012 presidential election.

Contact Josh Siegel at [email protected].