St. Pete candidate hosted ‘Trailer Trash’ fundraiser for Catholic school

ST. PETERSBURG — A candidate for City Council has removed posts on social media about a Catholic school fundraiser she hosted two years ago under a “trailer trash tragedy” theme.

In May 2022, Torrie Jasuwan posted about the party at her home that included several photos of party guests dressed in ways that promoted stereotypes, including exposed bra straps and fake tattoos. Several were photographed with plastic red cups and cigarettes in their mouths, with one sporting a fake pregnant belly.

“Such an epic “Trailer Trash Tragedy” murder mystery party-party for HFCS this weekend!” Jasuwan wrote. “Now to think of our theme for next year...”

After the Tampa Bay Times asked Jasuwan about the party last week, she removed the posts on Facebook.

“I think it can have a very derogatory impact on the candidate’s fortunes in the election if [voters] get the image of someone who, for whatever reason, likes to stereotype a segment of the electorate in a negative tone,” said Darryl Paulson, a retired University of South Florida St. Petersburg professor who taught local politics. “Too many people who vote don’t like that and can’t support somebody who is engaged in this stereotype and practice.”

Jasuwan told the Times editorial board that she owns mobile home parks. According to her financial disclosure form filed online, she owns Camp Citrus Mobile Home Park in Homosassa worth $800,000. The mobile homes are listed as short-term rentals on sites such as Expedia and VRBO but Jasuwan said those listings are outdated and the homes are rented out long-term.

Asked by the Times who or what “trash” referred to in her post, Jasuwan said, “I actually own trailer parks. They are important to me. I turned what was terrible into a better place for people to live in affordable housing.”

Jasuwan, who also owns a real estate brokerage, said her father grew up in a trailer near Clearwater Central Catholic High School and her grandparents also lived in a trailer.

“It wasn’t meant to be derogatory in any way,” she said. “I certainly do not find anyone who lives in a trailer trashy, since that was part of my upbringing.”

Jasuwan, 40, is the only candidate in three council races on the November ballot challenging an incumbent: council chairperson Deborah Figgs-Sanders, 59. Jasuwan filed to run for the seat, her first attempt at public office, in October 2023.

Because Jasuwan was the sole challenger, that race avoided a district-specific primary election and went straight to the general election. Any registered voter in the city will be able to cast a ballot in that race and decide who should represent the city’s southernmost district. District 5 includes the neighborhoods of Lakewood Estates, Maximo, Bayway Isles and Greater Pinellas Point.

Asked to comment on Jasuwan’s post, Figgs-Sanders said, “That’s that woman’s life. I’m good.”

Jasuwan said the party was hosted to raise money for her children’s private school, Holy Family Catholic School. Principal Abby Rudderham wrote in an email to the Times that sometimes family or community members host home-based fundraisers on behalf of the school.

“These private events should be conducted in a manner that is consistent with our Catholic faith, which means showing respect for the dignity of each person,” Rudderham wrote. “Since this event we have provided more oversight to ensure greater alignment with our mission.”

In comments below the post, Jasuwan wrote that she ordered the game from Night of Mystery, an online store that sells murder mystery-themed party games. “Trailer Park Tragedy” is one of more than 30 games available from the store.

St. Petersburg is home to several mobile home parks. They are under mandatory evacuation when any storm comes near Tampa Bay and are vulnerable to displacement. Jasuwan’s Bayway Isles home where she held the party is valued in her disclosure form at $3.5 million. She listed her net worth at more than $9 million.

Asked what voters in mobile home parks would think of her post, Jasuwan said, “I hope that they wouldn’t feel mocked, and they would understand that it was just a party and that it completely wasn’t meant to mock anyone, especially given my upbringing.

“You know, I certainly do apologize, and I could see how it would be taken that way,” she said. “I think it was all in good fun and for a good cause, and I don’t think that it was meant to make fun of or be unkind to anyone.”