Former state Sen. Jack Latvala, once one of the most influential powerbrokers in Tallahassee, has died. He was 74.
“It is with profound sadness that our family shares the news of the passing of Jack Latvala. We are grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers and support during this difficult time,” the family said in a statement. “Jack dedicated a lifetime to public service and was honored to serve the community he loved. We appreciate everyone’s kindness and respectfully ask for privacy as our family mourns this tremendous loss.”
Latvala represented parts of North Pinellas County in the Florida Senate from 1994 until 2002, and then again from 2010 until 2018. Throughout his tenure, Latvala was considered the ultimate statesman, with a keen ability to carry the torch for his Republican Party while still reaching across the aisle to Democrats. In his later service, he was often seen as an ally to Democrats, blocking conservative legislation that some saw as too extreme for Florida at the time.
He sometimes aligned with Democrats on issues ranging from protecting environmentally sensitive land to increasing pay for public workers. In 2017, he was the only Republican to vote against putting a homestead exemption increase on the ballot.
Latvala’s brand of politics seems long gone in what is now ruby red Florida, but when he served, Latvala was able to whip votes, change hearts and minds and influence policy.
He never rose to the ranks of Senate President, but those in Tallahassee knew that if they wanted something done, having Latvala in their corner was the best way to make it happen.
Latvala’s highest ranking position in the Legislature was as Appropriations Committee Chair, the second most powerful position in the Senate, and the post with the power of the purse. He served in that role from 2016 until his departure from the Senate in 2017.
The late Senator earned accolades from competing political interests, including recognition from the Florida Sheriffs Association in 2014 with the group’s Legislative Champion Award, an honor for which Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri recognized Latvala for his “unconditional commitment to the sheriffs.” Meanwhile, the ACLU of Florida recognized Latvala three years earlier with its weekly award for honoring privacy rights in health care, a nod to his comments and vote against a bill that would have required doctors to perform an ultrasound and show and describe the images to women seeking an abortion before it could be authorized.
“I just basically believe in the philosophy that government needs to stay out of decisions like this,” Latvala said at the time.
As Latvala’s legislative career was winding down, he was widely expected to be a top tier candidate for Governor in 2018, but ultimately suspended his campaign amid allegations of sexual harassment. While Latvala was ultimately cleared in an ethics investigation, it was the end of his career in elected office.
Yet Latvala, ever the political fighter, continued to wield influence quietly in the years that followed. Most recently, Latvala was advising for former St. Petersburg Fire Chief Jim Large on his mayoral campaign.
He also worked extensively with Republican candidates through his firm, Gulf Coast Imprinting Services. His work as a whip-smart political strategist didn’t go without notice.
“Jack Latvala was a legend in the GOP. A revolutionary force in persuasion and fundraising direct-mail in the critical years of the Florida Republican Party. Jack was first and foremost a loyal, partisan Republican. Headstrong and steadfast, the ultimate hard ass. Those who knew him well, also knew a very kind man who looked out for others. A true southerner, a Simple Man,” said David Rancourt, the interim Vice President of Advancement and Vice Provost for New College of Florida, and himself a brilliant political mind.
But more than that, Latvala was a mentor to up and coming Republicans following him, including Rancourt.
“Jack stood by me through thick and thin, always having by back, even when I failed. Especially when I failed. He pushed to get the best out of everyone. Jack loved to talk about finding some ‘Latvala magic’ in his work. I will always be grateful for his mentorship and our friendship. Rest in peace my friend.”
The Latvala family name has become synonymous with political influence. Latvala’s son, Chris Latvala, served in the Florida House and is currently serving as a Pinellas County Commissioner. The younger Latvala’s wife, Bianca Latvala, is a force herself, advising Republican candidates and now, running for Clearwater City Council.
The Latvala’s are also known for working behind the scenes on various campaigns, supporting Republican candidates for office, primarly locally. Chris Latvala, for example, was instrumental in Clearwater City Council elections two years ago that handed Clearwater an all-Republican board.
Jack Latvala’s political career was marked by the sort of fiscal conservatism that defines the Republican Party, but with a moderate touch. He campaigned on and served in office as a political moderate, fighting for lower taxes, public safety, stronger consumer protections and environmental protections. He was also a champion for funding public schools while also seeking accountability in public education.
Latvala was born Nov. 3, 1951 in Oxford, Mississippi. He moved with his family to Florida in 1961, later attending Stetson University. He founded Gulf Coast Imprinting Services in 1973 in Largo. The firm is still operational today.