‘Independent’ longtime Florida Republican Jack Latvala dead at 74

By: Christine Sexton, Mitch Perry

Outlets: Florida Phoenix

Published: July 9, 2026

Words: 984

Last Updated: 1 week, 6 days ago

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Longtime Republican lawmaker Jack Latvala, who defended unions and state employees in the Florida Senate as the Legislature trended more conservative, died Thursday.

He was 74.

“It is with profound sadness that our family shared the news of the passing of Jack Latvala. We are grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers and support during this difficult time,” Pinellas County Commissioner and former state Rep. Chris Latvala said in a statement provided to the Phoenix.

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