Ed Hooper received two key law enforcement endorsements, as both the Florida Police Benevolent Association and Sun Coast Police Benevolent Association are supporting his bid for Florida Senate.
Hooper, a retired fire Lieutenant who served on the Clearwater City Council before spending eight years in the Florida House, is seeking to replace term-limited Republican Sen. Jack Latvala in Senate District 16.
“As a State Representative, Hooper was a go-to lawmaker that law enforcement could rely on,” said Florida PBA President Matt Puckett in a statement Monday. We proudly endorse Ed Hooper for the state Senate and look forward to continue working with him.”
“The Sun Coast PBA is proud to endorse Ed Hooper for Florida Senate District 16,” said George Lofton, Sun Coast PBA president. “As a fellow first responder and legislator, he has shown the proven leadership that is critically needed for our community. Ed has earned the respect and the trust of the men and women who wear a badge and risk their lives for their respective communities.”
“My proudest endorsements are having the men and women of public safety supporting my candidacy,” Hooper responded. “The work they do every day keeps us safe from harm.”
The PBA represents law enforcement employees at the municipal, county and state levels.
A native of North Carolina, Hooper moved to Clearwater in 1972 and attended St. Petersburg Junior College where he studied fire science and emergency medicine studies. Hooper retired from the Clearwater Fire Department after 24 years of service. He previously served on the Clearwater City Council and eight years in the Florida House before being term-limited in 2014.
Hooper, who currently spends his time as a consultant, has a long history of involvement in the Clearwater Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Pinellas, and the Pinellas County Republican Executive Committee.
SD 16 includes northern Pinellas County and southwestern Pasco County.
Recently, Hooper received endorsements from state Sens. Latvala, Jeff Brandes and Dana Young, Sheriffs Bob Gualtieri of Pinellas County and Chris Nocco of Pasco County, as well as the entire Oldsmar City Council, and Florida Professional Firefighters.
