Commissioner Latvala has been connected to Pinellas his entire life. He was born in Dunedin and went on to attend the University of Central Florida. After graduation, he moved back to the Tampa Bay area and has lived and worked in Pinellas County for 14 years. Commissioner Latvala honorably served Clearwater and Largo in the Florida House from 2014 to 2022. He spent part of that time serving as the Chair of the House Education and Employment Committee. He was then elected to the Pinellas County Commission in 2022 and reelected in 2024.
Commissioner Chris Latvala got his start in politics at a young age, helping with his father’s campaign for the Florida Senate — an experience that sparked a lifelong passion for public service and political strategy. Building on that early foundation, Chris went on to work professionally as a political consultant, where he earned a reputation for his sharp instincts, strategic thinking, and a strong winning record. He continues to stay active in the political arena as a Sales Executive with Direct Mail Systems, helping candidates and causes effectively reach voters and build meaningful campaigns. Through it all, Chris has remained committed to advancing conservative values and supporting leaders who are ready to make a difference.
Commissioner Latvala has been recognized by the community for his commitment including in recent years including 2020 Legislator of the Year for the Florida Coalition for Children, 2022 Take Stock in Children Champion of Education Award, 2022 Stand with Parkland-School Safety Lifetime Recognition Award and the 2022 Florida State Fraternal Order of Police Lifetime Achievement Award.