Belleair Women's Republican Club
June 2026 Program
AREA CANDIDATES WLL ADDRESS ISSUES, CAMPAIGN PLATFORMS
While much attention is given to state and national elections, leaders in local government actually have a more direct impact on the daily lives of their constituents. Roads, sewers, schools, flood mitigation, law enforcement—the list goes on and on. At the Belleair Women’s Republican Club luncheon and meeting on June 5, four local Republican candidates will share reasons they are the best choice to deal with issues facing a variety of Pinellas County residents.
Nancy Bostock is running for the District 6 seat on the Pinellas County School Board. She is a Pinellas County native, born at Morton Plant Hospital and graduated from Clearwater High School. She graduated with Phi Beta Kappa honors from University of Florida and then earned a master’s degree in education from University of South Florida. After returning home from college, Nancy jumped into community service, volunteering with the Pinellas County Young Republicans, the PCREC and many local campaigns. This experience, along with her role as an educator, led her from campaign volunteer to school board candidate in 1998, when she won her first election. She served on the Pinellas County School Board for 10 years, serving two years as chairman and three years as vice chairman. She then went on to serve on the Pinellas County Commission. Nancy has worked in the private sector the past 14 years as President/CEO of Chemical Standards Laboratory. She has volunteered with many community groups and has served on many boards, with a focus on children and families. Inspired by the outpouring of support from friends and community members after losing her home to Hurricane Helene, Nancy is excited about the possibility to continue to serve the community on the School Board once again. Nancy is married to Craig, an aerospace engineer and a Navy veteran. The couple has three adult children and are enjoying their role as new grandparents.
Jim Large is a candidate for mayor of St. Petersburg. He is a lifelong public servant who dedicated 50 years to protecting the people of St. Petersburg through his career with St. Petersburg Fire Rescue. From an 18-year-old rookie, he rose through the ranks to become Fire Chief, with a focus on public safety, accountability, and common-sense leadership. Throughout his career, he managed complex emergency operations, oversaw large teams, and worked closely with city leaders to keep St. Petersburg safe and prepared. His experience on the front lines gave him a deep understanding of the challenges facing everyday residents—from public safety to infrastructure to quality of life. Jim raised his family in St. Petersburg and has remained deeply connected to the community he served for decades. His commitment to the city is rooted not just in his career, but in his life as a resident, neighbor, and leader. Now as a candidate for St. Petersburg mayor, Jim is focused on bringing practical, results-driven leadership to City Hall—prioritizing public safety, responsible growth and affordability, while ensuring St. Petersburg remains a city that works for everyone.
Bianca Latvala is seeking election to Seat 4 on the Clearwater City Council. Bianca holds both undergraduate and master’s degrees in Political Science and began her career experience in Washington, D.C., gaining valuable insight into public policy and advocacy during her five-year tenure. After returning to Florida, she worked for her alma mater, the University of Central Florida, where she further developed her expertise in nonprofit operations and fundraising. Today, she brings that background into her work in digital marketing and communications, where she focuses on effectively helping her clients deliver their message through strategic, data-driven outreach. She serves on the boards of the Rotary Club of Clearwater, PACE Center for Girls, and the Lyla Goode Foundation, where she is deeply engaged in service and advocacy. Through Rotary, she lives the guiding principle of “Service Above Self”, committing her time and leadership to strengthening neighborhoods and supporting community-based solutions. Her nonprofit work includes supporting organizations that provide victim services and education. She is also a graduate of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Citizens Academy and Pinellas County Citizen University, experiences that expanded her understanding of public safety, county operations and the responsibilities of local government. Bianca is running for Clearwater City Council to bring balanced judgment, community-driven leadership and a steady voice focused on progress and trust in local government.
Sam Wilson is a candidate for Seat 5 on the Clearwater City Council. Sam moved to Pinellas County with his family, splitting his early years between Clearwater and Safety Harbor, and attending Cavalry Christian High School. He has since made Clearwater his lifelong home. Sam became deeply intertwined with the community through his church, volunteering at the Sheriffs Youth Ranch and with the Cajun Navy, a relief group focused on providing disaster relief and support during emergencies. He deepened his community ties when he met and married his now wife, Kalea. Sam currently serves on the board of the Clearwater Housing Authority and has spent the last four years working with local, state and congressional leaders to address the problems plaguing Clearwater residents. As a Congressional staffer, Sam has a keen grasp of the challenges facing Clearwater constituents and the necessary steps to move the city forward. He
is running for Clearwater City Council to make Clearwater more affordable and more resilient, and to protect the unique character of the community. He promises to fight for lower property taxes, a revitalized downtown and improved infrastructure for all Clearwater citizens. Above all, Sam promises to bolster local government transparency and accountability and protect residents' First Amendment Right to make their voice heard when important decisions are made in City Hall.
The June luncheon will take place at Belleair Country Club, 1 Country Club Lane, Belleair. Check-in begins at 11:30 am, with lunch served at noon. The cost to attend is $40 per person. Reservations and payment are due to arrive no later than noon on Tuesday, May 19. Mail checks to BWRC, 1350 County Road 1 #57, Dunedin, FL 34697, or send payment using Zelle.
