Former St. Petersburg Fire Rescue Chief Jim Large filed paperwork Feb. 25 to run for mayor of St. Petersburg.
Large spent 18 years as fire chief and 50 years total with the department. He retired in 2024 after being cleared of allegations that he created a hostile work environment. A deputy chief recently asked Large to give notice before visiting fire stations, writing in a letter that his visits had become excessive and disruptive.
According to a news release sent out by Pinellas County Commissioner Chris Latvala, a consultant for Large’s campaign, Large announced his candidacy on the anniversary of his 1974 swearing-in as a firefighter. Large is running on a platform of supporting the police and fire departments, repairing aging roads, sewer and water systems, and planning better for hurricanes and storms…