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Former Tarpon Springs Commissioner Announces Run for School Board

Jeff Larson TB Reporter Tampa Bay News

By ANNE LINDBERG, TB Reporter

He is running for the District 2 at-large seat. The non-partisan election is Aug. 28, 2018.

TARPON SPRINGS – Jeff Larsen, a former Tarpon Springs city commissioner, announced Tuesday (April 25) that he is running for the District 2 seat on the Pinellas County School Board.

“My experiences as a father, husband, educator, coach, and vice mayor have prepared me to serve our families and give our children the best opportunity to succeed. I look forward to the months ahead so I can continue meeting with voters and sharing my vision for strong and successful schools throughout Pinellas County,” Larsen said.

Larsen has scheduled a campaign kickoff event for 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. May 24 at Wine at the Docks, 828 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs.

Hosts for the event include Tarpon Springs Vice Mayor David Banther, Commissioners Rea Seiber, Susan Miccio-Kikta, and Jacob Karr. Greater Tarpon Springs Democratic Club President Gerald Goen and longtime Democratic backer and activist Janet Goen are lending their support. The committee also includes community leaders Manny Tsesmelis, Pamela Kontodiakos, Dan Jenkin, and Dr. Johnny Johnson.

“I’m humbled by the number of people who’ve pledged their support over the past few months and are eager for me to continue my leadership for our students,” Larsen said. “This campaign is about preparing our children for a lifetime of success and this event will help me share that message across the county.”

Larsen is a middle school reading teacher who served as a Tarpon Springs commissioner for the past six years. He also serves as vice mayor. He has coached both boys and girls teams for Gulf Middle School in New Port Richey for the past 13 years. Additionally, he has served as a department head of the Dropout Prevention Program, Professional Learning Community Facilitator for the reading department, and worked on curriculum development for Pasco County.

Before his election to the Tarpon Springs commission, he served on the Planning and Zoning Board. While on the commission, he served as chiarman of the city’s Pension Board and member of Pinellas County’s Homeless Leadership Board.

He grew up in Palm Beach County and graduated from Florida Southern College with a degree in Business Administration. His wife of 17 years was born and raised in Pinellas County and is also an educator. They have two school-age sons who are actively involved in soccer and theater.

The Pinellas County School Board has seven members, three of whom are elected countywide and four of whom are elected from the districts in which they live. The District 2 is voted on countywide. It is currently held by Terry Krassner, who was elected in 2010 and again in 2014.

The non-partisan School Board election is scheduled for Aug. 28, 2018.

For information about Larsen, go to votejefflarsen.com.

Jeff Larsen | Tarpon Springs Commission | Pinellas School Board | Politics | Elections | Tampa Bay News | TB Reporter

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