Majority of Pinellas County Commission backs Melissa Rutland for HD 60

Most members of the Pinellas County Commission are endorsing Melissa Rutland for House District 60.

Rutland, a Republican, is seeking to replace outgoing Rep. Lindsay Cross and flip the seat, long held by Democrats. Now, five of the seven-members on the County Commission are offering their support, including Dave Eggers, Vince Nowicki, Kathleen Peters, Chris Scherer and Brian Scott.

Chris Latvala is the only Republican on the board who has so far not offered his support. Rene Flowers, the board’s sole Democrat, is unlikely to support Rutland to replace Cross because there is a Democrat in the race, Lindsay Polega-Quigley.

In her endorsement, Peters noted that she previously served in the House, experience that helped her determine who best to support in the St. Petersburg-based district.

“I know exactly what it takes to be effective in Tallahassee — and Melissa Rutland has it,” Peters said. “She is a proven community leader who understands the importance of sound economic development and investing in infrastructure. She will work across every level of government to lower costs and protect the quality of life that makes Pinellas County home.”

Eggers, the longest-serving Commissioner of the endorsers, suggested that a Republican might be a more successful representative for the district. Though he didn’t say so directly, Eggers’ endorsement serves as a subtle nod to Republican supermajorities in both the House and locally on the County Commission.

“Pinellas County works best when every level of government pulls in the same direction,” Eggers said. “Melissa understands the importance of growing our economy and bringing good-paying jobs to Pinellas. As a proven business leader, she understands how to deliver results. She will be an outstanding partner for Pinellas in the Florida House.”

Scott, a transportation executive who serves as President of family-owned Escot Bus Lines, praised Rutland for a career of service for both Pinellas County communities and the small businesses that serve them.

“Melissa Rutland has spent her career helping Pinellas County families and small businesses succeed,” Scott said. “As a business owner myself, I know how rare it is to find a candidate who truly understands what it takes to create jobs and opportunity. Melissa will be a powerful voice for our local economy in the Florida House.”

Rutland is a small-business owner whose Pinellas County roots stretch back more than a century. Her family helped build St. Petersburg’s business community through Rutland Brothers Department Store, Rutland’s men’s store on Central Avenue, and St. Petersburg Bank & Trust, which eventually became Rutland Bank.

In 2015 Rutland founded her own business, the Rutland Florida Gulf Group, where she specializes in commercial investments.

Scherer and Nowicki are the newest members of the Pinellas County Commission, both elected in 2024. Scherer said Rutland doesn’t just talk about problems, she “fixes them.”

“She understands the cost pressures squeezing Pinellas County families, and she will deliver real results in Tallahassee,” Scherer said.

Nowicki offered similar praise for Rutland’s ability to help manage Florida’s economy.

“Melissa Rutland knows what it takes to grow our economy, fix aging infrastructure and solve complex problems because she has done it her whole career,” he said. “From St. Pete to Pinellas Park, she will fight to lower costs and bring real economic opportunity to the people of House District 60.”

Rutland called the endorsements an honor.

“These are trusted leaders who understand the affordability crisis facing Pinellas County families every single day. Their support strengthens our mission to bring real solutions to reduce insurance costs, cut property taxes, and increase jobs to bring more economic opportunity to Pinellas County,” she said.

Rutland entered the race for HD 60 last week, just days after Cross announced she would not seek re-election. She’s hosting a meet and greet June 24 at Harvey’s 4th St. Grill located at 3121 4th St. North in St. Pete, from 5:30-7 p.m.

Rutland has a record of civil service. In 2015 she was also appointed by Mayor Rick Kriseman to the St. Petersburg Development Review Commission, where she served for nearly a decade, including a stint as its first female Chair. In 2023, Gov. Ron DeSantis also appointed Rutland to the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County, and she also serves on the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership Board of Directors. She also held a previous role on the St. Petersburg Area YMCA Board for a decade.

She also previously served on boards for the St Petersburg Museum of History, Florida CCIM West Coast and the Rotary Club of St. Petersburg and as Treasurer of Babycycle, a nonprofit supporting local families with young children.

The endorsements come just after Pinellas County Tax Collector Adam Ross also offered his support.

Rutland does not face Primary opposition. She was the second Republican to announce interest in the race but the first, Bill Mitchell, decided not to run after Rutland’s entrance, citing her “abundant support.”

Polega-Quigley also does not have a Primary opponent, meaning the two will face off in the Nov. 3 General Election.

HD 60 is a swing district. Democrats have only a small voter registration edge, outnumbering Republicans by fewer than 1,000 out of more than 108,000 voters. Cross was re-elected to her seat in November 2024, earning 54% of the vote after a tough challenge from former St. Pete City Council Member Ed Montanari.