The Seminole mayor and former state legislator
says Blacklidge is the right choice for District 69
The Ray Blacklidge Campaign today announced the endorsement of Mayor Leslie Waters of Seminole. Blacklidge, a Republican, is running to represent District 69 in the Florida House of Representatives.
“I’ve known Ray Blacklidge for more than 20 years. He will be a strong leader in Tallahassee, and he has my full support,” said Waters. “I know what it takes to be a successful legislator, and Ray’s business background and commitment to public service make him more than qualified. District 69 residents would be well represented by him in Tallahassee.”
Waters has served as mayor of Seminole since 2013. Prior to that, she was elected to the Seminole City Council in 2009, serving as Vice Mayor in 2010. From 1998 to 2006, she represented District 51 in the Florida House of Representatives, where she was Speaker Pro Tem from 2006 to 2008.
“Mayor Waters is a distinguished leader in our area at both the state and local levels, and I’m honored to have her endorsement,” said Blacklidge. “I look forward to following her example of public service and working together to strengthen Seminole and our entire community.”
Blacklidge has an extensive background as an entrepreneur with a record of protecting consumers and fighting fraud. He currently works as an insurance executive and attorney in the management of a Florida-based insurance company.
House District 69 covers the south Pinellas beach communities from Redington Shores to Fort DeSoto, as well as portions of St. Petersburg, Gulfport, Kenneth City, and Pinellas Park. With 36 percent of the district’s voter registration, Republicans maintain a slight lead over the Democrats’ 35 percent. Independents and minor parties make up 29 percent of the district.
