Jim Large — A Proven Leader for St. Petersburg
Jim Large has dedicated more than five decades to serving the City of St. Petersburg, building a career defined by leadership, public safety, and a commitment to strengthening the community he calls home.
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A lifelong public servant, Jim served as Fire Chief for St. Petersburg Fire Rescue from 2006 until his retirement, leading one of the region’s most respected departments through innovation, growth, and modernization. As part of the Mayor’s Cabinet, he helped guide citywide priorities related to public safety, economic opportunity, and neighborhood improvement while overseeing personnel development, budgeting, and strategic planning.
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During his tenure, Jim led major advancements in emergency response and public safety, including expanding Advanced Life Support capabilities, maintaining national accreditation standards, improving staffing models, and securing critical resources to meet the needs of a growing city. His leadership helped strengthen emergency preparedness, improve operational efficiency, and enhance service delivery for residents.
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Before becoming Fire Chief, Jim served in several senior leadership roles within St. Petersburg Fire Rescue, including Assistant Fire Chief and Fire Marshal, where he managed life safety programs for thousands of commercial properties and helped modernize prevention and inspection programs. Earlier in his career, he oversaw operations, EMS, and training divisions, directing emergency and non-emergency services for hundreds of personnel. His service began in 1974 as a firefighter and EMT, rising through the ranks through dedication, experience, and proven leadership.
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Jim holds a Master of Business Administration and multiple degrees in organizational studies and fire science. He has earned nationally recognized professional designations, including Certified Fire Protection Specialist and Chief Fire Officer designation, and has completed executive leadership training through nationally respected programs. He also serves as an Adjunct Faculty member at St. Petersburg College, helping mentor and develop future leaders.
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Beyond his professional career, Jim has remained deeply involved in the community through numerous civic and professional organizations, including leadership roles with fire service associations, local nonprofits, and community boards. His long record of service reflects a strong belief in collaboration, accountability, and practical solutions that put residents first.
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Now, Jim Large is running for Mayor of St. Petersburg to bring experienced leadership, steady judgment, and a proven record of results to City Hall. Drawing on decades of real-world crisis management and team-building experience, he is committed to keeping St. Petersburg safe, prepared, and moving forward — while protecting the quality of life that makes the city special.
