Sen. Latvala cancels Anna Maria parade appearance

Amid harassment allegations, State Sen. Jack Latvala has canceled his appearance as parade marshal for the city of Anna Maria’s first Old Soldiers & Sailors Parade on Friday.

A text message from lobbyist Chip Case to Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy indicated that Latvala wanted the parade’s focus to be on veterans, not him.

“I don’t want to be a distraction for their day,” the message read, according to Murphy.

Six women have come forward in a Politico report alleging that Latvala had either verbally harassed or inappropriately touched them. The state senator, who is a candidate in the 2018 gubernatorial race, was temporarily removed from his post as Senate Appropriations Committee chairman was replaced by Senate President Joe Negron. Latvala has denied the allegations.

“I took the stand, the position that he’s innocent until he’s proven guilty,” Murphy said Wednesday evening.

Latvala was set to give a short speech on local government, the mayor said. The state senator was chosen three or four months ago to be the parade’s marshal because “he stands out as a supporter of local government.”

He has also recently canceled an appearance in Vero Beach.

Murphy said Latvala won’t be replaced in the event.

“I don’t think I need a parade marshal,” he said.

The parade will begin Friday at 1 p.m. at Anna Maria City Hall, located at 10005 Gulf Drive, and will feature marching bands from Lakewood Ranch High School and Manatee High School.

This story was originally published November 8, 2017 at 6:16 PM with the headline "Sen. Latvala cancels Anna Maria parade appearance."