State Rep. Ed Hooper, R-Clearwater, will carry some weight for his party this session. House Speaker Ray Sansom has tapped Hooper to be deputy floor leader, where he'll be a chief aide to the majority whip.

“During this time of economic challenges, it’s more important than ever to fight for legislation that will reinvigorate our economy and responsibly balance our state budget,” Hooper said in a statement.  “In this new position, I’ll be able to advocate for legislation that will benefit the families of Pinellas County and Florida.”

A former firefighter, Hooper was elected to the Legislature in 2006.

Will Van Sant, Times Staff Writer

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