State Sen. Ed Hooper has endorsed Bianca Latvala for Clearwater City Council, calling her the leader needed to guide the city’s next chapter of growth while keeping residents at the center of every decision. The endorsement adds to Latvala’s growing list of supporters, including Clearwater Mayor Bruce Rector, Council members David Allbritton and Lina Teixeira, and Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri. Latvala is running for the open Seat 4 on the Aug. 18 ballot.