Lumber dealer runs for state office

Athird-generation Florida lumberman is running for state office in St. Petersburg, Fla., according to the Florida Building Materials Association (FBMA).

Jeff Brandes, director of real estate holdings for Tibbetts Lumber, is running as a Republican against a Democrat incumbent in a swing district that was Republican six years ago, according to the FBMA newsletter. Brandes, the grandson of company founder Linton Tibbetts, hopes to become the next state representative for House District 52 in St. Petersburg.

Brandes served as an officer in the Army and was deployed to Iraq. Before launching his campaign, Brandes oversaw land issues for Tibbetts Holdings domestically and in the Cayman Islands, where the company also has a location.