meet ssg. Luther wilkins:
Staff Sergeant Luther Wilkins is a U.S. Army veteran, business leader, and community advocate running for Florida State House District 70. With more than two decades of experience in business leadership, sales management, and community development, Wilkins has built a career focused on strengthening local communities and creating opportunities for working families across Hillsborough and Manatee Counties.
Wilkins served 12 years in the United States Army and Army National Guard, where he held leadership responsibilities overseeing personnel, logistics, and mission readiness. During his military service, he worked in support of the nation’s nuclear defense program, contributing to one of the most critical components of America’s national security infrastructure. The experience instilled the discipline, accountability, and commitment to service that continue to guide his leadership today.
Following his military service, Wilkins established a successful career in business and community development. Over more than twenty years, he has worked across sales leadership, marketing strategy, and operations management, helping organizations grow while building strong relationships with the communities they serve.
Wilkins spent nearly a decade in the real estate industry with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Atchley Properties, where he specialized in corporate sales, leasing, and development marketing. During his time there, he played a key role in marketing and selling residential housing projects and was recognized as Salesperson of the Year for three consecutive years for his leadership and performance.
Earlier in his career, Wilkins served as Sales and Marketing Director for Tempo News, a community-focused publication serving minority audiences throughout the Sarasota region. In that role, he helped expand readership while building partnerships between local businesses, community organizations, and advocacy groups.
Wilkins also worked in automotive sales management, where he directed high-performing sales teams and served as a community liaison between local businesses and residents, helping strengthen trust and engagement between the private sector and the community.
In addition to his professional career, Wilkins has been deeply involved in civic leadership and community advocacy throughout the region. He has served in leadership roles with the Manatee County NAACP, the Manasota Black Chamber of Commerce, and Great Kids of Sarasota, organizations dedicated to supporting economic opportunity, youth development, and stronger local communities.
Wilkins has also been active in local Democratic politics, serving as a Precinct Committeeman for the Manatee County Democratic Party, where he worked to engage voters and encourage civic participation in the democratic process.
Today, Wilkins works in operations and logistics in the manufacturing sector while continuing his long-standing commitment to community leadership and public service.
Now, Staff Sergeant Wilkins is running for Florida State House District 70 to bring experienced leadership, real-world perspective, and a commitment to service to Tallahassee. His campaign is focused on strengthening Florida’s public schools, raising teacher pay, addressing the region’s growing housing affordability crisis, defending home rule for local communities, and ensuring that Florida’s veterans receive the care and support they earned through service.
Wilkins lives in Parrish and remains committed to building a stronger future for the families and communities of Manatee County.
