Sheriff Tommy Ford Announces Re-Election Campaign, Garners Community Support and Praise

BAY COUNTY - Supporters of Sheriff Tommy Ford gathered on the steps of the Bay County Government Center on January 24, 2024, for the highly anticipated announcement of his campaign for re-election to the office of Bay County Sheriff. Supporters signed petitions to add his name on the ballot for the Primary Election on August 20th.

Sheriff Ford is currently serving his second term, having been appointed by Governor Rick Scott to begin his first term of office in January 2017.

Speakers had nothing but praise for Sheriff Ford. Sheriff Frank McKeithen, former Bay County Sheriff said “If you don’t vote for Tommy Ford, I know where you live” and “Tommy is much smarter than I was.”

Franklin County Sheriff Tony Smith spoke about his dedication “Sheriff Ford has that phone in his pocket 24 hours a day.”

Sheriff Ford has been informing, and asking for help from, active members of the community to help prevent crime. He recently spoke to the Kiwanis Club of Panama City about efforts being done to eliminate human trafficking from Bay County. An initiative that began during the past year of his tenure was the frequent release of numerous Realty Alerts by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office to alert real estate brokers about scams, wherein specific properties in the area are listed for rent or for sale without permission or knowledge of the owner. A warning was also issued regarding contractor fraud and brokers were asked to educate homeowners about the risks of putting down deposits or fully paying for work in advance of work completion, without checking references or that the contractor is licensed and insured.

Sheriff Ford was raised in Port St. Joe and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of West Florida in 1992. His career is a fine example for young men and women who are considering a career in law enforcement.

(The Bay County Coastal does not endorse candidates)