Bay County Republican Officials

Sheriff Tommy Ford was appointed Sheriff of Bay County by Governor Rick Scott on August 1, 2016 and began a four year term of office in January 2017.

Sheriff Ford grew up in Port St. Joe, Florida and attended Gulf Coast Community College. He graduated in 1992 from the University of West Florida with a Bachelors of Art s in Accounting and Finance.

In 1992, Sheriff Ford began an eighteen year career with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement serving as Special Agent investigating violent crime, major drug crimes, public integrity issues and officer involved shootings. He served for eleven years on the FDLE  Special Operations Team and as Team leader for two years. In 2003, he was promoted to the Resident Agent in Charge of the FDLE in Panama City's, supervising investigations in the six county 14th Judicial Circuit.

In 2009, he was hired by Sheriff Frank McKeithen at the Bay County Sheriff's Office serving as the Operations Commander and Chief Deputy. In 2014, Sheriff Ford graduated the 258th session of the FBI National Academy and received a Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice Education from the University of Virginia. He was appointed by Governor Rick Scott in 2018 to serve on the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission and currently serves as Chairman of the CJSTC.  Sheriff Ford is the Co-Chair of the Northwest Florida Regional Domestic Security Task Force, and serves on the statewide Domestic Security Oversight Council.  Sheriff Ford has served on Governor Desantis Public Safety Transition Committee and was appointed by the Governor to serve on the Statewide Opioid Task Force. He is an executive board member of the Gulf Coast Childern's Advocacy Center.

"We will be relentless against criminals, compassionate to victims, responsive to citizens and will work with our community to keep bay county safe."

BAY COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

3421 N Highway 77

Panama City, FL 32405

(850) 747-4700

JAIL FACILITY

5700 Star Lane

Panama City, FL 32404

(850) 785-5245

(850) 215-5140

Nina Ward was appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis May 3, 2024 to assume office June 8, 2024. 

Nina is a life long resident of Bay County. Nina and her husband Curt have been married for over 19 years and are the proud parents of twin girls. She also enjoys serving her community by volunteering with her local church.

Professional Achievements: In 2016 she was awarded the Master Certified Election Professional designation from the Florida State Association of Supervisors of Elections. In 2021 she received the highest designation from the National Election Center in partnership with Auburn University as a Certified Elections/Registration Administrator (CERA).

Nina started as a volunteer with the Bay County Supervisor of Elections in 2010 and took a full time position in February of 2011 as the Poll Worker Coordinator. Nina took over as Chief of Operations shortly before Hurricane Michael in 2018. She served as the Deputy Supervisor of Elections since 2021.

Supervisor of Elections Office

* Office Hours: M-F 8:00 am - 5:00 pm *

830 West 11th Street, Panama City, FL 32401 * Phone: 850-784-6100

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In November 2016, Chuck Perdue was elected Bay County Tax Collector. He was sworn into office on January 3rd, 2017. Chuck Perdue was born in Albany Kentucky but relocated to Bay County, Florida in 1984. He attended Bay High School, Gulf Coast Community College, Florida State University earning a Bachelor Degree in Accounting, and Troy University earning his Master’s Degree in Taxation.

Perdue has worked as a tax consultant for the past 20 years, representing companies in front of the Internal Revenue Service. He is also a founding member of a local CPA firm, specializing in accounting, tax preparation, and problem resolution.

Perdue brings a unique skill set to the Tax Collector’s office. His education combined with corporate and private business experience has allowed him to work towards a customer centered office focused on efficient and effective operations.

Married to wife Charla, they have two boys. Zac is an airborne medic in the United 

States Army and his spouse Raquel is a medic in the North Carolina Army National Guard.  Caleb is a junior at Florida State University. Chuck is actively involved in his church and the family is frequently involved in local and international mission projects. Together, they are actively involved in their church, enjoy traveling, boating, and spending time with family and friends.

"Our Mission: Your tax collector’s office strives to be a team united in purpose to care for one another, our customers and community. Our mission is to provide exceptional customer service delivered by a talented, passionate and caring team."

BAY COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

3421 N Highway 77

Panama City, FL 32405

(850) 747-4700

JAIL FACILITY

5700 Star Lane

Panama City, FL 32404

(850) 785-5245

(850) 215-5140