Smith elected Bradford sheriff

Smith elected Bradford sheriff

STARKE, FL - Starke Police Chief Gordon Smith will be the new sheriff of Bradford County after a win over opponent David Barnes in Tuesday’s election. Smith, a 22 year veteran in law enforcement, took a nearly 64 percent lead with 7,336 votes over Barnes’ 4,194 votes.

The new superintendent of schools will be Beth Moore. Moore received 6,774 votes or 59.7 percent to challenger Jim Biggs’ 40.2 percent (4,568 votes).

Three county commission seats were up for election.

In District 1, incumbent Ross Chandler easily kept his seat by defeating challenger Malcolm Hill, 949-439 votes. Chandler has served as commissioner for District 1 for 12 unconsecutive years

Former county code enforcement board member Lila Sellars got 963 votes (54.1 percent) edging out Dan Sikes with 814 (45.8 percent) for the District 3 commission seat.

It was even a closer race in District 5 with only 27 votes separating the candidates.

Incumbent Eddie Lewis received 1,282 votes or 50.5 percent compared to his challenger Bruce Scott’s 1,255 and 49.4 percent.