General discussion & info about South Walton, Florida.

All About SoWal

Advertise or find a business, discuss business.

Business & Services

Jobs

Festivals, classes, gatherings, activities.

Events & Music

Food & Dining

Marketplace

property, realtors, builders, development, infrastructure ...

Real Estate

Long Term Rentals

Vacation Rentals

SoWal Lounge

doxiegirl

Beach Comber

WileCoyote

Beach Lover

Announcement:

If there is anyone left in Walton County that has not pre-qualified, please hurry up. It will take a while to print at ballot with all 40,000+ citizens names.

We need a "CHANGE in this Position"

Announcement: 
 
If there is anyone left in Walton County that has not pre-qualified, please hurry up. It will take a while to print at ballot with all 40,000+ citizens names. 
 
We need a &quot;CHANGE in this Position&quot;

idlewind

Beach Fanatic

[quote="WaltonGOP, post: 367538"]I understand that Tony Cornman prequalified. I had been led to believe he was not going to enter the race, I guess things do change.[/quote]
I guess that you are going to re-evaluate your information sources huh?  Just like ole sheriff man showing for his meeting.  I should have bet you on that one for sure.:floor::rofl::rolling:

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="WaltonGOP">I understand that Tony Cornman prequalified. I had been led to believe he was not going to enter the race, I guess things do change.</blockquote>I guess that you are going to re-evaluate your information sources huh? Just like ole sheriff man showing for his meeting. I should have bet you on that one for sure.:floor::rofl::rolling:

wrobert

[quote="idlewind, post: 367589"]I guess that you are going to re-evaluate your information sources huh? Just like ole sheriff man showing for his meeting. I should have bet you on that one for sure.:floor::rofl::rolling:[/quote]
 
I thought I had a sure thing here though, since Cornman is not a walton county resident or registered to vote in walton county.  But they changed the law a couple of years ago, and I guess this is another unintended consequence.  Seems you can run for just about any office in Florida and then move there if you win.

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="idlewind">I guess that you are going to re-evaluate your information sources huh? Just like ole sheriff man showing for his meeting. I should have bet you on that one for sure.:floor::rofl::rolling:</blockquote> 
I thought I had a sure thing here though, since Cornman is not a walton county resident or registered to vote in walton county. But they changed the law a couple of years ago, and I guess this is another unintended consequence. Seems you can run for just about any office in Florida and then move there if you win.

ShallowsNole

[quote="WaltonGOP, post: 367538"]I understand that Tony Cornman prequalified.  I had been led to believe he was not going to enter the race, I guess things do change.[/QUOTE]

You need new sources.  ;-)

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="WaltonGOP">I understand that Tony Cornman prequalified. I had been led to believe he was not going to enter the race, I guess things do change.</blockquote> 
You need new sources. ;-)

[quote="ShallowsNole, post: 367653"]You need new sources. ;-)[/quote]
 
I really did not think I could have gotten one any better than what I had, though.

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="ShallowsNole">You need new sources. ;-)</blockquote> 
I really did not think I could have gotten one any better than what I had, though.

The Watcher

Do any of these candidates realize that they are all helping to split the vote? :bang:  This action will potentially (as it did last go 'round) get Ralph Johnson re-elected.  Some of these candidates need to re-evaluate their chances at being elected, really take a good look at your campaigns, did you raise any money?  do you have support?  are you really qualified?
 
I will say my comments are not directed to any one candidate, just the entire group.  As for this new entry, I do not know him, but like the others I am hoping to learn about him and his qualifications and plans for WCSO.

Do any of these candidates realize that they are all helping to split the vote? :bang: This action will potentially (as it did last go &#039;round) get Ralph Johnson re-elected. Some of these candidates need to re-evaluate their chances at being elected, really take a good look at your campaigns, did you raise any money? do you have support? are you really qualified? 
 
I will say my comments are not directed to any one candidate, just the entire group. As for this new entry, I do not know him, but like the others I am hoping to learn about him and his qualifications and plans for WCSO.

[quote="The Watcher, post: 367705"]
I will say my comments are not directed to any one candidate, just the entire group. As for this new entry, I do not know him, but like the others I am hoping to learn about him and his qualifications and plans for WCSO.[/quote]
 
With it now becoming apparent that you can enter the race without even being a resident or registered voter of Walton County, it is starting to look like something strange is happening in this race.

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="The Watcher">I will say my comments are not directed to any one candidate, just the entire group. As for this new entry, I do not know him, but like the others I am hoping to learn about him and his qualifications and plans for WCSO.</blockquote> 
With it now becoming apparent that you can enter the race without even being a resident or registered voter of Walton County, it is starting to look like something strange is happening in this race.

hnooe

Next, I expect the CBS 60 Minutes producers to be preliminarily gathering information on the Walton County Sheriff's race for a story with some local flavor--anyone seen Morley Safer about town yet?:D

Next, I expect the CBS 60 Minutes producers to be preliminarily gathering information on the Walton County Sheriff&#039;s race for a story with some local flavor--anyone seen Morley Safer about town yet?😀

Andy A

[quote="The Watcher, post: 367705"]Do any of these candidates realize that they are all helping to split the vote? :bang: This action will potentially (as it did last go 'round) get Ralph Johnson re-elected. Some of these candidates need to re-evaluate their chances at being elected, really take a good look at your campaigns, did you raise any money? do you have support? are you really qualified?
 
I will say my comments are not directed to any one candidate, just the entire group. As for this new entry, I do not know him, but like the others I am hoping to learn about him and his qualifications and plans for WCSO.[/quote]
Right on!!!

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="The Watcher">Do any of these candidates realize that they are all helping to split the vote? :bang: This action will potentially (as it did last go &#039;round) get Ralph Johnson re-elected. Some of these candidates need to re-evaluate their chances at being elected, really take a good look at your campaigns, did you raise any money? do you have support? are you really qualified? 
 
I will say my comments are not directed to any one candidate, just the entire group. As for this new entry, I do not know him, but like the others I am hoping to learn about him and his qualifications and plans for WCSO.</blockquote>Right on!!!

seagrovegirl

Please attend candidate forums to SEE the candidates in person.  I think if voters did that nearly 8 years ago, Sheriff Johnson would not have been elected.  I was at a Tax Payers Assoc. forum and saw Johnson and didn't think he had a snow balls chance in SOWAL....he didn't speak (still doesn't) other than to say "I agree with what he said."  I was STUNNED when he was elected.  Not to mention SICKENED when he was re-elected.  Please, please, get to know the candidates and be informed.  NO MORE JOHNSON!!!!

Please attend candidate forums to SEE the candidates in person.  I think if voters did that nearly 8 years ago, Sheriff Johnson would not have been elected.  I was at a Tax Payers Assoc. forum and saw Johnson and didn&#039;t think he had a snow balls chance in SOWAL....he didn&#039;t speak (still doesn&#039;t) other than to say &quot;I agree with what he said.&quot;  I was STUNNED when he was elected.  Not to mention SICKENED when he was re-elected.  Please, please, get to know the candidates and be informed.  NO MORE JOHNSON!!!!

[quote="seagrovegirl, post: 367822"]Please attend candidate forums to SEE the candidates in person. I think if voters did that nearly 8 years ago, Sheriff Johnson would not have been elected. I was at a Tax Payers Assoc. forum and saw Johnson and didn't think he had a snow balls chance in SOWAL....he didn't speak (still doesn't) other than to say "I agree with what he said." I was STUNNED when he was elected. Not to mention SICKENED when he was re-elected. Please, please, get to know the candidates and be informed. NO MORE JOHNSON!!!![/quote]
 
Well said.  More of the citizens need to realize that it is time for a change.  Unless one or two qualified candidates emerge and become front runners (guys, some of you need to exit - stage left...) we are doomed.  Who can save us?

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="seagrovegirl">Please attend candidate forums to SEE the candidates in person. I think if voters did that nearly 8 years ago, Sheriff Johnson would not have been elected. I was at a Tax Payers Assoc. forum and saw Johnson and didn&#039;t think he had a snow balls chance in SOWAL....he didn&#039;t speak (still doesn&#039;t) other than to say &quot;I agree with what he said.&quot; I was STUNNED when he was elected. Not to mention SICKENED when he was re-elected. Please, please, get to know the candidates and be informed. NO MORE JOHNSON!!!!</blockquote> 
Well said. More of the citizens need to realize that it is time for a change. Unless one or two qualified candidates emerge and become front runners (guys, some of you need to exit - stage left...) we are doomed. Who can save us?

elgordoboy

[quote="The Watcher, post: 367971"]Well said. More of the citizens need to realize that it is time for a change. Unless one or two qualified candidates emerge and become front runners (guys, some of you need to exit - stage left...) we are doomed. Who can save us?[/quote]
[IMG]http://www.toonopedia.com/uimages/toons/m/mightym.jpg[/IMG]

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="The Watcher">Well said. More of the citizens need to realize that it is time for a change. Unless one or two qualified candidates emerge and become front runners (guys, some of you need to exit - stage left...) we are doomed. Who can save us?</blockquote><img src="http://www.toonopedia.com/uimages/toons/m/mightym.jpg" alt="" />

tony4sheriff

[COLOR=black]Please let me introduce myself to those that may not know me. My name is Tony Cornman and I am a candidate for Sheriff of Walton County. I thought long and hard about taking on this endeavor, but after much discussion with my family, friends, many of you, and of course prayers, I decided that I would run for the office of Sheriff. I know that there has been some talk of me not living in Walton County at present and that is true. Currently I live in Bay County (PCB) where I am employed as the district supervisor for the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco, a state law enforcement agency. I am assigned to supervise and manage personnel, operations and over 1900 licenses for the agency in seven counties, one of which is Walton. I am a native of Walton County growing up and attending school in DeFuniak Springs. My wife is also a native of Walton County growing up and attending school in Freeport. Both of our families live in Walton County and we still spend much of our time there as we love Walton County and have always had plans of moving back. I currently have my house for sale in Bay County and will be moving back to Walton County soon. I can guarantee I will be living in Walton County by the time I take office as required by law, much sooner if I can sell my house quickly. I began my law enforcement career with the Walton County Sheriff's Department back in 1982. I left the Walton County Sheriff's Department in 1988 to further my career. When I first began my job with the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco I had to go to South Florida and work. While we did not want to leave the area it did give me valuable experience. I was finally able to transfer back to the area (PCB) in the mid 90's, where I have been assigned since. I have been in law enforcement for over 25 years and have served in many areas such as corrections, patrol, investigations and management/supervision. During my 25 plus years I have had the opportunity to work assignments with many different sheriff's departments, police departments, other state agencies and federal agencies. During this time I have learned many things, but one that stands out is the fact that the agencies that use more community style policing techniques and get their communities involved are more successful. If elected I promise that under my administration as Sheriff of Walton County the Sheriff and the Sheriff's Office will be accessible to all the people of Walton County and we will ask for your opinion and input. I WILL NOT forget that YOU, the citizens of Walton County, are who we work for and the Sheriff's Office is YOUR office. I have an article that will be coming out in the Walton Sun and the DeFuniak Springs Herald this week that further explains my priorities and goals. I am looking forward to getting out and meeting each of you as I begin my grass roots campaign and I would love to have YOUR VOTE. I am looking for volunteers to help out with my campaign and any help is appreciated. If you would like to contact me you may do so through email at [EMAIL="tony4sheriff@gmail.com"][COLOR=#0000ff]tony4sheriff@gmail.com[/COLOR][/EMAIL] or by phone at 850-527-8139. Thanks again for your time.[/COLOR]

Please let me introduce myself to those that may not know me. My name is Tony Cornman and I am a candidate for Sheriff of Walton County. I thought long and hard about taking on this endeavor, but after much discussion with my family, friends, many of you, and of course prayers, I decided that I would run for the office of Sheriff. I know that there has been some talk of me not living in Walton County at present and that is true. Currently I live in Bay County (PCB) where I am employed as the district supervisor for the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco, a state law enforcement agency. I am assigned to supervise and manage personnel, operations and over 1900 licenses for the agency in seven counties, one of which is Walton. I am a native of Walton County growing up and attending school in DeFuniak Springs. My wife is also a native of Walton County growing up and attending school in Freeport. Both of our families live in Walton County and we still spend much of our time there as we love Walton County and have always had plans of moving back. I currently have my house for sale in Bay County and will be moving back to Walton County soon. I can guarantee I will be living in Walton County by the time I take office as required by law, much sooner if I can sell my house quickly. I began my law enforcement career with the Walton County Sheriff&#039;s Department back in 1982. I left the Walton County Sheriff&#039;s Department in 1988 to further my career. When I first began my job with the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco I had to go to South Florida and work. While we did not want to leave the area it did give me valuable experience. I was finally able to transfer back to the area (PCB) in the mid 90&#039;s, where I have been assigned since. I have been in law enforcement for over 25 years and have served in many areas such as corrections, patrol, investigations and management/supervision. During my 25 plus years I have had the opportunity to work assignments with many different sheriff&#039;s departments, police departments, other state agencies and federal agencies. During this time I have learned many things, but one that stands out is the fact that the agencies that use more community style policing techniques and get their communities involved are more successful. If elected I promise that under my administration as Sheriff of Walton County the Sheriff and the Sheriff&#039;s Office will be accessible to all the people of Walton County and we will ask for your opinion and input. I WILL NOT forget that YOU, the citizens of Walton County, are who we work for and the Sheriff&#039;s Office is YOUR office. I have an article that will be coming out in the Walton Sun and the DeFuniak Springs Herald this week that further explains my priorities and goals. I am looking forward to getting out and meeting each of you as I begin my grass roots campaign and I would love to have YOUR VOTE. I am looking for volunteers to help out with my campaign and any help is appreciated. If you would like to contact me you may do so through email at <a href="mailto:tony4sheriff@gmail.com">tony4sheriff@gmail.com</a> or by phone at 850-527-8139. Thanks again for your time.

Tony4sheriff.......I await to see more info about you....thank you for stepping up.  So far, I like what I read about you (your thread).

Thank you for introducing yourself.  How do you feel about the number of current candidates and the potential to spilt the vote for the favor of the incumbent?

Furthur

How are our Sheriffs elected?
Is there a primary or is this a non partisan office?

I'm really amazed that Johnson has so much money in his budget for aircraft.
I would love to know how much his plane and TWO helicopters cost.
Personnel,maintenance,insurance,hangers and fuel must add up to a pretty big number.

He seems to have strange priorities.
Catching  people who drive drunk and without licenses would be more important to me.

How are our Sheriffs elected? 
Is there a primary or is this a non partisan office? 
 
I&#039;m really amazed that Johnson has so much money in his budget for aircraft. 
I would love to know how much his plane and TWO helicopters cost. 
Personnel,maintenance,insurance,hangers and fuel must add up to a pretty big number. 
 
He seems to have strange priorities. 
Catching people who drive drunk and without licenses would be more important to me.

I think you should add and are here illegally to the above post and then it would cover the situation perfectly.

I understand that Tony Cornman prequalified.  I had been led to believe he was not going to enter the race, I guess things do change.

Another candidate for Sheriff

Grayton BeachCam

Dune Allen BeachCam

Seagrove Beach SkyCam

Inlet BeachCam

Miramar BeachCam Majestic Sun

Santa Rosa BeachCam

Rosemary Beach Farmers Market

Peddlers Pavilion Farmers Market

Stinky’s Brunch & Live Music

Cars of 30A At Alys Beach: Event Highlights & Photo Gallery

Sixth annual Run Watersound At Watersound Town Center October 24, 2026

Support Our Parks: The 2026 Friends of Camp Helen Pumpkin Patch Is Open

Annual Events and Festivals in South Walton

International Coastal Cleanup Day Was A Success In South Walton

Merchants Of Alys Beach Announce New Dining & Shopping Options

No beachcams yet

More cams

Include enough context for a reply on the first pass: who you are, what this is about, and anything time-sensitive we should know.

Write a clear note and we will route it fast

SoWal Contact Form

What helps the SoWal team reply on the first pass

Use these links when your request already has a clear destination.

Prefer a direct route before you write?

Use this when you are not sure where your request belongs and need the SoWal team to route it.

Questions, corrections, and quick help

Share newsworthy updates, corrections, community tips, or photography that can improve SoWal coverage.

Story tips, local leads, and photos

Reach the team for business visibility, partnership planning, or other commercial opportunities.

Listings, sponsorships, and business requests

Use this path for media coordination, press follow-ups, or requests that need a communications contact.

Press outreach and interview requests

Tell us what you need and how to reach you.

Send your note here and the SoWal team will route it appropriately.

Choose the quickest route for your message

Forum account areas

Log in to view member profile, alerts, messages, watched content, bookmarks, preferences, and staff tools.

Member-only forum areas use your SoWal forum account.

Use your forum username or email to post, reply, follow threads, and manage your account.

Log in to the forum

Log in to the SoWal forum

Find people and visit their public forum profiles.

Members

Enter the six-digit code sent to {email}.

Check your email

Join the conversation

Welcome to SoWal

Sign in to SoWal

Signature preview

Ads support our local stories, BeachCams, and community guides. If you use an ad blocker, allow SoWal, then check again.

Help keep SoWal local

Your feedback helps us make SoWal better.

How was this story?

Get local stories, events, and South Walton highlights in your inbox.

Stay close to the coast

Choose whether SoWal may use optional cookies. Necessary cookies keep the site working.

Your privacy, your choice

Site navigation

Submenu

Bite-sized stories, curated itineraries, and community events delivered to your inbox on the regular.

Another candidate for Sheriff

Latest conversations

Write a reply

Cars of 30A At Alys Beach: Event Highlights & Photo Gallery

Sixth annual Run Watersound At Watersound Town Center October 24, 2026

Support Our Parks: The 2026 Friends of Camp Helen Pumpkin Patch Is Open

Annual Events and Festivals in South Walton