Flag at Half-Staff to Honor Former Mayor

James Ford Leaves Legacy of Positive Change

October 13, 2017

In coordination with the Governor’s Office, all flags in front of City Hall will be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Monday, Oct. 16, to honor former Tallahassee Mayor James Ford, who passed away this week at age 91. As his family and the community gather to mourn their loss and celebrate his life, this symbolic gesture – reserved only for national or state figures and leading citizens as approved by the Governor – will serve as a public commemoration of Ford’s groundbreaking contributions to Tallahassee.

Winning a City Commission seat in 1971, Ford became the first black person elected to office in Leon County since Reconstruction. He was appointed the City’s first black mayor in 1972, making him the first black mayor of a U.S. state’s capital city. He subsequently was re-elected three times, serving four terms spanning nearly 14 years on the City Commission.

As a member of the City Commission, Ford was instrumental in helping progress Tallahassee’s government. His efforts helped establish the Minority Business Department, the Frenchtown Development Authority, the Affirmative Action Office and the first community center on the south side. Today, that community center bears his name – the Walker-Ford Community Center.

In addition to his service to the City of Tallahassee, Ford was a veteran of World War II and Korea.

Contact Information

Lizzy Kelley, Communications Department, 891-8533