Port Orange Flags At Half-Staff For Late Councilman

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Port Orange, FL - Don't be surprised if you're driving through Port Orange this week and see all city flags at half-staff.

Those flags will be lowered today (January 7th) in honor of late City Council member Bob Ford, who died the Saturday before Christmas at the age of 74.

City spokesperson Christine Martindale says it's a tribute to Ford's service in Port Orange.

"The flags will remain lowered on city properties through Sunday (January 13th)," Martindale added. "This is just our City of Port Orange city seal flag."

Ford was the Chief of the Port Orange Police Department from 1986 to 1999. He won election to the City Council's District 1 seat in 2010 and held that post until his death, recently winning a third consecutive term.

A memorial service for Ford will take place on Saturday (January 12th).

The Port Orange City Council could decide during tomorrow night's meeting when a special election will take place to fill Ford's District 1 seat and if someone will be appointed to that seat in the meantime.

According to the agenda item, the primary for that election could happen as soon as April 30th. If another election is needed after that, it could take place June 11th. Both dates fall on a Tuesday.

Anyone who wishes to qualify for the election has between noon on February 18th and noon on February 22nd to get their ducks in order, per the agenda item.