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About Larry Basford

Larry Basford was elected to State Attorney in 2020 and has been a prosecutor in the 14th Judicial Circuit for over 37 years. During his career, he has prosecuted thousands of cases. Larry has personally tried over 250 jury trials, including more than 60 homicide cases. Larry understands the devastating effect crimes have on victims in our community. He knows it takes a team effort by the victims, the witnesses, the law enforcement agencies and the dedicated staff and attorneys at the State Attorney’s Office for justice to prevail. He believes the public must have faith that the criminal justice system treats everyone fairly and everyone will be protected equally under the law.

In addition to his trial experience, Larry has consistently been selected for leadership roles within the State Attorney’s Office. These positions include:

  • State Attorney (2021-2023)

  • Chief Assistant State Attorney (2016-2020)

  • Chief of Major Crimes Division (2005-2016)

  • County Supervisor for Jackson County (1996-2004)

As State Attorney, Larry supervises 30 attorneys and a support staff of 68, while also managing the office budget and administration. Larry's office was ranked # 1 in sending dangerous criminals to prison, by Governor DeSantis.  He created a Critical Incident Review Team that reviews all officer involved use of deadly force cases, revamped a Traffic Homicide Response Team for vehicle homicides, and led the fight to defeat efforts to consolidate our judicial circuit with larger neighboring circuits. In addition to his administrative oversight, Larry continues to prosecute homicide cases.

As Chief Assistant State Attorney, Larry expanded the diversion programs for non-violent offenders to all six counties. He also helped implement several innovative programs including Veterans Court and a Construction Fraud Task Force to protect the victims of Hurricane Michael.

As Chief of the Major Crimes Division, Larry prosecuted homicide and white-collar crimes, managed the office-wide homicide prosecution efforts, and mentored new attorneys.

Larry has tried and convicted many of the most infamous murderers and defendants in the 14th Judicial Circuit. These include: the killer of Danielle Baker and her three children in Marianna in 2005; the two murderers of Canadian Air Force Major David Turenne outside his Forest Park home in 1996; the gang member who killed PCB Sgt. Kevin Kight on Easter Sunday 2005; and the DUI driver who killed four softball players leaving Harders Field in 2016. Larry also convicted the Sailboat Shooter of FWC Officer Dave Brady in 2015 and the Spring Break Shooter who shot seven victims at a house party on Thomas Drive in 2015.


Beloved mother Alvina Basford with Larry (1958)

Father, Nathan Basford, with Larry in Iran (1978)

Larry with his grandchildren (2024)

Larry with his grandchildren (2020)

Larry during quadruple murder trial (2009)

Larry on drilling rig  (1980)


Larry Basford is the most qualified candidate for State Attorney on the August 20 primary election ballot:


 

 

  • the only candidate with prosecutorial experience. Larry Basford was elected State Attorney in 2020, after serving over 30 years as a prosecutor..

  • the only candidate whose office, as recognized by Governor DeSantis, ranked # 1 in sending dangerous criminals to prison.

  • the only candidate to have tried more than 250 jury trials in a courtroom. Jury trials are the most challenging for all parties involved, the most complicated, the most serious, and most certainly the ones where the lives of victims and their loved ones are forever changed. Each and every time, Larry Basford has been there for the family or the victim.

  • the only candidate with supervisory experience over the entire State Attorney’s Office. Why does this matter? Deciding how to best put resources into each community – by consulting with local non-profits and local law enforcement leadership—is something learned only from experience and a very long tenure of trust.

  • the only candidate to receive endorsements his campaign from prominent local law enforcement leaders, including current Sheriffs and former State Attorney Glenn Hess (retired).

  • the only candidate to have the endorsement from the former elected Public Defender for the 14th Judicial Circuit Herman D. Laramore. This is a sign of utmost respect to any prosecutor who sits on the other side of cases before the Court.


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More about Larry

Larry Basford was born and raised in Jackson County. He graduated from Marianna High School where he played baseball and football. Larry went on to play baseball at Wallace Junior College and was a walk-on football player at Florida State University. Larry graduated with Honors from the School of Criminology and the College of Law at Florida State University. Larry attributes his work ethic and his passion for teamwork and honesty to the lessons he learned from his parents, his coaches, and the life experiences he learned from working on farms and various construction projects.

Larry lives in Lynn Haven where he raised his son and daughter. He is especially proud that both chose to work as law enforcement officers after college and that both have returned and now call Bay County home once again.

Larry is a member of First United Methodist Church, St. Andrews Bay Inn of Court, National Rifle Association (Life Member), Ducks Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation, and a volunteer Board Member of the Gulf Coast Children’s Advocacy Center. He also has served as Chairman of the 14th Circuit Grievance Committee, as the 14th Circuit’s Representative to the YLD Board of Governors with the Florida Bar, and as former President of the Bay County Bar Association.


Larry with his family (2024)


Political advertisement paid for and approved by Larry Basford, Republican, for State Attorney.

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