Steve Meadows Wants To Remain State Attorney for the 14th Circuit

Panhandle native is working hard to retain position.
By Sid Riley
Steve Meadows became our State Attorney four years ago, and he wants to keep the job. He feels that much has been accomplished and much remains to be done. He feels if elected for another term he will be able to effectively serve the citizens of the 14th circuit as an experienced, seasoned prosecutor.

Meadows is a native and life-long resident of the Florida panhandle region. After graduating from Bay High School in 1976, Steve enlisted in the US Army, and served in the 101st Air Assault Division and the US Army Aviation Center. After separation from the service, Steve went to work for the Panama City Police Department, and later for the Bay County Sheriff’s Department.

During the eight years he was working as a uniformed police officer he attended night school and graduated from Florida State University, magna cum laude with a BS in Criminology. He later continued his studies to eventually earn his Juris Doctor degree. After law school he worked as a prosecuting attorney in the State Attorney’s Office for fifteen years.

Meadows is the proud father of three daughters, Megan, Jenny, and Kristen.

Recent highlights of activities involving the State Attorney’s office have included the conviction of Robert Bailey for the murder of Panama City Beach Police Sgt. Kevin Kite. Through the prosecution effort, Bailey was given the death sentence for the murder. Another successful effort was the grand jury indictment gained in Jackson County against Wesley Williams for the murder of Danielle Baker and her four children in a Marianna apartment complex. Throughout this investigation the State Attorney’s office worked closely with the Marianna Police Department and the Jackson County Sheriff’s department to assist in gaining this indictment.

Another hot issue involving the State Attorney’s office was the decision of the Medical Examiner Commission for removal of Charles Siebert from his position as the District 14 Medical Examiner. Feeling this action was politically motivated, Meadows took a public stand in defense of Siebert.

Other programs initiated or supported by the Department under the guidance of Steve Meadows include the much acclaimed DVD for teen drinking and driving reduction, the creation of a Child Abduction Response Team, and involvement in the Communities Against Seniors Exploitation program. Meadows has aggressively prosecuted those who sell drugs as well as those who commit violent acts against or abuse children. Steve Meadows is proud of his Department and what they have accomplished during the past four years. He hopes to continue this important work by gaining reelection. Steve Meadows can be reached at 850-872-4473.