Fort Walton Beach police chief tapped for key role in Florida state immigration policies

Fort Walton Beach, Florida – Fort Walton Beach Police Chief Robert Bage has been named to the State Immigration Enforcement Council in a significant appointment highlighting his commitment and legal enforcement expertise. This announcement was made by Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis on Wednesday this week.

Operating under Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet, the Council acts as an advisory body to the recently formed State Board of Immigration Enforcement. The immigration policies of the state are significantly impacted by the Cabinet members, which include Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, Attorney General James Uthmeier, and CFO Jimmy Patronis.

The State Board of Immigration Enforcement was created by the Florida Legislature in early February 2025. Reflecting growing concerns over border security and its effects on local communities, its main objective is to solve and reduce illegal immigration across the entire state.

Chief Bage’s council appointment is evidence of his outstanding background and commendable service record. Chief Bage honorably served for two years in the United States Navy before his over three decades of employment in Florida law enforcement. After his navy service, he spent a lot of time with the US Border Patrol, where he developed important expertise defending American borders against illegal immigration.

Chief Bage implemented various changes meant to boost the police department’s efficiency and effectiveness while serving Fort Walton Beach. Along with improving the operating capacity of the agency, his initiatives have strengthened its responsibility in serving and safeguarding the local community.

“I’m pleased to appoint Fort Walton Beach Police Chief Robert Bage to serve on the State Immigration Enforcement Council,” said Patronis.

“Before serving nearly 30 years in Florida law enforcement, Chief Bage served two years in the United States Navy and has great experience protecting America’s borders from illegal immigration from his time with the United States Border Patrol. During his tenure with the Fort Walton Beach Police Department, Chief Bage reformed and grew the Department to be more effective at serving the local community. For these reasons and more, I believe Chief Bage will serve as a fine addition to the State Immigration Enforcement Council, and I wish him the best of luck.”

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Chief Bage’s colleagues and community have congratulated him and shown their support for his new post, which will allow him to use his experience and background to help statewide initiatives aiming at controlling immigration and guaranteeing the safety of Florida’s citizens.