Sanford Mayor Jeff Triplett resigns, files to run for Seminole County property appraiser

SANFORD, Fla. — Sanford Mayor Jeff Triplett has resigned his post after nearly a decade to run for Seminole County property appraiser.

Triplett will challenge incumbent Property Appraiser David Johnson.

Triplett resigned as mayor Monday morning, more than two years before his current term was set to end in 2022, according to the city’s website.

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He was first elected mayor in November 2010.

“Serving as mayor has been one of the proudest achievements of my professional career,” Triplett said in an email statement Monday.

The city’s website says that before being elected mayor, Triplett served as chairman of the Downtown Sanford Community Redevelopment Agency.

In his statement, Triplett said the incumbent property appraiser is a “good man” who he considers a friend.

“Our team is just convinced that his being in the office for over 30 years creates an opportunity, for new energy and ideas,” Triplett said. “Over the years I have worked with many of the employees in the Property Appraiser’s office, and I am excited to work with ALL of them to keep residents first!”

Johnson said he was surprised to find out Triplett was resigning as mayor to run against him.

“I had the first indication Friday afternoon when he called me," Johnson said. "Don’t know exactly what it is all about. He says to me and even in his resignation letter to the city of Sanford, we are friendly, I’m a good guy, I do a good job, I’ve just been there too long. So I guess that’s the motivation.”

Johnson has served as the county’s property appraiser since 2004.

Johnson said he is proud of his accomplishments in the role and welcomes the challenge.

“We have gone through every economic cycle, both nationally and locally, from the savings and loan crisis to 9/11 to the Great Recession to now COVID, and we have been able to adapt to all that and I think a steady hand in that position is very important,” Johnson said.

The Sanford City Commission will appoint a mayor and he or she will remain in office until the end of Triplett’s term in 2022.

Stay tuned to Channel 9 Eyewitness News for updates.

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