Primary 2020: Incumbent Tax Collector Faces Challenger

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL — Incumbent Pinellas County Tax Collector Charles W. Thomas R will face a longtime employee, Joyell Hope Bobala, in the Republican primary Tuesday.

Joyell Hope Bobala

Joyell Hope Bobola is a 21-year veteran of the Pinellas County Tax Collector's office.

She is a certified Florida collector assistant, certified public manager, certified Six Sigma Greenbelt, certified Achieve Global trainer and certified True Colors facilitator.

She lives in Palm Harbor with her husband and two children.

"My No. 1 priority is to restore the customer service for the tax collector’s office. Personally, my priority is to always make a difference in others’ lives. Serving others is truly a passion of mine.

"I am running to be the change this office needs. The last three years, wait times doubled and staff morale declined. I am uniquely qualified with more than 21 years of experience as a certified Florida collector assistant. I have led in all aspects of the office, earned several certifications and my AA degree, will earn my bachelor of arts degree in the fall. Servant leadership is my motto and will continue to be when elected."

Charles W. Thomas

Charles W. Thomas served as Pinellas County’s chief deputy tax collector for 16 years before becoming tax collector in 2017.

He was the driving force behind the organization’s efforts for continuous improvement, which resulted in the office’s award of the prestigious Governor’s Sterling Award in 2013, the Governor’s Sterling Sustained Excellence Award in 2016 and the Governor’s Sterling Award again in 2020.

Before joining the Pinellas County tax collector team, Thomas was the program manager for Gordon-Darby Inc. where he was responsible for the operation of 11 emissions testing centers.

He to working at Gordon-Darby Inc., he served in the United States Air Force, working in avionics maintenance of F15s.

Thomas is the past chairman of the Pinellas Federal Credit Union, a board member of the Florida Sterling Council and a member of the Government Finance Officers Association.

A longtime Pinellas County resident, he and his wife, Patti, are the father of two and grandparents of two.

"My three highest priorities will be (1.) Continue to ensure customer-focused excellence for both our citizens and our workforce, (2.) Effective recruiting, training, development and retention of staff and (3.) Maintaining data security and using value-added technology to better serve customers.

"I am running because service to my country and community has been important to me since my time in the U.S. Air Force and it is a passion of mine to this day. I look forward to continuing to serve you and our community."