Chief Lee Bercaw has announced his selection of Joneé Lewis as the new Director of Communication and Public Affairs for the Tampa Police Department. In her role, Joneé will serve as the public information coordinator and primary spokesperson for the Tampa Police Department, where she will lead the efforts of the Public Information Office joined by Eddy Durkin, Verliz Williams, and Jack Calle.
“We are happy to welcome Joneé to our team,” said Chief Bercaw. “Her extensive experience in broadcast media, coupled with her own personal level of community outreach, makes her an outstanding fit to lead our department’s communication efforts. The fresh perspective she provides will help to further elevate the level of transparency and community engagement I expect, and our community deserves, from the police department as we all work to make Tampa safer, together.”
“I am thrilled to join the Tampa Police Department and look forward to working with every member of the agency to ensure that the community we all serve understands the committed efforts of this outstanding team of public servants,” added Ms. Lewis. “I am excited to be able to share stories regarding the work of our first responders and to promote positive relationships between law enforcement and those who live, work, and visit the City of Tampa.”
Joneé is a Lakeland native, who brings 13 years of experience in the media industry to this role, having previously served as a reporter for Fox 13 in Tampa and television news stations in Memphis, Winston-Salem, Myrtle Beach, Gainesville, and Tallahassee. She holds a Master of Arts in Mass Communication from the University of Florida and a Bachelor of Science in Mass Media Studies from Florida State University.