DUVAL COUNTY, Fla. — Sheriff Mike Williams of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has announced who he wants to see take his place when his time in office is up.
During a news conference Tuesday morning, Williams, joined by former JSO sheriff and current U.S. Rep. John Rutherford, endorsed Thomas “TK” Waters as his successor.
Action News Jax reported in August when Waters announced his candidacy for sheriff.
He is currently the chief of investigations at JSO, but has been with the sheriff’s office since 1991.
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“This is to let people know there is another option, an experienced option,” Waters said. “I’m ready to move forward and do what needs to be done,” he added.
In a statement sent to Action News Jax, Williams said:
“Thank you for coming out today – I will be brief in my comments. Brief because what I have to say today does not take many words yet is full of conviction. I am pleased to announce my endorsement of TK Waters in his bid to be Jacksonville’s next Sheriff. I have known TK Waters my entire career which is now almost three decades – I have seen his DEDICATION to this community in fighting violent crime, his EXPERTISE in approaching challenges with innovation, and his COMMITMENT to doing the right thing, time after time. I am so proud of what TK has accomplished thus far in his career and what he can make happen in the years to come. I have the utmost confidence that TK Waters IS the leader to take the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office to the next level – where our city is headed and where it needs to go.”
So far, five people have registered to run to become the next Jacksonville sheriff.
Lakesha Burton, current assistant chief at JSO, Wayne Clark and Tony Cummings, a former JSO officer and Army reservist, are registered Democrats in the race. Matthew Nemeth and Waters are registered as Republicans.
In response to Williams endorsing Waters, Burton released the following statement:
“I’ve worked with and have great respect for Rep. Rutherford and Sheriff Williams, but their endorsements in this race should not surprise anyone. I’m not running to continue what’s been done at JSO for the last 20 years. I’m running on a new style of leadership that will empower citizens who want to partner with law enforcement in making our city safer and more just. This election will include a large pool of good candidates. I’m focused on making sure voters know the differences between the candidates, as well as who I am -- as a person and as a law enforcement professional. I’m leading a campaign that’s about uniting the citizens of Jacksonville, not about parties or politics. That’s how I will lead JSO. It’s going to be an exciting 18 months, and I want to invite everyone to engage in it.”
The election is set for March 2023.