Legalizing recreational marijuana on Florida’s November ballot: Jacksonville Mayor, Sheriff weighs in

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — As Florida voters prepare to decide on the legalization of recreational marijuana this November, Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan and Sheriff T.K. Waters are making their positions clear on the issue.

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A recent poll released by the University of North Florida in July shows Amendment 3, which seeks to legalize recreational marijuana, garnering 64% support among likely voters.

Read: Sheriffs Association joins opposition to legal marijuana, while powerful Republican offers support for Amendment 3

Mayor Donna Deegan has voiced her support for the amendment, emphasizing the importance of personal freedom and the need to prevent minor offenses from leading to unnecessary legal consequences.

In a statement to Action News Jax, a spokesperson for Deegan said: “I support Amendment 3. People shouldn’t be jailed and caught up in the system for small amounts that are for personal consumption,” said a spokesperson for Deegan in a statement to Action News Jax. “There should still be laws in place that regulate the time, place, and manner for appropriate usage. All in all, people should be free from government interference if they aren’t putting the public in danger or disrupting the community.”

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In contrast, Sheriff T.K. Waters has aligned himself with the Florida Sheriffs Association, expressing strong opposition to Amendment 3. He cited concerns about the potential impact on public safety and the well-being of Jacksonville’s families.

“As a 33-year law enforcement officer and your elected Sheriff, I will always oppose policies that put the health and safety of Jacksonville’s children and families at risk, including Amendment 3,” said Waters in a statement. “In states where marijuana has been legalized recreationally, we’ve seen a rise in drugged driving incidents, an increase in emergency room visits, and a surge in marijuana-related crimes. The negative consequences on public safety are clear. Amendment 3 will lead to more addiction, impaired driving, and crime. It will make neighborhoods and roadways less safe and our families less healthy. For these reasons, I strongly oppose Amendment 3 and urge our citizens to do the same.”

As the debate over Amendment 3 heats up, Jacksonville residents will have to weigh these differing perspectives as they head to the polls this November.

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