Sheriff speaks on mayoral candidate partnership with JSO

JACKSONVILLE, Fla — Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters was mentioned prominently at the UNF Action News Jax mayoral debate on Thursday night and has put his full support behind Republican Candidate Daniel Davis.

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On Saturday morning, Action News Jax Alexus Cleavenger caught up with Sheriff Waters and asked him how he plans to work with Democrat Donna Deegan if she wins the race for mayor.

During Thursday night’s mayoral debate, candidates Daniel Davis and Donna Deegan answered questions that show a clear difference in ideology when it comes to public safety, policing, and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.

The relationship between Davis, and Sheriff Waters is strong.

“I’m honored Sheriff Waters to be your friend, but most importantly I appreciate your endorsement in this race,” said Davis.

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However, there’s an ad negatively portraying Deegan, currently running online and on air which features the Sheriff.

“I think the sheriff knows in his heart of hearts that I am a person that supports the police, I had that conversation with the fraternal order of police when they were going through their review process,” said Deegan.

Sheriff Waters revealed why he endorsed Davis.

“He’s actually shown, and we’ve spoken on several occasions about my police officers in this agency and I haven’t had that kind of conversation with Donna, no conversation as a matter of fact,” said Sheriff Waters.

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When Sheriff Waters was asked how he plans to work with Deegan if she wins, he said a good relationship is essential.

“We’re gonna mend relationships, you know it’s all about creating relationships,” said Sheriff Waters. “We sit down, we talk, and we discuss things and hopefully get on the same page and go in the right direction.”

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