The Florida Sheriffs Association values integrity, fairness, commitment, and accountability, which are the foundation for the 2020 Florida Sheriffs Academy. This specialized in-person and online course guides newly-elected Florida sheriffs in obtaining these values and provides an exceptionally informative and educational experience that is essential for the next generation of leaders. From December 6-8, 2020, current Florida sheriffs and association staff facilitated this training and provided opportunities for the new sheriffs to participate in seminars, network with many of Florida’s leaders, and learn best practices from their colleagues.

“It is truly an honor to be the president of the Florida Sheriffs Association and welcome our new sheriffs,” said Gilchrist County Sheriff and FSA President Bobby Schultz. “The newly-elected sheriffs have a commitment to public safety, and they will serve their counties, state, and nation with distinction and honor.”

The Florida Sheriffs Academy provides a comprehensive curriculum and offers programs on leadership skills, business and personal ethics, management training, and other topics that relate to the law enforcement profession. Newly-elected sheriffs as well as Jefferson County Sheriff Mac McNeill, who was elected in 2018 and then again in 2020, participated in a variety of events including mentoring sessions, leadership training, communications and public relations as well as gaining a better understanding the legislative process.  The Academy provides the information and tools to develop outstanding leaders within the Florida Sheriffs Association and create an understanding of their communities in every aspect.

The Florida Sheriffs Association congratulates the following graduates of the 2020 Florida Sheriffs Academy:

• Sheriff-elect Clovis Watson, Jr., Alachua County
• Sheriff Gregory Tony, Broward County
• Sheriff Michelle Cook, Clay County
• Sheriff-elect Darby Butler, Dixie County
• Sheriff-elect Chip Simmons, Escambia County
• Sheriff-elect Vent Crawford, Hardee County
• Sheriff-elect Eric Flowers, Indian River County
• Sheriff-elect Donnie Edenfield, Jackson County
• Sheriff Mac McNeill, Jefferson County
• Sheriff-elect Buddy Money, Liberty County
• Sheriff-elect David Harper, Madison County
• Sheriff-elect Eric Aden, Okaloosa County
• Sheriff-elect Marcos Lopez, Osceola County
• Sheriff-elect Kurt A. Hoffman, Sarasota County
• Sheriff-elect Rob Hardwick, St. Johns County

# # #

Florida Sheriffs Association:
The Florida Sheriffs Association is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation made up of the Sheriffs of Florida, approximately 3,500 business leaders and 90,000 citizens throughout the state. Founded in 1893, FSA has steadfastly served the citizens of Florida by supporting the needs of the state's law enforcement community. Through the Florida Sheriffs Association, Sheriffs are given a forum to address lawmakers to push for positive changes in Florida’s public safety arena. FSA also provides Sheriffs' Offices much-needed programs such as affordable training, special task forces and legislative and legal services. Dedicated to the prevention of juvenile delinquency and the development of lawful, productive citizens, FSA has established and funded the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches with facilities throughout the state to help restore hope, fulfill dreams, and prepare boys and girls for the future. It has grown to be one of the largest and most successful state law enforcement associations in the nation. For more information on the Florida Sheriffs Association, visit www.flsheriffs.org