Stuart Whiddon is stepping down as Glades County Sheriff, and three people are competing to replace him Tuesday.
Rep. Susan Harrelle is a captain for the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office, but she’s lived in Glades County for about 16 years. Harrelle said she wants to be Glades sheriff to create more programs for local youths because...
"We're rural. We don't have movie theaters, and bowling alleys, and miniature golf, or things that a lot of young people like to do. We have rodeos, we have livestock," said Harrelle. "We're just more country."
She said she’d also like to place more officers in county schools to build a rapport with students. And Ind. sheriff candidate Robert “Tony” Wilson said he too wants to invest in young people.
He has nearly 30 years of law enforcement experience with the Florida Highway Patrol and the Broward County Sheriff’s Office. He retired in 2001. Wilson also wants to focus on better communication between the police and the community. He said he thinks locals do not understand officer protocol.
"If we bridge that gap, we can get away from those confrontations that don't have to become physical," said Wilson.
Dem. David Hardin is also running. He was not available for an interview. One of these three candidates will be named Glades County Sheriff Tuesday night.