Gov. Ron DeSantis picked Undersheriff Pat Ivey to replace Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams until the city holds special elections in August and November.
DeSantis cited the need for continuity when he picked Ivey. He also endorsed T.K. Waters, the Republican candidate endorsed by Williams, in the special election.
Williams announced his resignation effective later this week after The Tributary revealed he had moved to Nassau County.
Jacksonville’s charter requires the sheriff to live in Duval County, and “if the sheriff should … remove his residence from Duval County during his term of office … the office of sheriff shall become vacant.”
Ivey defended Williams’ move to Nassau, saying the city’s charter requirement that the sheriff lives in Duval County was “very obscure”.
He said there was a lot he could accomplish in the next six months until an August special election and November runoff determine the next sheriff.
Williams sold his Northside home in March of last year, listing a new residence at a rental home in Fernandina Beach, outside of Duval County.
Jacksonville General Counsel Jason Teal said that his office of attorneys was still trying to figure out when Ivey becomes the acting sheriff.
The Jacksonville City Council approved an Aug. 23 special election, with a runoff on Nov. 8 if no candidate receives a majority of votes. Qualifying for the ballot will take place starting this Friday until next Friday.