PALATKA, Fla. – Jeff Hardy announced Friday that two terms as sheriff of Putnam County are enough and he will leave the office in January 2017.
"During my career, I have been fortunate to achieve the majority of the personal and professional goals that I had set as a young law enforcement officer," Hardy said in a letter. "One of those goals was not only to be elected, but to be a successful and hardworking sheriff. I am happy to say I am very proud of the success that my staff, my fellow employees and I have enjoyed over my two terms in office."
Recommended Videos
Hardy noted that the crime rate has declined during his term in office and he established district policing. He also initiated a project to expand the Putnam County jail.
His letter ended by saying, "Let there be no doubt that I remain fully committed to protecting the citizens of Putnam County until the last hour of the last day of my current term."
One county to the north, where Clay County Sheriff Rick Beseler plans to seek a fourth term in 2016, two candidates have already announced they are also in the race.
Former Clay County Commissioner Harold Rutledge and Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Corrections Chief Darryl Daniels have already opened campaign accounts to run for sheriff.