By Tom Flanigan
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-980824.mp3
Tallahassee, FL – Wakulla County's top law officer is stepping down. Tom Flanigan reports that David Harvey is leaving the job he's held since 1976.
The small auditorium at the Wakulla County Sheriff's office was packed with employees, family and supporters Thursday afternoon as Harvey made the announcement official.
"My wife does not want me to seek re-election. She's made it very clear that it would be painful, that there will a divorce..."
Harvey's last day as sheriff will be October first. He's accepting a newly-created job as head of the Florida Sheriff's Association Risk Management Fund.
"Last week, the sheriffs voted to hire me as their executive director."
Details of Harvey's contract are still being fleshed out. His term as sheriff was not without controversy. Harvey left the scene of an accident in 2009. Through his wife, was part owner of the Wildwood Country Club, in apparent violation of state law. Harvey narrowly won re-election in 2008. He's asking Governor Scott to name Chief Deputy Donnie Crum interim sheriff.