Gov. Rick Scott will be appointing the new Pasco County Sheriff in the coming weeks after Bob White announced his retirement from the post March 16.
White, 60, announced he will retire April 30. He has been the county sheriff since being elected in 2001 and is currently in his third term, which ends in 2012. Department spokesman Kevin Doll said he is the first three-term Pasco sheriff since the 1960s.
White released a statement to the department’s 1,140 employees, which said he is no longer totally committed to his position. He said his priorities changed after his granddaughter was born 18 months ago.
“I care deeply for all of you, but there is a little girl who needs her papa right now,” White wrote in the statement. “Nothing says I love you to a child more than time. The truth is, my focus has changed. I can’t give you my total commitment; therefore I can’t stay in office.”
-Kyle LoJacono
