Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams announced his retirement Thursday amid a controversy over where he lives.
It came just a few hours before the non-binding draft opinion from the city’s general counsel, which found that the sheriff vacated his job when he moved to Nassau County.
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Some have criticized Williams’ time as sheriff and others have praised the work he’s done. Citizens of Jacksonville have mixed feelings about his move to retire.
Williams made the move from Duval to Nassau County about a year ago.
“I saw it coming, I kind of saw it coming,” Michael Johnson said.
Williams said in a statement: “After some consideration, I have decided that a court battle over my residency would not be good for our community.”
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According to Jacksonville’s city charter, if an acting sheriff moves out of the county while still in office, they’re to be removed from the job.
The draft opinion released by the City’s general counsel would have deemed the office of the sheriff vacant as of 2 p.m. Thursday.
Jacksonville resident Michael Johnson criticized the sheriff’s actions.
“He’s the sheriff, he should’ve known the criteria and what the laws and everything said. He should’ve went by it,” Johnson said. “He’s not exempt from the law just because he’s the sheriff.”
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On Monday, Williams said he didn’t see a scenario where he would resign, but that changed Thursday morning and Williams’ last day will be June 10.
Jacksonville neighbor Paul Cameron didn’t think his move to Nassau County was that big of a deal.
“As long as he’s making sure everything is in according with his officers and police force, it shouldn’t matter where he resided as long as he’s here when he needs to be here,” Cameron said.
Carla Smith says she voted for Williams when he first ran for sheriff and is conflicted about his decision to retire.
“He seemed like a good sheriff and everything. I’m sorry to see him go,” Smith said.
The Fraternal Order of Police sent Action News Jax a statement that said in part: “Sheriff Mike Williams has maintained the trust and respect of our members during his time in office.”
The Duval Democratic party said “Williams’ retirement, although legally dubious, now closes a chapter of lawlessness in our county. We look forward to the city council calling an August special election.”
The Governor’s office is expected to appoint an interim sheriff until a new one can be elected.
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