Alachua sheriff resigns to run for state senator


By Palatka Daily News

Alachua County Sheriff Steve Oelrich resigned Thursday to campaign for State Senate District 14.  Rod Smith, the incumbent in District 14, is departing the office to  run for the Democratic nomination for governor.

"As the sheriff of Alachua County for the past 14 years, Steve  Oelrich has proven to be an effective leader and public servant," Putnam County  Sheriff Dean Kelly said in a statement from Oelrich's campaign. "He has served the people of Alachua County with honesty and respect, and  I am sure he will continue to demonstrate these qualities as a state  senator. The Putnam County Sheriff's Office has enjoyed a great  working relationship with Sheriff Oelrich over the years and we thank him for his service."

Oelrich, the only elected Republican in Alachua County, is running against another opponent in the Republican primary. Two others are competing for the Democratic nomination.

District 14 is comprised of all of four counties and parts of another four, including part of western Putnam County.  The primary is Sept. 5 and early voting for the election starts Aug. 21.