Gov. Ron DeSantis named Jeff Harrington permanent Pasco County sheriff Wednesday, one day after Harrington became interim sheriff. Harrington, a former chief of staff with more than 30 years in law enforcement, served 14 years with the Pasco Sheriff's Office and nearly 20 years as New Port Richey police chief. He plans to seek election in 2028.
WHO:
Gov. Ron DeSantis and Jeff Harrington
WHAT:
DeSantis appointed Harrington permanent sheriff of Pasco County, formalizing his interim appointment. Newly appointed Pasco County Sheriff Jeff Harrington said he plans to run for election in 2028.
WHEN:
Reported Nov 5, 2026 at 5:38 PM ET
WHERE:
Pasco County, Florida
WHY:
The appointment filled the leadership vacancy left by former Sheriff Chris Nocco, who resigned to run for the Florida Senate. Harrington plans to seek election in 2028; he has said he will maintain Nocco’s department culture, restart and fully staff the Special Traffic Enforcement Program, and cited possible local revenue challenges from Amendment 3’s expanded homestead exemptions.
How this story developed (showing 2 of 2 earlier reports)
