Governor Ron DeSantis has officially appointed Chris Nocco’s former chief of staff, Sheriff Harrington, to complete the remainder of Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco’s four-year term. Nocco had previously resigned to pursue a state Senate seat, which he won in a special election. A judge had temporarily appointed Harrington as interim sheriff after DeSantis delayed making a formal appointment for over a month. Florida law grants the governor primary authority to fill such vacancies, but a judge can intervene if the position remains unfilled. The new sheriff brings over three decades of law enforcement experience, including years as Nocco’s chief deputy.
Key Points:
- Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Sheriff Harrington to complete the last two years of Chris Nocco’s term as Pasco County Sheriff.
- Nocco resigned in May to run for a state Senate seat and won the special election in District 21.
- Judge Shawn Crane issued an order appointing Harrington as interim sheriff after DeSantis failed to make an appointment by Monday evening.
- Harrington has served 30 years in law enforcement, including 18 years as Police Chief in New Port Richey and over a decade as Nocco’s chief deputy.
- Under Florida law, the governor holds primary authority to appoint a new sheriff to fill vacancies, but a judge may appoint an interim replacement if the office remains unfilled.
