Sheriff Rick Staly Unopposed for 2024 Election
First Incumbent Sheriff to be Re-Elected Unopposed Since 1968
For Immediate Release
June 14, 2024
BUNNELL – The Keep Rick Staly Our Sheriff Campaign announces that when the 2024 election qualifying period closed on Friday, June 14th at noon only Sheriff Rick Staly was left standing.
While Sheriff Staly did initially draw an opponent for re-election, he was unable to obtain the required 954 petitions to have his name on the ballot out of 92,755 registered voters in Flagler County. This makes Sheriff Staly the first incumbent Sheriff to be re-elected unopposed since 1968 and only the second incumbent Sheriff to be re-elected unopposed in the 107-year history of the Sheriff’s Office. Previously, only 4-term Sheriff Zip Edmondson was re-elected unopposed in 1968. All other Sheriff’s races have been contested elections.
“I am extremely honored to run unopposed,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “Thank you for your vote of confidence and support. I also want to thank our amazing team that professionally serve our community every day.
Without them we would not enjoy the safest community and lowest crime rate in our area. When I was elected in 2016, I promised to reduce crime, bring stability and to change the culture and foundation of your Sheriff’s Office. Together, we have delivered over a 50% reduction in crime and established a modern, award winning and professional law enforcement agency that you can be proud to serve you. I look forwarded to getting up every morning and pinning the Sheriff’s star on my uniform and continuing to serve you.”
With this election, Sheriff Staly is tied for the 3rd longest consecutive serving Sheriff in Flagler County history.
• Longest serving Sheriff – Sheriff Robert McCarthy served 1983 – 2000
• 2nd longest serving Sheriff – Sheriff Zip Edmondson served 1965 – 1980
• Sheriffs elected to 3-consecutive terms:
_ Sheriff Henry Wells served 1941 – 1952
_ Sheriff Rick Staly, 2017 – present
_ Sheriff Homer Brooks* served 1957 – 1965
* Sheriff Brooks died near the start of his 3rd term and served less than 9-years.
