Sheriff threatens to pull work crews from county

Posted on May 26, 2021

After the Taylor County Commission decided last week to discontinue its Taylor County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) security details at the Keaton Beach and Steinhatchee boat ramps this summer, the board received a number of calls in protest, most notably from Sheriff Wayne Padgett, who threatened to pull the county’s jail work squads in response.

Last Friday, the commission held a special meeting and rescinded their earlier action after listening to Padgett, as well as several coastal residents who spoke about the need for the deputies. However, the board also pushed back against allegations apparently made by Padgett that the original decision was made in retaliation to his recent request for raises for his employees.

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