Amid Swirling Controversy, Sheriff Nienhuis Says He Deserves a Third Term

BROOKSVILLE – Sheriff Al Nienhuis announced he's running for a third term as Hernando County's chief law enforcement officer today, but this time he may not be a shoo-in.

Nienhuis was appointed in 2011 by Democrat Governor Charlie Crist and was elected twice after that.

Despite mounting allegations of coverups, a defendant in several federal lawsuits, and one of the few anti-body camera chiefs in the state, Nienhuis believes voters still trust him to do the top job again.

Nienhuis is backed by the usual network of elites, including Rep. Jeff Holcomb and State Sen. Blaise Ingoglia, who many say runs Hernando County like a mob boss. If you aren't hand-picked by Ingoglia, you have no chance of winning.

Nienhuis plans to hold an exclusive, invitation-only campaign kickoff at Brian's Place in Hernando Beach on November 9th.