Regardless of what happens in the Florida Senate this month, there is a good chance the next Broward County sheriff will be Scott Israel.
As The Who sang, “Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.”
The Senate will consider whether to give Israel his job back following the recommendations of a special master. Israel was removed from office after accusations that he made mistakes in response to the Parkland and Fort Lauderdale airport mass shootings.
The state Senate this month must ratify the removal, or follow the special master’s recommendations and make Israel sheriff again.
Whatever senators do, their actions may be meaningless by this time next year. There is a very good chance that Democratic voters will nominate Israel in the August 18, 2020 primary despite anything the state Senate does. And Democrats almost always win Broward’s countywide elections.
One reason for Israel’s good fortune is Sheriff Gregory Tony, his chief opponent.
Tony is simply…underwhelming.
