Charlie Creel Concedes in Wakulla County Sheriff's Race
Charlie Creel held a press conference on the steps of the Wakulla County Courthouse early this morning to officially concede the race for Wakulla County Sheriff to incumbent Sheriff David F. Harvey. With his wife Cheryl and his daughter Hilary at his side, Creel read a written statement to the crowd of supporters and media representatives who looked on from the courthouse lawn.
"This election was so close that a state recount was mandated by law," read Creel. "As of this morning, we still have a two vote discrepancy in the number of ballots cast from those counted on Sunday in the Commission District Five race. More than likely, those two ballots will not change the outcome of the sheriff's race.
"I want to thank the canvassing board, their staff, and the Supervisor of Elections that have worked tirelessly over the past several days. I also want to thank attorney Wayne Malaney who stepped in and took charge of the recount. Having Wayne's expertise made a huge difference in the way the count was conducted, and the confidence that we felt in the system.
"Although the outcome was not as we had hoped, I urge my supporters to come together to help unify our community, and to put this race behind us.
"We all have different backgrounds, faiths, jobs, and issues, but we all have one thing in common, and we all care deeply for Wakulla County.
"We need to work together to keep this community safe for our children and for our families. That is our number one priority.
"I would like to thank my wife Cheryl, our daughter Hilary, my family, and all of our supporters for their hard work and efforts throughout this long campaign.
"We now know that almost half of our county is looking for a change in the way business has been conducted in the sheriff's department. I am hopeful that Sheriff Harvey will acknowledge this sentiment and will make the necessary changes to reclaim the trust of all Wakulla County citizens.
"The race is now over, and I wish David Harvey the very best in the coming months and in the years ahead."
After Creel finished speaking, he entertained questions from the media. When asked what he meant by "necessary changes" mentioned in his speech, Creel noted that the changes he was speaking of were part of what he had hoped to accomplish if elected, such as streamlining the department and making it less top heavy with administration. "I think there should be more deputies out on the street, and more focus on the drug problem here in Wakulla County," explained Creel. "I'd also like to see Sheriff Harvey call for a comprehensive audit of the department's spending."
When asked what his future plans included, Creel jokingly responded,"Life goes on; I have yard work to do!" On a more serious note, Creel noted that he still has a job with Post, Buckley, Schuh & Jernigan as a management consultant to the Florida Department of Transportation, and he will stay involved in Wakulla County as well.
Creel stated that he was satisfied with the outcome of the race and with the way the recount was conducted. "Bottom line is he (Harvey) got more votes than us and he won," said Creel. Creel added that the race was an experience he will treasure forever, and that he enjoyed getting out and meeting many of the residents of Wakulla County during his campaign. "Running again is something I will have to sit down and talk to my family about," said Creel. "Four years is a long time, but it's always a possibility."
"At the end of the day, I can hold my head up and feel like I ran a good, clean race," finished Creel.
Picture 1: With his family at his side, Creel concedes the race.
Local News 
Charlie Creel held a press conference on the steps of the Wakulla County Courthouse early this morning to officially concede the race for Wakulla County Sheriff to incumbent Sheriff David F. Harvey. With his wife Cheryl and his daughter Hilary at his side, Creel read a written statement to the crowd of supporters and media representatives who looked on from the courthouse lawn.
After Creel finished speaking, he entertained questions from the media. When asked what he meant by "necessary changes" mentioned in his speech, Creel noted that the changes he was speaking of were part of what he had hoped to accomplish if elected, such as streamlining the department and making it less top heavy with administration. "I think there should be more deputies out on the street, and more focus on the drug problem here in Wakulla County," explained Creel. "I'd also like to see Sheriff Harvey call for a comprehensive audit of the department's spending."
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