Mike Prendergast and David Vincent will face off for Citrus County sheriff

Only two men remain for Citrus County sheriff.

Sheriff Mike Prendergast and the Citrus County School District Police Chief David-Vincent will face off in a winner-take-all Republican primary.

Two challengers, the retired state law enforcement colonel. Calvin Adams Jr. and pastor of Inverness Doug Alexandredid not qualify.

Adams and Alexander both announced their support for Vincent during the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce candidate forum that took place just moments after qualifying ended.

They said the three challengers were able to meet recently and concluded their collective message had a better chance of defeating the incumbent president.

“It is imperative that the vote is not split among so many like-minded candidates,” Adams said.

Alexander, a former sheriff's deputy who announced his candidacy in March, was considered Vincent's closest competitor. Each has similar collections in the $40,000 range.

Alexander waited until Friday morning before deciding to forgo qualifying.

“It was a difficult thing to do, but it was the right thing to do,” he said. “A vote for Dave is a vote for Doug. A vote for Dave is a vote for this community.

A standing ovation from 200 participants at the chamber's forum greeted both announcements. It all happened as Prendergast sat in silence, waiting for the sheriff's portion of the forum to begin.

Prendergast has come under enormous public pressure in recent weeks. His agency's participation in the arrest of The Lécanto man in connection with the riot of January 6, 2021 at the Capitol many were angry in its conservative base. He is openly confrontational with county commissioners on budgetary matters.

When the wife of a seriously injured deputy accused the sheriff to plan to terminate her husband's employment, citizens reacted with indignation.

That has spurred support from challengers who say Prendergast doesn't have the community's best interests at heart.

He has a huge financial lead. Prendergast, a two-term incumbent, has $168,989 in cash, compared to $24,650 for Vincent.

Vincent's supporters said Friday they plan to fight the outgoing president's financial dominance by fanning out across the county by Aug. 20.

Vincent appreciated the support.

“Great things happen when leaders come together,” he said. “The three of us embarked on a similar mission: to bring the community back to our sheriff’s office. Our united efforts will achieve this.

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