Hendry County History Lesson

In 2004, current Chief Deputy Kevin Nelson received 528 votes in the Republican Primary, losing to Ronnie Lee who went on to win the General Election and serve his second, although non-consecutive term as Sheriff.

In the 2008 primary, "Republican Candidate" Nelson received 371 Votes, losing again to Ronnie Lee and Rick Hornsby. Two days after the primary, he took out a full-paged add in the local papers, supporting the Democratic Candidate and his current "boss," Steve Whidden. In exchange for the promise of his whopping 371 votes, Nelson was brought on board as a Lieutenant under the Whidden administration until six months into the first year in office, Whidden fired then Chief Deputy Chuck Powell. (The circumstances of which are a whole other true story for some time later on.) Then, by the magic wand method of promotional assesment, Nelson was made the new Chief where he currently sits (in the dark many would add).

Since being appointed Chief, Nelson's son-in-law was hired as the Technology Manager and he just happens to be the 3rd highest paid member of the HCSO, right behind Whidden and Nelson and over all other sworn members of the agency. Next comes the new jail captain from Nelson's former agency - Collier County SO, who doesn't live in Hendry county, has no community ties and who's sole "investment" in Hendry county may consist of the occasional lunch. Of course, SW has final approval over these hires but it's apparent that he has turned over all decision making to Nelson. In essence, for 371 votes, Nelson has assumed the role of the de facto Sheriff of Hendry County and that is not what the citizens of this county voted for in 2008. The voters spoke very clearly, too bad the sheriff didn't listen.

[Unregistered]

In 2004, current Chief Deputy Kevin Nelson received 528 votes in the Republican Primary, losing to Ronnie Lee who went on to win the General Election and serve his second, although non-consecutive term as Sheriff.

In the 2008 primary, "Republican Candidate" Nelson received 371 Votes, losing again to Ronnie Lee and Rick Hornsby. Two days after the primary, he took out a full-paged add in the local papers, supporting the Democratic Candidate and his current "boss," Steve Whidden. In exchange for the promise of his whopping 371 votes, Nelson was brought on board as a Lieutenant under the Whidden administration until six months into the first year in office, Whidden fired then Chief Deputy Chuck Powell. (The circumstances of which are a whole other true story for some time later on.) Then, by the magic wand method of promotional assesment, Nelson was made the new Chief where he currently sits (in the dark many would add).

Since being appointed Chief, Nelson's son-in-law was hired as the Technology Manager and he just happens to be the 3rd highest paid member of the HCSO, right behind Whidden and Nelson and over all other sworn members of the agency. Next comes the new jail captain from Nelson's former agency - Collier County SO, who doesn't live in Hendry county, has no community ties and who's sole "investment" in Hendry county may consist of the occasional lunch. Of course, SW has final approval over these hires but it's apparent that he has turned over all decision making to Nelson. In essence, for 371 votes, Nelson has assumed the role of the de facto Sheriff of Hendry County and that is not what the citizens of this county voted for in 2008. The voters spoke very clearly, too bad the sheriff didn't listen.

Truth!

Absolute unadulterated unequivocal truth!

[Unregistered]

Truth!

Absolute unadulterated unequivocal truth!

So wtf does it matter Kevin recommended his highly qualified son to a high paying job NONE of you could even comprehend.

I think 101 should just across the board adjust salaries Sgt 70k Lt Capt 85-95 and Cheif 115. Entry level 35. Youll see some real additudes change and people willing to work harder to get a raise instead of holding their ovaries whining and crying about pay. You want more pay then do more be qualified more like Kevins son was. Don't like it go somewhere else. Time for things to change in Hendry where people act more professional not like children

[Unregistered]

So wtf does it matter Kevin recommended his highly qualified son to a high paying job NONE of you could even comprehend.

I think 101 should just across the board adjust salaries Sgt 70k Lt Capt 85-95 and Cheif 115. Entry level 35. Youll see some real additudes change and people willing to work harder to get a raise instead of holding their ovaries whining and crying about pay. You want more pay then do more be qualified more like Kevins son was. Don't like it go somewhere else. Time for things to change in Hendry where people act more professional not like children

With defunding going on as the word of the day, good luck

[Unregistered]

With defunding going on as the word of the day, good luck

He lied about his college degree. Nice Nelson

[Unregistered]

He lied about his college degree. Nice Nelson

Lying about credentials and training is standard for Hendry. Go look up Wyatt Henderson. Wasn't he also the number 2 or 3 and got called out on his BS?

[Unregistered]

With defunding going on as the word of the day, good luck

Was that your attempt to speak worldly current events? Hendry isn't Chicago or Minneapolis. You are probably the sort who would do and say anything. Maybe require everyone department take a knee daily? As matter of fact those ideas could fly, have only two deputies per shift per district, require reserves to work two three shifts a month along with every former deputy slot to community aide no arrests only counseling listening and advice. You should have a bowel movement into your open mouth anytime you try to speak up.

[Unregistered]

In 2004, current Chief Deputy Kevin Nelson received 528 votes in the Republican Primary, losing to Ronnie Lee who went on to win the General Election and serve his second, although non-consecutive term as Sheriff.

In the 2008 primary, "Republican Candidate" Nelson received 371 Votes, losing again to Ronnie Lee and Rick Hornsby. Two days after the primary, he took out a full-paged add in the local papers, supporting the Democratic Candidate and his current "boss," Steve Whidden. In exchange for the promise of his whopping 371 votes, Nelson was brought on board as a Lieutenant under the Whidden administration until six months into the first year in office, Whidden fired then Chief Deputy Chuck Powell. (The circumstances of which are a whole other true story for some time later on.) Then, by the magic wand method of promotional assesment, Nelson was made the new Chief where he currently sits (in the dark many would add).

Since being appointed Chief, Nelson's son-in-law was hired as the Technology Manager and he just happens to be the 3rd highest paid member of the HCSO, right behind Whidden and Nelson and over all other sworn members of the agency. Next comes the new jail captain from Nelson's former agency - Collier County SO, who doesn't live in Hendry county, has no community ties and who's sole "investment" in Hendry county may consist of the occasional lunch. Of course, SW has final approval over these hires but it's apparent that he has turned over all decision making to Nelson. In essence, for 371 votes, Nelson has assumed the role of the de facto Sheriff of Hendry County and that is not what the citizens of this county voted for in 2008. The voters spoke very clearly, too bad the sheriff didn't listen.

".......In exchange for the promise of his whopping 371 votes, Nelson was brought on board as a Lieutenant under the Whidden administration until six months into the first year in office, Whidden fired then Chief Deputy Chuck Powell. (The circumstances of which are a whole other true story for some time later on.)...."

Ok, it's later on. Tell everyone what those true circumstances are about former Chief Deputy Chuck Powell allegedly are. Anything to get attention to sell tickets.