ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — St. Johns County has elected a new sheriff and it's Robert Hardwick.
Hardwick took nearly 70 percent of the vote against Chris Strickland and is the current St. Augustine Beach Police Chief.
The Hardwick campaign began celebrating a short time after the polls closed Tuesday night. He’ll begin his term having to grapple with ongoing rapid growth in St. Johns County. Tuesday night, he said his experience as police chief will help him work with county commissioners regarding budget needs in order to keep pace.
"That’s one thing I know I can do with St. Johns County, is work with all five commissioners and make sure that budget is truly providing enough money for us to operate, to add additional manpower, and also too, you know, protect our citizens," Hardwick said.
He said his style of leadership includes putting on the uniform every day and mentoring. He said it's also a combination of old-fashioned police work combined with technology.
Hardwick will face off against a write-in candidate in November. However, that candidate has raised no money.