CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. — Two big races took place on this Election Primary Day in Citrus County — and an incumbent sheriff lost.

What You Need To Know

  • Election Day brought out a number of Citrus County residents at precincts to vote

  • Two election races were at the top of the bill — one for the Citrus County Sheriff seat and the race for school superintendent
  • Voter turnout has been quite significant in Citrus compared to neighboring Tampa Bay area counties, boasting more than 30%

Those at precincts in Citrus County say this election was big, with two election races at the top of the bill, starting with Citrus County Sheriff between current Sheriff Mike Prendergast and his opponent, David Vincent.

With 100 percent of precincts reporting, Vincent garnered 24,800 (63.4%) of the vote, to Prendergast's 14,343 (36.6%).

"Just overjoyed is probably an understatement," Vincent said in an interview. "I think our community spoke very loudly today in what they wanted to see in the future of our sheriff’s office and law enforcement here in Citrus County. I’m just glad they believe in me and the message we’ve been putting out here this last year."

Vincent added on by saying, "I’ve always said from the day that I started this campaign that I wanted to be a sheriff for every person in this community, and every person in this community had that opportunity to cast their vote today for me and they believed in that message that I put out this year. So I’m excited about that and the future of Citrus County."

At Citrus County Precinct 109, voters turned out for what became a busy day.

“We started out slow because of the weather,” says Mary Burgess, Clerk of Citrus County Precinct 109. “We had a quick thunderstorm this morning, but as the sun started coming out our turnout has been exceptionally well.”

“I would say some of the county commission vote elections are up for grabs as well and the school board. The school board elections are up there as well,” Burgess said in discussing races other than sheriff.

The superintendent race — in fact — was between Scott Hebert and Jason Koon. Herbert won that race with 60% of the vote.

Voter turnout was quite significant in Citrus County compared to neighboring Tampa Bay area counties, boasting more than 30%.

“That feels great because it’s important to us,” says Stephenie Purinton, a Citrus County resident. “It’s a civic duty, but it’s also just important to our community that we have the right people in the right places.”

This Election Day drew out avid supporters, like Purinton and her husband. They waved signs and greeted fellow voters.

“I did a few hours out on the road and I went home and cooled off, and we’ve been back for a few hours this afternoon,” she says. “It’s been nice to see and hear the people supporting Jason and the waves, the honks, the thumbs up. It’s been exciting to be a part of that process.”

Turning out for what is sure to be an important election.

And mail ballots have been a popular way of voting in Citrus. The Supervisor of Elections is reporting more than 16,000 mail-in ballots already, outpacing election day ballots for now.