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Election Results
Florida primary election results for Aug. 20, 2024
Voters went to the polls Tuesday in Indian River County, and made their voices heard by selecting who they want to lead the sheriff's office.
Sheriff Eric Flowers won the Republican primary Tuesday evening for Indian River County sheriff.
"It's a great feeling to know that the voters of the River County have elected me to continue for another four years," Flowers told WPTV's Kate Hussey after his primary win. "I'm happy to serve the, the good folks of Indian River County as long as they'll have me."
WATCH BELOW: WPTV's Kate Hussey speaks with Sheriff Eric Flowers after his win
Flowers won over challengers Milo Thornton and Keith Touchberry, who were also on the ballot.
"They fought a good race and I'm certainly glad they stepped up and put their hat in the ring," Flowers told WPTV.
Touchberry has 35 years of experience with law enforcement. He served as a Vero Beach officer in 1989. Fast forward to 2013 when he became the police chief of the Fellsmere Police Department. Touchberry was president of the Florida Police Chiefs Association from 2022 to 2023.
"I am thankful for everyone who supported me throughout this campaign and proud of how our team focused on winning," Touchberry said after his loss in the primary.
Flowers, along with a write-in candidate, are running for Indian River County sheriff.
Flowers was selected as the 11th sheriff of Indian River County in 2021. He began his career with the agency in 2003 and moved up the ladder. During the debate back in June, he said he would like to see additional technology for schools and better pay for his agency.
WATCH: Candidate Deborah Cooney says her platform calls for an increase in pay during debate
Flowers will now face write-in candidate Deborah Cooney in the November general election.
"We went against her last time and I know that the voters have seen the things that I've done in the last four years," Flowers told WPTV. "I hope that when they turn out in November, they'll continue to judge me based on my record and the things that we've accomplished."
Cooney is a civil rights activist and wants better community policing. Cooney said she aims to address police misconduct. She also added the solution to retention is better pay.
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