Haley Harrison – First Coast News
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The race to be the next sheriff of Jacksonville is already historic with the first Black woman to run for the position: JSO assistant chief Lakesha Burton.
Sheriff Mike Williams’ term ends in June 2023, and he cannot run again, opening the door for a new sheriff in a town.
Burton, a veteran JSO officer, is excited about the opportunity.
Burton was born and raised in Jacksonville. When she was at Wolfson High School, she had hit one of the lowest points of her life. However, with help from others, her journey changed in a major way.
She believes it is one of the reasons she is the community-focused officer she is today.
“Back in ’92, it was really a turning point for me,” Burton explained. “I was a young teenage mom, going through so many different things. I found myself at a crossroad, and I was literally contemplating suicide because I felt like my life had no value. I felt like I couldn’t achieve my dreams.”
Nonetheless, Burton said she started working harder in school after receiving help from resources like officers with the Police Athletic League or PAL of Jacksonville.