Sheriff Waters says candidate Mike Gay’s mailer attempts to ‘deceive’ voters

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (FLV) – Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters sent a scathing message to City Council District 2 candidate Mike Gay for a campaign mailer that Waters said implied the sheriff supports Gay.

However, Waters supports Lindsey Brock, who is Gay’s opponent.

“This implication that I support your campaign is a blatant attempt to deceive the voters of Jacksonville,” Waters said in a statement to Gay.

The mailer shows a photo of Waters and Gay shaking hands and a quote that reads: “Received unprecedented endorsements & support from local leaders & faith-based organizations.”

“Let me be perfectly clear: I do not support you,” Waters said in the statement to Gay Thursday.

Republicans Mike Gay and Lindsey Brock are heading into the May 16 runoff election for City Council District 2.

Waters endorsed Brock in January.

Florida’s Voice reached out to the Mike Gay campaign but did not receive an immediate response.

“As you are no doubt aware, I have endorsed your opponent, Lindsey Brock, for City Council District 2,” Waters said. “Not only that, but Jacksonville’s law enforcement community overwhelmingly supports Lindsey: The Fraternal Order of Police, Jacksonville Association of Firefighters, and former Sheriff John Rutherford.”

“Allow this communication to serve as your official notice to remove me from any and all campaign advertisements. Please govern yourself accordingly.”