Candidates prepare for election
BY FRANKLIN HAYES Gulf Breeze News franklin@gulfbreezenews.com

Local candidates are gearing up for the election in November. Santa Rosa County Supervisor of Elections Ann Bodenstein said both Robert Randle, who is running for Santa Rosa County Sheriff, and Timothy Wyrosdick, a candidate for Santa Rosa County Superintendent of Schools, are one step ahead of their opponents in numbers of petitions. Bodenstein said both candidates have turned in the required number of petitions.

Election laws require potential candidates collect signatures from a minimum of 985 registered voters by May 19, or pay a fee in order to be placed on the ballot.

"I am very pleased at the great progress my campaign has experienced in the short time since I pre-filed, and because of their overwhelming support, it is clear to me that the citizens of Santa Rosa County are ready for positive change in their Sheriff's Office," said Randle, who currently serves as deputy chief for the Gulf Breeze Police Department.

Randle, who lives in Milton, is running against incumbent Wendell Hall of Pace, Chris Roper of Jay and Jeffery Van Camp of Gulf Breeze.

Wyrosdick, of Pace, is running against Grady H. "Herb" Cannon of Milton.

Constitutional officers, including the offices of sheriff, supervisor of elections, clerk of court and tax collector, serve four-year terms.