Pasco Sheriff Nocco Resigns, Chief of Staff Takes Over

Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco resigned late Monday night to pursue a seat in the Florida State Senate. The departure ends his 15-year tenure leading the department in New Port Richey.

Jeff Harrington, Nocco's former chief of staff, now serves as interim sheriff. The Chief Judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit appointed Harrington to the role, with the change taking effect at midnight Tuesday. This interim status allows Harrington to manage the agency until the governor selects a permanent successor.

Nocco initially earned the office through an appointment from former Governor Rick Scott in 2011. Voters re-elected him in 2012, 2016, 2020, and 2024. Before becoming sheriff, he served as a captain and major at the Pasco agency. He also held police positions in Philadelphia, Broward County, and Fairfax County, Virginia.

The governor's office has not announced a timeline for naming a permanent replacement to finish the term. Officials have also not indicated whether Harrington is a candidate for that formal gubernatorial appointment. The interim arrangement ensures leadership continuity during the transition period.

Nocco announced his planned departure in May to campaign against Democrat Jordan Hensley for the District 21 State Senate seat. Voters in that district decided the contest during Tuesday's election. The Pasco Sheriff's Office confirmed the leadership transition in an agency statement issued Tuesday.