BUNNELL – Employees from the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office donated a combined $25,645 to the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches in 2023, per a new press release from the agency. Founded in 1957, Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches (FSYR) is a nonprofit that houses in-need children and provides multiple social services.
A check for the full amount donated was presented by Sheriff Rick Staly on Monday to FSYR Vice President Maria Knapp and Levy County Sheriff Bobby McCallom, the Chair of the FSYR Board. Sheriff Staly also serves on the FSYR Board as the Immediate Past Chair.
According to its official website, the FSYR’s mission is to ‘prevent delinquency and develop lawful, resilient and productive citizens’. It was founded by the Florida Sheriffs Association, and has facilities in Live Oak, Bartow, Safety Harbor, Barberville, Inglis, and Bradenton. The organization has assisted over 173,000 children and families according to the FCSO’s release.
“Our Agency and I have supported the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches for many years,” Sheriff Staly said. “I am very proud of the men and women of FCSO, who not only support our children and youth locally, but donate to the Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranches as part of the Flagler Sheriff’s Children’s Charities. FCSO firmly supports and truly believes in the organization’s mission to support our youth by ‘mending lives, healing hearts’.”
Chris Gollon is a Flagler County resident since 2004, as well as a staple of the local independent music scene and avid observer of Central Florida politics, arts, and recreation.