Flagler Sheriff Rick Staly, recently re-elected to a third term in office by default without a challenger, has donated $100,000 in leftover campaign funds to the Flagler Sheriff’s Employees Assistance Trust (FSEAT). The donation accounts for most of the total funds Staly’s campaign received – $128,791 according to the Flagler Supervisor of Elections Office.
The Flagler Sheriff’s Employees Assistance Trust is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit which uses its funds to support FCSO employees during personal life crises, and to help the families of FCSO deputies who are killed in actions. The organization was founded in 2017 by Staly, then just beginning his first term in office.
“I know my supporters that contributed to my re-election campaign also support the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office,” Staly said of the donation. “Each campaign contributor received a personal letter from me indicating that 92% of their contribution would be donated in their name to FSEAT. The other 8% was spent on campaign expenses. I want to thank everyone that donated to my campaign and for always supporting our employees. With the 2024 Sheriff’s Gala postponed until 2025, I know this contribution will make a difference.”
Candidates for office have limited options for what to do with leftover campaign funds once their election bid has run its course. According to policies outlined in the Florida Division of Elections, those options include:
- Returning donations to those who gave them.
- Donating to a charitable organization or one which is registered as a 501(c)(3) with the Internal Revenue Code.
- Give up to $25,000 to the affiliated party committee or political party which the candidate is a member of (the Republican Party in Staly’s case).
- Give to the political subdivision for which a candidate was running, and deposit it into the subdivision’s general fund.
- Give to the state’s general revenue fund if the candidate was running for state office (which Staly was not).
Staly declared for re-election back in October and did not readily receive any challengers. Eventually he did receive one in the form of Democrat Larry Jones, a retired FCSO sergeant who also ran in the 2016 and 2020 elections. However, Jones would ultimately withdraw his bid before the qualifying deadline, handing Staly an uncontested third term in office.
To finalize the donation, Staly presented a ceremonial check on Tuesday to the Board of Directors for the FSEAT: retired law enforcement officer Derek Barrs, law enforcement supporter Sandy Elliot-Schultheiss, and FCSO Chief of Staff Mark Strobridge. Staly himself also serves on the Board of Directors.
