FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The Lee County Sheriff's Office announced Monday that Sheriff Mike Scott will officially retire later this month after 30 years of public service, 14 of those as Sheriff.
His retirement officially happens on September 24th.
Governor Rick Scott has been notified, and he will appoint an interim Sheriff until the next election.
Sheriff Scott said that while his mother is aging gracefully at 90, his mother-in-law's health is in decline.
"I am near the midway point of my 4th term at a time I would typically be announcing my intentions as to whether or not I would be seeking a 5th term. Family obligations, that have now become priorities, prompted my decision to retire early," writes Sheriff Scott.
He said he had every intention of fulfilling his entire four-year term when he ran for the office of sheriff for the fourth time two years ago.
"I absolutely did, and I did with every fiber the day I said that," Scott said. "But again, circumstances outside my control dictate otherwise."
Sheriff Scott has been the very public face of the sheriff's office for most of his career, but in recent years has stepped out of the spotlight for the most part, ceding those duties to Undersheriff Carmine Marceno. Scott will recommend that the governor name Marceno as interim sheriff.
"There's no question that Carmine Marceno is best-equipped to carry forward the momentum," Mike Scott said.
"I'm humbled," Marceno said. "And I will absolutely run (for Lee County sheriff) in 2020."
Scott said he doesn't have future plans outside of his family obligations - but don't expect him to get into politics.
"I'm open-minded," he said. "If something were to present itself, if some opportunity came, I'd at least consider it. But it wouldn't be to run for office."
