GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The Clay County Sheriff’s Office is adding more eyes to the county’s waterways thanks to a statewide program aimed to increase law enforcement resources. The agency increased its Marine Unit with a state-of-the-art boat, which allows for more deputies to be out on the waterways.

The agency was able to acquire the boat through the Florida Sheriffs Association Shared Asset Program. The program provides funds for assets that can be shared regionally, like boats, utility terrain vehicles, drones, and speed trailers. The CCSO’s new-to-the-agency asset will be used in the county, but the agency will also make it available to other local law enforcement entities when necessary.

“We’re proud of the partnerships we have with our neighboring agencies,” Sheriff Michelle Cook said, “We know they will be there for us when we need it, and we are more than happy to return the favor. This new Marine Unit boat is a part of that understanding.”

During the 2020-21 fiscal year, the FSA awarded 13 sheriffs’ offices more than $630,000 to purchase resources to share in protecting and serving the State of Florida. Shared assets make sheriffs stronger – whether through coordinated Florida Sheriffs Task Force efforts or responding to natural disasters and other emergencies. Since its inception, the program has awarded more than $1.3 million directly to sheriffs’ offices.

“The Florida Sheriffs Association is leading the way by doing more with our innovative statewide program that increases law enforcement resources,” said FSA President and Gilchrist County Sheriff Bobby Schultz, “Our Shared Asset Program provides a way for neighboring sheriffs to share assets, increase our response, and serve more citizens.”

This round of applications was unique and did not provide direct funding, rather a boat was provided for the program’s grant cycle.

“This is a win for everyone,” said Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, “Pinellas County donated this state-of-the-art marine craft to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, which puts more eyes and technology on the water. In turn, Clay County can aid other areas in the region as needed. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.”

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit is routinely called upon by neighboring agencies to assist in events and operations alike. Clay County has 39-square miles of heavily traveled waterways. The boat is already out on the water and made its debut at the CCSO’s Police Memorial ceremony earlier this month.