With Great Power: Florida Sheriffs in the Twentieth Century

Florida’s local sheriff was often the most powerful and influential member in his or her community.  Of course, with great power came great responsibility.  The sheriff fulfilled an array of duties and often set the political and moral tone for the community in which he or she served. Most performed their duties with honor and integrity, often serving at great personal sacrifice.  Others chose to act less wisely.  The sheriff’s authority and manner of serving gradually changed as the century progressed and new legislation attempted to balance power between local and state law enforcement. With Great Power is a photographic exhibit comprised of images from the State Archives of Florida relating to the state’s county sheriffs in the early to mid-twentieth century.