Tensions rose as Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters faced criticism from community advocates outside his final town hall meeting of the year.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Tensions escalated outside Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters’ final town hall meeting on Tuesday night. While addressing concerns of district one residents, such as crime trends and traffic enforcement, the sheriff also faced criticism from community advocates.
Throughout the six town hall meetings, the sheriff informed First Coast News that the most frequently raised issues were traffic, the decrease in violent crime, and inquiries regarding the new jail.
At this final town hall, the sheriff responded to questions on similar topics but encountered demonstrators demanding greater accountability from the sheriff’s office.
Approximately a dozen demonstrators from the Jacksonville community action committee, a grassroots organization advocating for the Black community, gathered on the corner of Laura and Ashley Street in Downtown Jacksonville.
“T.K. shame, shame,” chanted the demonstrators, raising concerns about issues affecting the department such as excessive force by officers and Waters’ perceived lack of accountability.
“They have yet to apologize, they’ve yet to own up to their behavior,” said Monica Gold with Jacksonville Community Action Committee.
Most recently, they’re concerned over the response from the sheriff’s office regarding the viral traffic stop involving William McNeil Jr.
“A person in our community, William McNeil, was brutalized by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and Sheriff Waters has taken no action and shown no steps towards future accountability, which we find shameful,” explained Gold.
Right across the street from these demonstrators, Waters was inside First Baptist church holding his final town hall meeting and responded to those speaking out against him.
“Those people don’t really care about anything I have to say, it is what it is. They have the right to protest,” he said. “I answer every question I’m asked and if I can’t get to it, we answer them online.”
The sheriff also addressing the department’s response to the McNeil traffic stop
“I don’t mind discussing anything, I’m not afraid to tell you what’s going on,” said Waters. “Because there’s something good about telling the truth, because when you tell the truth there’s no bashfulness and you’re not ashamed or afraid. No matter how much people yell at you, protest you and call you names.”
He went on to say, “We’re gonna do the best I can every single time and when that information becomes available I will give it to you, 100%, no question about it.”
This was the sheriff’s last town hall meeting of the year. However, community members have the chance to meet the sheriff and make their concerns known during his neighborhood walk this Saturday. Starting at 10:30 a.m., the sheriff will be walking the Arlington neighborhood and meeting residents.
