Demings, Mina announce resignations to pursue other offices

ORLANDO, Fla. (FOX 35 WOFL) - John Mina on Thursday announced he will retire as Orlando Police Chief to run for Orange County Sheriff.  A statement came from Mina, hours after Jerry Demings delivered his resignation at Orange County Sheriff to pursue the position of Orange County Mayor. 

"I have formally changed my filing status for Orange County Sheriff from the 2020 Election to the 2018 Election. This was in response to Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings filling his resignation to run for Orange County mayor," Mina wrote in a post on his campaign Facebook page. "I'm looking forward to being your next Orange County sheriff."

Mina, who has served on the force for 27 years, announced his intentions to run for Orange County sheriff in the 2020 election back in February of this year.  His retirement is effective Dec. 1, 2018 and his last day at the department will be on Oct. 26, 2018.

Demings announced that he was running for Orange County Mayor in July 2017. Current Mayor Teresa Jacobs has reached her term limits and therefore cannot run. 

Demings has completed 36 years of public service. He was the Orlando Police Chief from 1998 to 2002 and has served as sheriff since 2008.  His resignation is effective Dec. 4, the day he will either be sworn in as mayor or leave public office if he loses.