FHP veteran files to run for sheriff

[Courtesy of Milton Simmons Busby Jr.]

Milton Simmons Busby Jr. has filed candidacy papers to enter the race for Marion County sheriff, opposing the incumbent Sheriff Billy Woods in the 2024 election.

Busby, a Republican, was an officer in the Florida Highway Patrol for 32 years and spent 32 years in the U.S. Army Reserves.

“I feel that the people of Marion County deserve to look at options for a candidate as sheriff,” Busby said. “I’m a progressive guy, well-educated and versed in different systems and different methods of law enforcement.”

Busby, 61, earned a doctorate in educational leadership and administration from Nova Southeastern University in 2016. Busby is also a Marion County native and graduated from Vanguard High School.

Woods, also a Republican, was first elected in 2016, then reelected after running unopposed in 2020. If he wins the 2024 election, it will be his third term in office. He earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration and business management from Columbia Southern University.

“I feel there needs to be a certain amount of unity between the law enforcement and the community, and I’m not sure if we are there in Marion County,” Busby said.

In the FHP, Busby said he served as a motorcycle sergeant for the last 10 years he spent as an officer but had to end his career with the department due to a motorcycle accident that left him with severe injuries. Busby said he has since recovered and that his experiences have made him sensitive to the mental health needs of others.

“I’m not looking to put policing in the mental health business, but we as law enforcement officers need to recognize very quickly when we have a (citizen with a mental health) problem,” he said. “You just don’t know what will tick people off in certain situations, and you’ve just got to be sensitive.”

Busby said he has never held office, adding that is a strength of his so that policing can refrain from being political.

“You have to maintain balance. Too much politics is not good. Too much law enforcement and not enough politics isn’t good,” he said. “I will be responsive to the people in Marion County.”

As for Busby’s bottom line, he says, “Treat people right. Treat people with respect, run the jail with decency. Do what needs to be done to keep people safe.”

As of Fiscal Year 2022-23, the Marion County Sheriff makes an annual salary of $204,618, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.