Lawmen investigate allegations of political signs being removed (VIDEO)
The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a candidate following allegations by backers of an opponent that political signs were removed.
Currently, the investigation focuses on a dispute between two candidates for the State Representative District 1 seat being vacated by Greg Evers.
A supporter of Doug Broxson, Kevin Brown, says he filed a complaint against candidate Greg Brown, Jr. The complaint alleges Greg Brown, Jr. removed political signs of Doug Broxson from property at the corner of Highway 89 and Highway 87 just north of Milton.
The property in question is owned by Don Durrell, of Holt, who practices law in Ft. Walton Beach.
At issue appears to be who had permission to place signs on the corner lot in the first place.
Broxson, who has lost several signs, says he is concerned. “I am saddened by what is going on,” Broxson said. “We do not have a lot of money to spend on signs and we have had about 200 or so disappear during the campaign. So I asked my volunteers to see what was going on.
“If it was kids or a vandal, I am sure that everyone’s signs would be involved.”
Broxson went on to say he is trying to protect his property and would rather the election focus on the issues such as the economy or off shore matters. “I would hate to see the campaign focus on some pettiness like this,” Broxson said.
In a call to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, Det. Billy Wheeler, confirmed the investigation, but declined additional comment.
Brown says it may be much ado about nothing. He says he, and he alone, had permission to post signs on the subject lot.
“I have several signs there and have an agreement with Don Durrell that I am the only candidate for State Representative District 1 who may have a sign on the property,” Brown said. “So I removed those signs and that is why they came down.
“I called him and asked him for permission.”
Brown went on to stress that he does not put a sign anywhere without permission and if he finds out he doesn’t have permission it is quickly taken down.
Durrell, a supporter of Brown and his candidacy to succeed Evers in the upcoming election, which includes Broxson, Jeremy Early, Ricky Perritt, Ferd Solomon, and Mathias Venditto verifies Brown’s statement.
“I own 25 acres in the triangle and I support Mr. Brown,” Durrell said from his office, Monday. “I have given him an exclusive right to put signs on my property in that particular race.
“I live in Holt and I fully support him being my next representative and I was never asked for permission by his opponent.”
A video of what the charges focus on can be found at www.srpressgazette.com
