Sumter County Sheriff Bill Farmer has announced plans to run for re-election in 2020.
The longtime lawman, who started his career with the sheriff’s office in 1971 and at one time was one of four deputies patrolling the county, is being challenged by fellow Republican Eric Ryan Anderson, of Webster, a former Leesburg police officer, member of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office’s Mounted Posse and owner of Xtreme Horsemanship.
Farmer, who is known throughout The Villages for his many charitable ventures, including his annual golf tournament to benefit the youth of Sumter County and his Kentucky Derby event at The Villages Polo Fields for the Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranch, was first elected sheriff in 1996. The lifelong resident of Sumter County and graduate of South Sumter High School has run opposed for the office since 2004.
An Army veteran, Farmer attended Saint Leo University, earning an associates of arts degree in criminal justice and a bachelor’s degree in criminology. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Executive Development Program with the National Sheriff’s Institute.
Farmer has served as chairman of the board, a board member, president and vice president of the Florida Sheriff’s Association. He’s also been chairman of the board of the Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranches and currently serves on its board of directors.
Farmer’s wife, Linda, is a retired teacher, having served 38 years with the Sumter School District. They have three children: Billy, a regional manager for an agricultural firm; Stephen, a lieutenant with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; and Kristen, who serves with the Federal Bureau of Prisons.