First Clay County African-American sheriff sworn in, says 'The color of my skin is not relevant'

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. — Monday night, Darryl Daniels became the new sheriff of Clay County and he’s already laying out his agenda.

Daniels said he plans to interact more with the community and wants to be more approachable than the last administration.

Daniels made history by becoming the first African-American to serve as sheriff in the county.

"I’ve been this color my whole life. The color of my skin is not relevant," Daniels said.

Daniels said the biggest problem he wants to combat throughout the county is illegal drug activity.

“That is the underlying issue for some of the other crimes," Daniels said.

Tackling crime, along with connecting with the community, are his top priorities.

"Those are the pillars of anything else. That's my foundation of this administration," Daniels said.

Daniels is beginning his new role with some controversy after choosing former state attorney Angela Corey as his general counsel. An online petition asking him to remove his appointment has 200 signatures.

"I didn't hire her to be the state attorney, I’m hiring her to be the general counsel and that is to protect the office of sheriff," Daniels said.

Clay County resident Mike Nolan said he stands behind the sheriff’s decision.

"She did a good job in Jacksonville in my opinion, and she was hard core against crime and I’m one against crime so I think she'll do a good job," Nolan said.

And Daniels said he has a message for those who don’t stand behind him.

"For those who didn't support Darryl Daniels, hopefully I can earn their trust in the next four years," Daniels said.

Daniels said he plans to meet with those who disapprove of Angela Corey to hear their concerns. As for the rest of the month, he already has a neighborhood walk planned out and wants to meet with other sheriffs.

Cox Media Group