Headline Surfer photo illustration / Sheriff Dennis Lemma with Amy Lockhart, Seminole County Board of Commissioners, District 4 office holder. Lemma, a Republican, has endorsed Lockhart, also a Republican, for re-election in 2026. In the inset is the Democratic challenger, Charline Santos.
By HENRY FREDERICK / Headline Surfer
SANFORD, Fla. -- Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma has endorsed Amy Lockhart for reelection to the Seminole County Commission, District 4 seat.
In his endorsement, Sheriff Lemma cited Lockhart's outstanding record of public service and her commitment to public safety.
"Amy Lockhart has been a thoughtful and steady leader for Seminole County," Lemma said. "Throughout her time on the Commission, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to public safety, fiscal responsibility, and the long-term well-being of our community," Lemma continued, adding, "I have appreciated her partnership and support of our deputies and first responders, and I am proud to support her reelection.”
"Amy Lockhart has been a thoughtful and steady leader for Seminole County," Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma said. "Throughout her time on the Commission, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to public safety, fiscal responsibility, and the long-term well-being of our community," Lemma continued, adding, "I have appreciated her partnership and support of our deputies and first responders, and I am proud to support her reelection.”
Amy Lockhart, who describes herself as a conservative Republican, said she was "honored to have the endorsement of Sheriff Lemma, adding, "He has always worked tirelessly to keep Seminole County safe. I look forward to continuing to work with him to support our law enforcement officers and their mission to protect the public.”
Lemma's endorsement was first announced on Tuesday in an email from her campaign to Headline Surfer, and the following day in social media posts.
Seminole County resident Valerie Wuertz said she was impressed with Lemma's ringing endorsement of Lockhart, stating in a Facebook post: "Congratulations on earning the endorsement of Sheriff Lemma. That kind of support reflects strong leadership and a trusted record of service."
Mario Perez added: "You have my vote, Amy." Several others simply posted: "Congratulations."
Dennis Lemma's endorsement carries great weight in Seminole County, as he is among the top vote-getters and has served as the county's elected sheriff since 2017. His service to Seminole County dates back to 1992, when he began his career as a correctional officer. He is proud to share that over the course of his 34 years of service, he has worked in virtually every position within the Sheriff's Office. Lemma is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and graduate of the FBI Academy. He and his wife, Diana, have two sons, Dylan and Dayne.
Lockhart is being challenged in the 2026 elections for her District 4 seat on the Seminole County Commission by Lake Mary resident and Realtor Charline Santos, a registered Democrat and political newcomer. Santos, a city resident since the age of 12, is the daughter of Jamaican immigrants.
First elected to the School Board in 2012, and subsequently re-elected in 2016, Amy served as Vice-Chairman for two (2) consecutive years, followed by an additional two years as Chairman. Lockhart successfully fought to reduce standardized testing in schools and restore more local control. Dubbed a “Recess Hero” by advocates across the state, Amy led the cause for “free play” recess for all elementary school students in Seminole County.
Gov. Rick Scott appointed Lockhart to serve on the Seminole State College District Board of Trustees in 2014 and again in 2018. She was again appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2022. She served as chairman of the Board in 2022 and was honored as the Association of Florida Colleges’ Trustee of the Year in the same year.
Lockhart was first elected to the Seminole County Board of County Commissioners in 2018 and re-elected in 2022. She served as chairman of the Board in 2023. She is the board's current vice chairman.
In addition to her regular responsibilities as a County Commissioner, Amy also serves as liaison to the following boards and committees: The Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission, the LYNX Board of Directors, the Medical Examiners Board, the Value Adjustment Board, as well as the Florida Association of Counties, and Seminole State College Board of Trustees.
Lockhart has served in various volunteer leadership roles supporting the great work of organizations such as Seminole County Young Life, Sallie Harrison Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens, and the foundations for both Seminole State College and Seminole County Public Schools.
Lockhart's public recognition includes the SafeHouse of Seminole 2008 “Leadership Award,” the Scottish American Society of Central Florida’s 2013 “Brave Lass” Award, the 2019 Orange Appeal “Women of the Year” award, Association of Florida Colleges 2022 “Trustee of the Year,” and in 2024 was honored to have the Emerald Awards – Salute to Black Excellence in Seminole County – “Person of Year Award” named in her honor.
Amy Lockhart and her husband, Tim, have been married for 32 years and have two adult children, Karis and Jake. They are long-time residents of Sanford, where they attend Holy Cross Episcopal Church.
Amy Lockhart and her husband, Tim, have been married for 32 years and have two adult children, Karis and Jake. They are long-time residents of Sanford, where they attend Holy Cross Episcopal Church.
In her spare time, Amy Lockhart enjoys tending to her kitchen garden, cooking, and researching genealogy. She is also a proud mom of two goldendoodles, Maggie and Bear.
Previous Coverage:
Seminole County Commissioner Amy Linville Lockhart: county's office of economic development & tourism accredited for first time / Published: Wed, 03/12/2025 - 18:00
Seminole County Commissioner Amy Lockhart: 'Wearing a mask is my way of putting others before myself' / Published: Tue, 06/30/2020 - 10:44
Seminole County School Board Chairwoman Amy Lockhart: 'We're going to do all we can for Puerto Ricans who need to relocate here' / Published: Wed, 09/27/2017 - 21:02
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