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	{{Short description\|American politician}}		{{Short description\|American politician (born 1955)}}
			{{notability\|date=December 2024}}
	{{Infobox officeholder		{{Infobox officeholder
	\| name = Jeff Brower		\| name = Jeff Brower
	\| image = ~~Jeff Brower (~~Official portrait).jpg		\| image = Official portrait of Volusia County Chair Jeff Brower.jpg
	\| caption = Official portrait, {{circa\|~~2022~~}}		\| caption = Official portrait, {{circa\|2021}}
	\| office = ] of the ] ]		\| office = ] of the ] ]
	\| term_start = January 7, 2021		\| term_start = January 7, 2021
	\| term_end =		\| term_end =
	\| predecessor = Ed Kelley		\| predecessor = Ed Kelley
	\| birth_name = Jeffrey Brower		\| birth_name = Jeffrey Scott Brower
	\| birth_date =		\| birth_date = {{birth date and age\|1955\|11\|16}}
	\| birth_place = ], U.S.		\| birth_place = ], U.S.
	\| years_active =		\| years_active =
	\| party = ]		\| party = ]
	\| spouse = Terri Brower		\| spouse = {{marriage\|Terri Brower\|1985}}
	\| children = 9		\| children = 9
	\| education = ] (])		\| education = ] (])
	\| occupation = {{hlist\|Politician\|~~businessman~~\| ~~farmer~~}}		\| occupation = {{hlist\|Politician\|farmer\| lifeguard}}
	}}		}}

	'''Jeffrey Brower''' is an American politician and farmer who currently serves as ] ] ~~and~~ leader of the ] board. ~~His~~ ~~tenure~~ as ~~county~~ ~~chair~~ ~~remains~~ ~~highly~~ ~~polarizing~~ ~~and~~ ~~controversial~~.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=~~Almenas~~ \|first=~~Jarleene \|date=2022-08-02~~ \|title=~~County Council Chair Jeff Brower accused of lying over~~ '~~political~~ ~~nature'~~ of ~~upcoming~~ ~~Wildlife~~ ~~Corridor~~ ~~workshop~~ \|url=https://www.~~observerlocalnews~~.com/news/~~2022~~/~~aug~~/02/~~county~~-~~council~~-~~chair~~-~~jeff~~-~~brower~~-~~accused~~-of-~~lying~~-~~over~~-~~political-nature-of-upcoming-wildlife-corridor-workshop~~/ \|access-date=2024-12-03 \|website=~~Observer~~ ~~Local~~ News \|language=en}}</ref> He is an ] ~~member~~ of ~~the~~ ].		'''Jeffrey Scott Brower''' (born November 16, 1955) is an American politician and farmer who currently serves as ] ].<ref name="statusquo">{{Cite web \|last=Harrison \|first=Casmira \|title=Brower's big Volusia County chair win suggests "status quo" isn't acceptable \|url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/2020/11/03/jeff-brower-beats-deb-denys-volusia-county-council-chair-heather-post-billie-wheeler-win/3742579001/ \|access-date=2024-05-13 \|website=Daytona Beach News-Journal Online \|language=en-US}}</ref> Brower was appointed leader of the ] board in April 2024 and has served on the Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission since 2021.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Gardner \|first=Sheldon \|title=SunRail board's new leader is Volusia County Council chairman \|url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2024/04/09/sunrail-board-gets-a-new-leader-volusia-chairman-jeff-brower/73248520007/ \|access-date=2024-05-13 \|website=Daytona Beach News-Journal Online \|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Solodev \|date=2024-03-06 \|title=Jeff Brower Elected Chair of Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission \|url=https://www.volusia.org/news/news-releases.stml \|access-date=2024-05-13 \|website=www.volusia.org \|language=en}}</ref>

			== Early life and education ==
	In November 2024, Brower ignited a feud with ] ], insulting the sheriff and endorsing his opponent, who had a criminal record. Sheriff Chitwood condemned Brower's actions and his lack of support for law enforcement while in office.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Gardner \|first=Sheldon \|date=2024-11-01 \|title=Brower unscripted: County chair ignites feud with sheriff days before election in video \|url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2024/11/01/in-tiktok-video-volusia-chair-calls-for-new-sheriff-he-fires-back/75947126007/ \|access-date=2024-12-01 \|website=Daytona Beach News-Journal Online \|language=en}}</ref>
			Jeffrey Scott Brower was born on November 16, 1955,{{citation needed \|date=December 2024 \|reason=full name and birth date}} in ]. His family moved to ], when he was 3 years old. He received a ] in agricultural science from the ].<ref name="volusia">{{Cite web \|date=2022-06-20 \|title=Jeff Brower {{!}} VCC \|url=https://www.volusia.org/government/county-council/county-council-members-details.stml?portalProcess_dd_0_1_1_0=showPublicEntry&calendar_entry_id=27829 \|access-date=2024-12-03 \|website=volusia.org \|language=en}}</ref>

			== Professional career ==
			Brower worked for the Daytona Beach Patrol as a ] from 1970 to 1979.<ref name="volusia"/> After college, he first worked for a plant nursery, then a ] agency, and finally worked for six years as a recruiter for a pest control and fertilization business.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Candidate: Jeffrey Brower \|url=https://www.voterfocus.com/CampaignFinance/candidate_pr.php?op=cv&e=13&c=volusia&ca=401&rellevel=4&committee=N \|website=Volusia County Supervisor of Elections \|date=2024-08-18}}</ref> He left the company to become a ] farmer in 2000. He established a small ] company in 2004.<ref name="volusia"/>

	== Political career ==		== Political career ==
			Before running for office, Brower volunteered as an associate supervisor for the Volusia Soil & Water Conservation District. In 2018, Brower was defeated in the ] ] 1st district primary election.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Reporting Group (Election/Committees) \|url=https://www.voterfocus.com/CampaignFinance/candidate_pr.php?el=13&c=volusia \|website=Volusia County Supervisor of Elections \|date=2024-08-18}}</ref> In 2020, Brower was elected county-wide as Volusia County chair with 56% of the vote, defeating Volusia County councilwoman Deb Denys.<ref name="fresheyes">{{Cite web \|title=Volusia County's New Chairman: I'm Bringing Fresh Eyes to it \|url=https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2020/11/05/volusia-county-s-new-chairman--i-m-bringing-fresh-eyes-to-it \|access-date=2024-05-13 \|website=mynews13.com \|language=en}}</ref> His campaign was based upon cutting taxes and waterway preservation.<ref name="fresheyes"/>
	A farm operator in the ] area,<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Harrison \|first=Casmira \|title=Brower's big Volusia County chair win suggests "status quo" isn't acceptable \|url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/2020/11/03/jeff-brower-beats-deb-denys-volusia-county-council-chair-heather-post-billie-wheeler-win/3742579001/ \|access-date=2024-05-13 \|website=Daytona Beach News-Journal Online \|language=en-US}}</ref> Brower made an unsuccessful run for ] ] in 2018. In 2020, Brower was elected as Volusia County chair with 56% of the vote, defeating ] ] Deb Denys.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Volusia County's New Chairman: I'm Bringing Fresh Eyes to it \|url=https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2020/11/05/volusia-county-s-new-chairman--i-m-bringing-fresh-eyes-to-it \|access-date=2024-05-13 \|website=mynews13.com \|language=en}}</ref> He and county sheriff ] attended a demonstration in support of Israel following the ] of October 2023.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Fernandez \|first=Frank \|title=Demonstrators in Ormond Beach rally for Israel and against 'barbaric evil' \|url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2023/10/09/demonstrators-rally-for-israel-in-ormond-beach-against-barbaric-evil/71116863007/ \|access-date=2024-05-13 \|website=Daytona Beach News-Journal Online \|language=en-US}}</ref> In early 2024, Brower and vice chair Troy Kent received public and media attention for opposing the construction of a much-needed ] in ]. The remaining county council members approved the project and a moratorium vote failed by a 5-2 margin.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Gardner \|first=Sheldon \|title=County Council shifts gears, rejects development moratorium paving way for fuel terminal \|url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2024/02/06/moratorium-related-to-fuel-facility-rejected-in-volusia-what-we-know/72440325007/ \|access-date=2024-05-14 \|website=Daytona Beach News-Journal Online \|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Reed \|first=Molly \|date=2024-02-06 \|title=Volusia County Council rejects heavy industrial moratorium, will process fuel farm site plans \|url=https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2024/02/06/volusia-county-council-rejects-heavy-industrial-moratorium-will-process-fuel-farm-site-plans/ \|access-date=2024-05-14 \|website=WKMG \|language=en}}</ref>

	Brower was appointed chair of the future board for SunRail in April 2024 and has served on the Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission since 2021.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Gardner \|first=Sheldon \|title=SunRail board's new leader is Volusia County Council chairman \|url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2024/04/09/sunrail-board-gets-a-new-leader-volusia-chairman-jeff-brower/73248520007/ \|access-date=2024-05-13 \|website=Daytona Beach News-Journal Online \|language=en-US}}</ref> He was previously serving as vice chair of the board; the ] will maintain operation of SunRail until the end of 2024.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Solodev \|date=2024-03-06 \|title=Jeff Brower Elected Chair of Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission \|url=https://www.volusia.org/news/news-releases.stml \|access-date=2024-05-13 \|website=www.volusia.org \|language=en}}</ref>

	While in office, Brower has voted to protect ] from scrutiny.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Gardner \|first=Sheldon \|date=2023-10-18 \|title=Volusia County Council votes 5-2 to advance stricter rules for sexual predators, offenders \|url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2023/10/18/volusia-county-sexual-predators-could-get-tougher-distance-requirement/71170587007/ \|access-date=2024-12-03 \|website=Daytona Beach News-Journal Online \|language=en}}</ref>

⚫	Brower ran for re-election in the 2024 Volusia County chair election.<ref>{{Cite web \|~~last=Staff \|first~~=A. O. L. \|date=2023-07-08 \|title=Update: Brower files papers for re-election, says he's 'taking the gloves off now' \|url=https://www.aol.com/entertainment/volusia-county-council-chairman-jeff-190254615.html \|access-date=2024-05-13 \|website=www.aol.com \|language=en-US}}</ref> He was challenged by ] ~~Mayor~~ Don Burnette; auto dealer Randy Dye, the father of stock car racer ]; and former county councilwoman Deb Denys.<ref>{{cite news \|date=May 4, 2023 \|title=Businessman Randy Dye joins two others in a run for Volusia County Council Chair \|url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/politics/county/2023/05/04/randy-dye-prominent-businessman-joins-race-for-volusia-county-chair/70184217007/ \|work=Daytona Beach News Journal \|location=(Florida)}}</ref> Denys and Burnette were eliminated in the August primary, and Brower went on to narrowly win re-election with 51.4% of the vote in the November runoff against Dye.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|last=Zizo \|first=Christie \|title=Jeff Brower wins reelection for Volusia County Council Chair seat \|url=https://www.clickorlando.com/results-2024/2024/11/04/find-results-for-the-volusia-council-chair-race-on-nov-5-2024/ \|access-date=2024-12-02 \|website=clickorlando.com \|language=en-US}}</ref> The ] ] voted to endorse Dye in the election.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Gardner \|first=Sheldon \|title=Outspent and out-endorsed, Jeff Brower wins race for Volusia County Council chairman \|url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/county/2024/11/05/volusia-county-chairman-jeff-brower-ahead-as-final-votes-come-in/76043975007/ \|access-date=2024-11-09 \|website=Daytona Beach News-Journal Online \|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Harper \|first=Mark \|date=2024-09-19 \|title=Volusia County Republican Executive Committee backs Randy Dye for county chair \|url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/09/19/who-did-volusia-county-republican-party-endorse-in-county-chair-race/75285100007/ \|access-date=2024-12-03 \|website=Daytona Beach News-Journal Online \|language=en}}</ref>

	=== Controversies ===

	In 2022, Brower's son Brandon, 36, was arrested for ] and resisting arrest in ].<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Frederick \|first=Henry \|date=2022-08-26 \|title=Volusia County Chair Jeff Brower's Son Arrested on DUI Charges in DeLand, FL \|url=https://www.headlinesurfer.com \|access-date=2024-12-03 \|website=headlinesurfer.com \|language=en}}</ref>

	In July 2022, Brower allegedly violated county building code by failing to obtain a permit for a newly constructed roof on his home.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2023-07-25 \|title=Complaint: County chair violated building code \|url=https://beacononlinenews.com/2022/07/25/complaint-county-chair-violated-building-code/ \|access-date=2024-12-03 \|website=Beacon Online News \|language=en}}</ref>

	In August 2022, Brower accused the ] ] of ] his family dog.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Harper \|first=Mark \|date=2022-09-09 \|title=Volusia Chair Jeff Brower says his family dog was poisoned; a political ally blames REC \|url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2022/08/09/volusia-county-chair-says-support-dog-poisoned-no-sheriffs-report-filed/10269119002/ \|access-date=2024-12-03 \|website=Daytona Beach News-Journal Online \|language=en}}</ref>

			In March 2022, Brower endorsed ] ] in the ].<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2022-03-01 \|title=High Frequency: Bedfellows \|url=https://beacononlinenews.com/2022/03/01/high-frequency-bedfellows/ \|access-date=2024-12-04 \|website=Beacon Online News \|language=en}}</ref> Sabatini lost the primary to ] combat veteran ], who went on to win the general election.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Harper \|first=Mark \|date=2022-08-23 \|title=Winning warriors: Cory Mills, Michael Waltz advance in congressional election campaigns \|url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/2022/08/23/2-army-veterans-win-republican-nominations-congress-6th-and-7th/10310099002/ \|access-date=2024-12-04 \|website=Daytona Beach News-Journal Online \|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|date=2022-11-08 \|title=Florida Seventh Congressional District Election Results \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/11/08/us/elections/results-florida-us-house-district-7.html \|access-date=2024-12-04 \|website=] \|language=en}}</ref> Brower and county sheriff ] attended a demonstration in support of Israel following the ] of October 2023.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Fernandez \|first=Frank \|title=Demonstrators in Ormond Beach rally for Israel and against 'barbaric evil' \|url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2023/10/09/demonstrators-rally-for-israel-in-ormond-beach-against-barbaric-evil/71116863007/ \|access-date=2024-05-13 \|website=Daytona Beach News-Journal Online \|language=en-US}}</ref>
	In June 2023, Brower delivered an alarming speech urging Volusia County residents to "turn back to god" and save America from "satanic Marxists."<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Harper \|first=Mark \|date=2024-08-17 \|title=Volusia County chair after June 2023 Trump indictment: Turn to God 'before blood is shed' \|url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2024/08/17/volusia-county-chair-jeff-brower-save-america-from-satanic-marxists/74834015007/ \|access-date=2024-12-03 \|website=Daytona Beach News-Journal Online \|language=en}}</ref>

	In ~~October~~ 2023, Brower voted against ~~stricter~~ ~~living~~ ~~requirements~~ ~~for~~ ~~sexual~~ ~~offenders~~ ~~and~~ ~~predators~~ in ~~Volusia~~ ~~County~~.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Gardner \|first=Sheldon \|date=2023-10-18 \|title=Volusia County Council votes 5-2 to advance stricter rules for sexual predators, offenders \|url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2023/10/18/volusia-county-sexual-predators-could-get-tougher-distance-requirement/71170587007/ \|access-date=2024-12-03 \|website=Daytona Beach News-Journal Online \|language=en}}</ref>		In 2023, Brower and county councilman Don Dempsey voted against increasing the distance ]s could live from schools, with Dempsey stating that the two councillors had opposed the bill because the increased distance could make it harder to track offenders.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Gardner \|first=Sheldon \|date=2023-10-18 \|title=Volusia County Council votes 5-2 to advance stricter rules for sexual predators, offenders \|url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2023/10/18/volusia-county-sexual-predators-could-get-tougher-distance-requirement/71170587007/ \|access-date=2024-12-03 \|website=Daytona Beach News-Journal Online \|language=en}}</ref> Brower has also voted for stronger ] to stop ] and local flooding.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Almenas \|first=Jarleene \|date=2024-09-03 \|title=Vote to disband Volusia County environmental board fails due to a tie \|url=https://www.observerlocalnews.com/news/2024/sep/03/vote-to-disband-volusia-county-environmental-board-fails-due-to-a-tie/ \|access-date=2024-12-03 \|website=Observer Local News \|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Gardner \|first=Sheldon \|date=2023-02-28 \|title='Sounding an alarm': Volusia County Chair Jeff Brower urges focus on water quality \|url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2023/02/28/volusia-chair-talks-water-quality-development-at-state-of-the-county/69932115007/ \|access-date=2024-12-03 \|website=Daytona Beach News-Journal Online \|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Zaffiro-Kean \|first=Eileen \|date=2022-08-05 \|title=Volusia County Council explodes in anger over environmental meeting \|url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/local/2022/08/05/volusia-county-council-argues-over-politicization-of-environment/10234667002/ \|website=Daytona Beach News-Journal Online \|language=en}}</ref>

	In ~~October~~ 2024, Brower ~~was~~ ~~criticized~~ ~~for~~ ~~his~~ ~~perceived~~ ~~failure~~ to ~~address~~ ~~the~~ ~~mass~~ ~~flooding~~ ~~and~~ ~~$267~~ ~~million~~ in ~~damage~~ ~~incurred~~ in ~~Volusia County from~~ ].<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Gardner \|first=Sheldon ~~\|date=2024-10-16~~ \|title=~~Milton~~ ~~damages~~ at ~~$267M~~ in ~~Volusia;~~ ~~residents~~ ~~call~~ for ~~action on~~ ~~flooding~~ \|url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/~~weather~~/~~hurricane~~/2024/10/16/~~after~~-~~hurricane~~-~~milton~~-~~volusia~~-~~residents~~-~~call~~-~~for~~-~~action~~-on-~~flooding~~/~~75691351007~~/ \|access-date=2024-12-03 \|website=Daytona Beach News-Journal Online \|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=~~Clayton~~ \|first=~~James~~ \|date=2024-10-30 \|title=~~Brower~~ ~~hasn’t~~ ~~shown~~ ~~effective~~ ~~leadership~~ \|url=https://~~beacononlinenews~~.com/2024/10/30/~~brower~~-~~hasnt~~-~~shown~~-~~effective~~-~~leadership~~/ \|access-date=2024-12-03 \|website=~~Beacon Online News~~ \|language=en}}</ref>		In early 2024, Brower and county council vice chair Troy Kent voted in opposition to the construction of a ] in ]. The remaining county council members approved the project, and the moratorium vote ultimately failed by a 5-2 margin.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Gardner \|first=Sheldon \|title=County Council shifts gears, rejects development moratorium paving way for fuel terminal \|url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2024/02/06/moratorium-related-to-fuel-facility-rejected-in-volusia-what-we-know/72440325007/ \|access-date=2024-05-14 \|website=Daytona Beach News-Journal Online \|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Reed \|first=Molly \|date=2024-02-06 \|title=Volusia County Council rejects heavy industrial moratorium, will process fuel farm site plans \|url=https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2024/02/06/volusia-county-council-rejects-heavy-industrial-moratorium-will-process-fuel-farm-site-plans/ \|access-date=2024-05-14 \|website=WKMG \|language=en}}</ref>

		⚫	] for Congress]]Brower ran for re-election in the 2024 Volusia County chair election.<ref>{{Cite web \|author=A. O. L. Staff \|date=2023-07-08 \|title=Update: Brower files papers for re-election, says he's 'taking the gloves off now' \|url=https://www.aol.com/entertainment/volusia-county-council-chairman-jeff-190254615.html \|access-date=2024-05-13 \|website=www.aol.com \|language=en-US}}</ref> He was challenged by ] mayor Don Burnette; auto dealer Randy Dye, the father of stock car racer ]; and former county councilwoman Deb Denys.<ref>{{cite news \|date=May 4, 2023 \|title=Businessman Randy Dye joins two others in a run for Volusia County Council Chair \|url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/politics/county/2023/05/04/randy-dye-prominent-businessman-joins-race-for-volusia-county-chair/70184217007/ \|work=Daytona Beach News Journal \|location=(Florida)}}</ref> Denys and Burnette were eliminated in the August primary, and Brower went on to narrowly win re-election with 51.4% of the vote in the November runoff against Dye.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|last=Zizo \|first=Christie \|title=Jeff Brower wins reelection for Volusia County Council Chair seat \|url=https://www.clickorlando.com/results-2024/2024/11/04/find-results-for-the-volusia-council-chair-race-on-nov-5-2024/ \|access-date=2024-12-02 \|website=clickorlando.com \|language=en-US}}</ref> During the race, Brower campaigned heavily on "stopping ]", a stance which Sheldon Gardner of the '']'' labelled as "anti-growth".<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Gardner \|first=Sheldon \|date=2024-10-22 \|title=Will Jeff Brower's anti-growth crusade sway voters enough to keep him in office? \|url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/local/2024/07/24/will-voters-buy-into-jeff-browers-anti-growth-message-well-find-out/74030444007/ \|access-date=2024-12-07 \|website=Daytona Beach News-Journal Online \|language=en-US}}</ref> The ] ] voted to endorse Dye in the election.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Gardner \|first=Sheldon \|title=Outspent and out-endorsed, Jeff Brower wins race for Volusia County Council chairman \|url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/county/2024/11/05/volusia-county-chairman-jeff-brower-ahead-as-final-votes-come-in/76043975007/ \|access-date=2024-11-09 \|website=Daytona Beach News-Journal Online \|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Harper \|first=Mark \|date=2024-09-19 \|title=Volusia County Republican Executive Committee backs Randy Dye for county chair \|url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/09/19/who-did-volusia-county-republican-party-endorse-in-county-chair-race/75285100007/ \|access-date=2024-12-03 \|website=Daytona Beach News-Journal Online \|language=en}}</ref> The election resulted in a "feud" between Brower and Chitwood, with each endorsing the other's opponent in their respective races.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Gardner \|first=Sheldon \|title=Brower unscripted: County chair ignites feud with sheriff days before election in video \|url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2024/11/01/in-tiktok-video-volusia-chair-calls-for-new-sheriff-he-fires-back/75947126007/ \|access-date=2024-12-07 \|website=Daytona Beach News-Journal Online \|language=en-US}}</ref>
	In November 2024, Brower ignited a feud with ] ], insulting the sheriff and endorsing convicted criminal James Powers for Volusia County Sheriff in 2024. Sheriff Chitwood condemned Brower's actions and his lack of support for law enforcement while in office.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Gardner \|first=Sheldon \|date=2024-11-01 \|title=Brower unscripted: County chair ignites feud with sheriff days before election in video \|url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2024/11/01/in-tiktok-video-volusia-chair-calls-for-new-sheriff-he-fires-back/75947126007/ \|access-date=2024-12-01 \|website=Daytona Beach News-Journal Online \|language=en}}</ref>

	== Personal life ==		== Personal life ==
	Brower is ]. He ~~is married~~ to ~~his wife Terri. They have 9 children and live in the~~ ] ~~area~~.~~<ref>{{Cite~~ ~~web~~ ~~\|last=Harrison~~ ~~\|first=Casmira~~ ~~\|title=Brower's~~ ~~big~~ ~~Volusia~~ ~~County~~ ~~chair~~ ~~win~~ ~~suggests~~ ~~"status~~ ~~quo"~~ ~~isn't~~ ~~acceptable~~ ~~\|url=https://www~~.~~news-journalonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/2020/11/03/jeff-brower-beats-deb-denys-volusia-county-council-chair-heather-post-billie-wheeler-win/3742579001/~~ ~~\|access-date~~=~~2024-05-13 \|website=Daytona Beach News-Journal Online \|language=en-US}}<~~/~~ref~~>		Brower is ]. He moved to ] in 1982. He married his wife Terri in 1985. They have 9 children, four boys and five girls.<ref name="statusquo"/>

	== References ==		== References ==
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Latest revision as of 02:56, 10 December 2024

American politician (born 1955)

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Jeff Brower
Official portrait, c. 2021

Chair of the Volusia County Council
Incumbent
Assumed office January 7, 2021
Preceded by	Ed Kelley

Personal details
Born	Jeffrey Scott Brower (1955-11-16) November 16, 1955 (age 69) Pennsylvania, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Terri Brower (m. 1985)
Children	9
Education	University of Florida (BS)
Occupation	Politician farmer lifeguard

Jeffrey Scott Brower (born November 16, 1955) is an American politician and farmer who currently serves as Volusia County chair. Brower was appointed leader of the SunRail board in April 2024 and has served on the Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission since 2021.

Early life and education

Jeffrey Scott Brower was born on November 16, 1955, in Pennsylvania. His family moved to Daytona Beach, Florida, when he was 3 years old. He received a Bachelor of Science in agricultural science from the University of Florida.

Professional career

Brower worked for the Daytona Beach Patrol as a lifeguard from 1970 to 1979. After college, he first worked for a plant nursery, then a marketing agency, and finally worked for six years as a recruiter for a pest control and fertilization business. He left the company to become a full-time farmer in 2000. He established a small landscaping company in 2004.

Political career

Before running for office, Brower volunteered as an associate supervisor for the Volusia Soil & Water Conservation District. In 2018, Brower was defeated in the Volusia County Council 1st district primary election. In 2020, Brower was elected county-wide as Volusia County chair with 56% of the vote, defeating Volusia County councilwoman Deb Denys. His campaign was based upon cutting taxes and waterway preservation.

In March 2022, Brower endorsed state representative Anthony Sabatini in the 2022 Florida's 7th congressional district Republican primary. Sabatini lost the primary to Army combat veteran Cory Mills, who went on to win the general election. Brower and county sheriff Mike Chitwood attended a demonstration in support of Israel following the Hamas attack of October 2023.

In 2023, Brower and county councilman Don Dempsey voted against increasing the distance sex offenders could live from schools, with Dempsey stating that the two councillors had opposed the bill because the increased distance could make it harder to track offenders. Brower has also voted for stronger environmental regulations to stop climate change and local flooding.

In early 2024, Brower and county council vice chair Troy Kent voted in opposition to the construction of a fuel terminal in Ormond Beach. The remaining county council members approved the project, and the moratorium vote ultimately failed by a 5-2 margin.

Brower ran for re-election in the 2024 Volusia County chair election. He was challenged by Port Orange mayor Don Burnette; auto dealer Randy Dye, the father of stock car racer Daniel Dye; and former county councilwoman Deb Denys. Denys and Burnette were eliminated in the August primary, and Brower went on to narrowly win re-election with 51.4% of the vote in the November runoff against Dye. During the race, Brower campaigned heavily on "stopping overdevelopment", a stance which Sheldon Gardner of the Daytona Beach News-Journal labelled as "anti-growth". The Volusia County Republican Party voted to endorse Dye in the election. The election resulted in a "feud" between Brower and Chitwood, with each endorsing the other's opponent in their respective races.

Personal life

Brower is Protestant. He moved to DeLeon Springs in 1982. He married his wife Terri in 1985. They have 9 children, four boys and five girls.

References

^ Harrison, Casmira. "Brower's big Volusia County chair win suggests "status quo" isn't acceptable". Daytona Beach News-Journal Online. Retrieved 2024-05-13.
Gardner, Sheldon. "SunRail board's new leader is Volusia County Council chairman". Daytona Beach News-Journal Online. Retrieved 2024-05-13.
Solodev (2024-03-06). "Jeff Brower Elected Chair of Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission". www.volusia.org. Retrieved 2024-05-13.
^ "Jeff Brower | VCC". volusia.org. 2022-06-20. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
"Candidate: Jeffrey Brower". Volusia County Supervisor of Elections. 2024-08-18.
"Reporting Group (Election/Committees)". Volusia County Supervisor of Elections. 2024-08-18.
^ "Volusia County's New Chairman: I'm Bringing Fresh Eyes to it". mynews13.com. Retrieved 2024-05-13.
"High Frequency: Bedfellows". Beacon Online News. 2022-03-01. Retrieved 2024-12-04.
Harper, Mark (2022-08-23). "Winning warriors: Cory Mills, Michael Waltz advance in congressional election campaigns". Daytona Beach News-Journal Online. Retrieved 2024-12-04.
"Florida Seventh Congressional District Election Results". The New York Times. 2022-11-08. Retrieved 2024-12-04.
Fernandez, Frank. "Demonstrators in Ormond Beach rally for Israel and against 'barbaric evil'". Daytona Beach News-Journal Online. Retrieved 2024-05-13.
Gardner, Sheldon (2023-10-18). "Volusia County Council votes 5-2 to advance stricter rules for sexual predators, offenders". Daytona Beach News-Journal Online. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
Almenas, Jarleene (2024-09-03). "Vote to disband Volusia County environmental board fails due to a tie". Observer Local News. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
Gardner, Sheldon (2023-02-28). "'Sounding an alarm': Volusia County Chair Jeff Brower urges focus on water quality". Daytona Beach News-Journal Online. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
Zaffiro-Kean, Eileen (2022-08-05). "Volusia County Council explodes in anger over environmental meeting". Daytona Beach News-Journal Online.
Gardner, Sheldon. "County Council shifts gears, rejects development moratorium paving way for fuel terminal". Daytona Beach News-Journal Online. Retrieved 2024-05-14.
Reed, Molly (2024-02-06). "Volusia County Council rejects heavy industrial moratorium, will process fuel farm site plans". WKMG. Retrieved 2024-05-14.
A. O. L. Staff (2023-07-08). "Update: Brower files papers for re-election, says he's 'taking the gloves off now'". www.aol.com. Retrieved 2024-05-13.
"Businessman Randy Dye joins two others in a run for Volusia County Council Chair". Daytona Beach News Journal. (Florida). May 4, 2023.
Zizo, Christie. "Jeff Brower wins reelection for Volusia County Council Chair seat". clickorlando.com. Retrieved 2024-12-02.
Gardner, Sheldon (2024-10-22). "Will Jeff Brower's anti-growth crusade sway voters enough to keep him in office?". Daytona Beach News-Journal Online. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
Gardner, Sheldon. "Outspent and out-endorsed, Jeff Brower wins race for Volusia County Council chairman". Daytona Beach News-Journal Online. Retrieved 2024-11-09.
Harper, Mark (2024-09-19). "Volusia County Republican Executive Committee backs Randy Dye for county chair". Daytona Beach News-Journal Online. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
Gardner, Sheldon. "Brower unscripted: County chair ignites feud with sheriff days before election in video". Daytona Beach News-Journal Online. Retrieved 2024-12-07.

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