Revision as of 17:38, 3 December 2024 editSelfieCity (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users4,625 edits unsourced and likely inaccurate. https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/politics/2024/09/16/volusia-county-chairs-turn-to-god-comment-generates-reactions/74888811007/ would indicate if anything that he is pro-TrumpTag: Visual edit← Previous edit | Revision as of 19:16, 3 December 2024 edit undoEyer (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users, IP block exemptions, Pending changes reviewers, Rollbackers15,202 edits removed NPOV content; removed entire "Controversies" section per WP:CSECTION; recommend that editors engage on talk page before re-adding NPOV/controversial content to BLP articleTag: Visual editNext edit → | ||
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'''Jeffrey Scott Brower''' (born November 16, 1955) is an American politician and farmer who currently serves as ] ].<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 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> |
'''Jeffrey Scott Brower''' (born November 16, 1955) is an American politician and farmer who currently serves as ] ].<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 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> | ||
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 criticized 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> | 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 criticized 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> | ||
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== Political career == | == Political career == | ||
Before running for office, Brower volunteered as an |
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>{{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> While in office, Brower has voted to protect ] from stricter living requirements.<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> He has also voted for stronger ] to stop ].<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 early 2024, Brower and county council vice chair Troy Kent received negative 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> | In early 2024, Brower and county council vice chair Troy Kent received negative 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 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 ] |
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 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 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 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 == |
Revision as of 19:16, 3 December 2024
American politicianJeff Brower | |
---|---|
File:Jeff Brower (Official portrait).jpgOfficial portrait, c. 2022 | |
Chairman 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 |
|
Jeffrey Scott Brower (born November 16, 1955) is an American politician and farmer who currently serves as Volusia County chairman. Brower was appointed leader of the SunRail board in April 2024 and has served on the Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission since 2021.
In November 2024, Brower ignited a feud with Sheriff Mike Chitwood, insulting the sheriff and endorsing his opponent, who had a criminal record. Sheriff Chitwood condemned Brower's actions and criticized his lack of support for law enforcement while in office.
Early life and education
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 Agriculture 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. While in office, Brower has voted to protect sex offenders from stricter living requirements. He has also voted for stronger environmental regulations to stop climate change.
In early 2024, Brower and county council vice chair Troy Kent received negative public and media attention for opposing the construction of a much-needed fuel terminal in Ormond Beach. The remaining county council members approved the project and a moratorium vote 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. The Volusia County Republican Party voted to endorse Dye in the election.
Personal life
Brower is Protestant. He moved to DeLeon Springs in 1980. 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.
- Gardner, Sheldon (2024-11-01). "Brower unscripted: County chair ignites feud with sheriff days before election in video". Daytona Beach News-Journal Online. Retrieved 2024-12-01.
- "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.
- 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.
- Staff, A. O. L. (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. "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.
- Harrison, Casmira. "Brower's big Volusia County chair win suggests "status quo" isn't acceptable". Daytona Beach News-Journal Online. Retrieved 2024-05-13.