SEBRING — Luke Brooker isn't, but Bob Germaine is. The sheriff is, and so are all the other constitutional officers. Germaine called a press conference at 1 p.m. Wednesday to announce he'll seek the clerk of courts seat being vacated by Brooker. Germaine, 57, said if he's elected, he won't be a one-term clerk. He's been working in the office for 36 years and is Brooker's chief deputy on the criminal courts side. "I help people every day," Germaine said to the 20 people gathered in the supervisor of elections office when he announced. "I don't feel like I've done anything if I don't help someone." ...more

January 3, 2008

SEBRING — Highlands County Clerk of Courts Luke Brooker announced Friday morning that he would not seek re-election in 2008. According to Highlands County Courthouse Director of Court Services Bob Germaine, Brooker made the announcement during an employee of the year meeting, saying that he wants to focus on his family after his term expires in January 2009. "Luke's been here for a long time, and he's been an excellent boss," said Germaine. "I think it came down to wanting to be able to spend more time with his family. He wants to focus on his grandchildren and his health." Brooker, who has been elected to serve for four terms, could not be reached for comment Friday. Brooker originally took office in January 1993. He ran unopposed in 1996 and had opposition in 2000 and 2004. ...more

December 22, 2007