INDIAN RIVER COUNTY–Three Indian River County Sheriff’s deputies will be allowed to continue living at three parks after the Board of County Commissioners renewed their leases earlier this month.
The commissioners unanimously approved the leases without discussion, continuing the presence of law enforcement at Gifford Park, Donald MacDonald Park and the county fairgrounds.
In all three cases, the deputies live at their assigned location free of rent in exchange for providing the security presence.
The county owns the home located at Gifford Park, while the two deputies who live at Donald MacDonald and the fairgrounds own their mobile homes on site.
The leases between the deputies and the county are for two-year terms that can be renewed for a total of 16 years, according to county records.
As part of the lease renewal agreements, the deputies must provide proof of liability and contents insurance.
With the leases again in place, the deputies are not expected to have to seek a lease renewal again until December 2012.
Out of deference to the deputies’ safety, VeroNews.com has declined to name the deputies who live at the parks.
