Sheriff Turner says he wants to spend more time with his family, but that may not be the only reason.

Turner's law enforcement career spans more than 33 years.

He was elected as Sheriff back in 1997.

Turner admits his sometimes "rocky" relationship with Gilchrist County Commissioners plays a role in his decision to leave.

He says one of his top priorities has always been to build a new jail. Like other jails in North Central Florida, he says Gilchrist County's is well over-capacity. He's been urging commissioners for years to do something about it.

Now he says, it's someone else's turn.

"I think the Sheriff will have to be somebody that has patience and has some skills, especially in being able to communicate with the board, to express the need and the liability issues associated with not moving ahead when it comes to the construction of a jail," said Sheriff Turner.

A handful of people have already come forward expressing their interest to run for sheriff. Turner says he's not endorsing any of them, but wanted to announce he won't be seeking re-election now so others could plan their campaigns.

The Sheriff will finish out his term ending at the end of the year.

Anne Imanuel, WCJB TV20 news