JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters on Monday named Mark Romano undersheriff of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office after current Undersheriff Shawn Coarsey retired.
Coarsey is retiring after nearly 32 years with the department. He became undersheriff in March 2023 after serving as director of Investigations and Homeland Security.
Romano has served with JSO for nearly 30 years. He began his career as a patrol officer and advanced through the promotional ranks.
Sheriff Mike Williams appointed Romano in 2020. During the Waters administration, Romano has served in several roles, including director of Investigations and Homeland Security. He currently serves as director of Patrol and Enforcement.
Waters announced more staff changes on Monday as well.
The following changes are effective immediately:
- Alan Parker, currently director of Services, will transfer to director of Patrol and Enforcement.
- Michael Shell, currently chief of Homeland Security, will become director of Services.
- Jordan Dowling, currently commander of Specialized Investigations, will become chief of Homeland Security.
- Jose Cheeseborough, currently lieutenant of the Crime Gun Intelligence Center and Gang Unit, will become commander of Specialized Investigations.
All of this comes as JSO is moving its administrative headquarters from the Police Memorial Building at 501 E. Bay St. to the Florida Blue building in Riverside.
The public counter at the Bay Street location is scheduled to reopen at the new facility on Sept. 28. The District 1 substation on Norwood Avenue has closed as part of the move, while substations in districts 2 through 6 remain open.
JSO has said it will remain fully operational during the relocation. The move is intended to provide a more cost-effective alternative to building a new headquarters, which could cost as much as $470 million.
