Lakesha Burton resigns from Deegan's administration due to family health concerns

Hanna Holthaus, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union
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Lakesha Burton resigned from her position in Mayor Donna Deegan’s administration Tuesday due to her husband’s unexpected health issues, the city said in a press release.

Burton was among Deegan’s first transition advisors and became her director of community initiatives. Burton’s husband, Gregory Burton, became the chief of Duval County Public School police since 2021 but stepped back earlier this month.

Lakesha Burton thanked Deegan for the opportunity to serve in her administration and did not specify her husband’s health concerns in her resignation letter.

“I genuinely felt that I had a great opportunity to move your vision for a thriving community forward,” Lakesha Burton said in the letter. “However, the unexpected health challenges my husband is facing require me to step back from my role as a full-time employee. I am open to considering other ways to continue serving you and our city.”

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Deegan's office did not announce who will fill the position. Lt. Sean McMaster is currently acting for Gregory Burton as chief of DCPS police.

Lakesha Burton worked in the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office for over 20 years and became an assistant chief. She lost a special election for sheriff against T.K. Waters in 2022 and went on to work as a crime and safety analyst for WJXT Channel 4.

Deegan initially nominated her to be the first chief of public safety due to her long background in law enforcement and community engagement as the first female director of Jacksonville’s Police Athletic League.

Her role changed slightly to prevent confusion, Deegan said at the time, but her duties included leading “prevention and intervention programs that build safer communities.”

“[Lakesha Burton] is a passionate and dedicated public servant who cares deeply about our community,” Deegan said in a press release about the resignation. “I look forward to working with her in the future.”

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Lakesha Burton resigns from Mayor Deegan's office amid health concerns