When will enough be enough?

This time, no late-night rewrites.

I’m just going to say what I want to say.

I know it’s Friday, but we need a grownup conversation about the photo with today’s blog.

You probably saw it this week on the sheriff’s Facebook page, or in various media. The shirtless man with tats in cuffs is Dennis Gene Himmel, accused of dealing fentanyl.

---

The cop in full riot gear standing behind him in a menacing way is our sheriff, Mike Prendergast.

I wasn’t even 100% sure about that. It sure looks like Prendergast, but then the obvious question: What is he doing in this official photo?

Some things are as clear as a beautiful blue sky. The man being arrested is the son of a Superintendent of Schools Sandra “Sam” Himmel, a well-known and respected Citrus County politician.

This staged photo of a glaring Prendergast has one purpose only: Embarrass a political rival at the expense of her family.

This isn’t just coming from me.

I haven’t written a thing about it, but I heard from several readers who called the sheriff’s behavior into question.

This reader’s comment sums it up best:

“Sam Himmel is a wonderful person, wife, mother, friend, and the best leader of our school system. The current sheriff has taken his vendetta out on her through her addictive son, Geno. As you and I both know, addiction is a disease like cancer. It isn’t something that parents can control. The individual has to take ownership. It is insulting how the current sheriff took pictures of himself standing behind Geno. He did not take pictures with the other 3 dealers busted. I’m not condoning what Geno Himmel has done. But to glamorize it…is disgraceful. Shame on our current sheriff.”

So, on this gorgeous March Friday, let’s break it down.

Getting the nonsense out of the way: No one is suggesting we give drug dealers a break. This outcry is not a call to be soft on criminals. Got it? This isn’t a conversation about law enforcement. Take Prendergast out of the equation, and Citrus County Sheriff’s officers are the finest you’ll ever meet.

Nope, it’s all politics.

First off, connecting Gene Himmel with his politician mom in such a way is just so far out of the bounds of common decency. Adult children of politicians are like anyone’s adult children. Some are successful, some are average, and others have issues with the law or their own well-being.

It’s actually worse for those offspring. As the JWC reader pointed out, we don't see photos of the sheriff glaring at anyone else getting arrested during that drug bust. This picture was circulated by the sheriff’s office because his mom is superintendent of schools. That’s the ONLY reason.

To know exactly how this works, look at the Chronicle story. Only Gene Himmel’s mother is mentioned. No other parents of those in handcuffs were identified. Why? 

(Editor Jim Gouvellis addressed the issue in a column posted Thursday.)

Politicians, candidates, and their supporters who think the children of their opponents are fair game should think again. They’re not. THEY’RE NOT. Doesn’t matter if the kid is 4 or 44.

As for the sheriff and his glare…I mean…where do we even go with this?

Just Wright Citrus has noted in numerous blogs our sheriff’s boorish behavior (here's one, and another, and my favorite). The guy must really lack confidence if he feels the need to draw so much attention to himself.

But aren’t we getting a little over it?

This has to stop. We need a law-and-order person who is a Citrus Countian at heart and not someone who plays us for a chump.

This is the year for change. Dave Vincent’s sheriff's campaign is roaring with support. I attended Doug Alexander’s enthusiastic campaign kickoff Thursday night. Calvin Adams is also worth a good look. They are tremendous leaders in this community.

As for the leader in today’s photo? Frankly, we can do better.

I realize that's a lot for a Friday. Thanks for hanging in there. Some things can't wait.

Have an awesome weekend, friends.

Join the discussion on our Facebook page.

Enjoying the blog? Please consider supporting it at Venmo, PayPal, or Patreon.