[xone]

does the local sheriff have the authority

In all the states I have lived including Cali, the county Sheriff is the senior law enforcement agent.

[Yulee]

the county Sheriff is the senior law enforcement agent.
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In Broward’s case it’s the same sheriff, Scott Israel, that responded to the Parkland shooting.

[bagster]

In all the states I have lived including Cali, the county Sheriff is the senior law enforcement agent.

Think of Broward County as Nottingham.

The Sheriff of Broward County as the Sheriff of Nottingham.

Trump as Richard Lionheart.

Obama/Hillary as King John.

Q as Robin of Locksley.

And Bagster as John Little.

SeeWhatImSayin?

Broward County is a state, like California, in the country in the country of Derpistan. It's as simple as that.