Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches history

1979 – FSA helped organize the Florida Sheriffs Explorers Association to encourage young people to "explore" careers in law enforcement.

In 1986, the Youth Fund underwent another title transformation as it legally changed its name to the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches, Inc.

Thrift Stores, operated by the Youth Ranches, had been discussed for some time and in February 1987, the first store opened in Live Oak.

1993 – FSA began awarding college scholarships to eligible dependent children of full-time sheriffs’ office employees.

1995 – FSA pioneered accreditation in the state and was co-founder of the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation – a program that encourages law-enforcement agencies to maintain the highest standards of professional law enforcement for our communities.

1998 – FSA helped to create the Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission and has been a leader in developing "minimum standards" for law enforcement and corrections in the state and nation.

In 2005, the Board of Directors of the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches decided to establish a separate legal entity to operate these non-cash operations and Sheriffs Ranches Enterprises, Inc. ("SRE") was born.

Named for Gary Perkins and Buddy Phillips, past executive directors who played integral roles in FSA history, it replaced the original building that was destroyed in a tragic fire in 2008.

2018 – FSA led a statewide educational campaign to educate citizens about the importance of elected sheriffs.