Leon Hinote, Jr.

Term of Office, 1968-1972

 Leon Hinote, Jr. was born March 17,1921 in Milton, Florida. As a young man, Hinote served in the Signal Corp of the United States Army. His military service included going ashore at Omaha Beach in 1944. In the 1950’s, Hinote became interested in politics and was elected to the City Council in Milton in 1958. He served on the council for two terms. Hinote also opened up Leon’s Barber Shop on the same property where he was born and raised.

 In 1968, at the age of 47, Hinote became the sheriff of Santa Rosa County. He was known as a “Bible carrying” sheriff. During his first year in office, Hinote had only nine deputies, nine vehicles, and a budget of $149,000.00. One motorcycle was used for special events and bloodhounds were used for tracking individuals. During his time in office, Hinote hired Jerry D. Brown to cover the south end area from Gulf Breeze to Holley. Brown later went on to become sheriff in 1992.

 Hinote resides in Milton and still owns and operates Leon’s Barber Shop.