Hispanic Advisory Council

The Council serves as a liaison between the Hispanic community and the Sheriff's office.  The Council achieves this through community outreach initiatives and scholarships to deserving young persons. 

The Sheriff’s Hispanic Advisory Council originated in 1982 by then Sheriff Walter Heinrich and Ray E. Fernandez. It was noted at that time in history,  that the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office was the only law enforcement agency in the country with a Hispanic Advisory Council.  The Council works to serve both the community and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office through a variety of services. Council members, all of whom are citizen volunteers, strive to engage in activities that promote a better understanding and trust between the two. 

• 70+ bags of toiletries, household items and non perishable food items to senior residents at the St. Clemente Villas in Plant City.
• 180 computers were donated to deserving students at Sheilds Middle School, Alonso High School and Strawberry Crest High School to assist in their scholastic success.
• 120 backpacks were donated to children during the Dover Boys and Girls Club Back to School Festival.
• 5 Scholarships were provided to deserving young persons, some of whom face great challenges, through the USF Latino Scholarship Program and HCC Foundation. 
• Council members volunteered in over 40 community events throughout Hillsborough County.
• 70 Thanksgiving meals bags were provided to deserving families from the Wimauma area.
• In December, 50 bikes and helmets were provided for Christmas to children at the Hispanic Services Council.  
• The Council had it's third "Hispanic Stories & Voices" Literacy Project distributing 250 books to students at Crestwood Elementary School.
• Two technical scholarships were provided at Aguilas Institute for students studying in the fields of Medical Assistant and Pharmacy Technician.