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. 

• 180+ bags of toiletries, household items and non perishable food items to senior residents at the Wimauma Senior Center and Blessed Sacrament Manor.
• 120+ computers were donated to deserving students at Pierce Middle School and Leto High School to assist in their scholastic success.
• 7 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.
• In December, the Council supported "Una Navidad con Corazon" with a bike donation benefiting deserving children for the Christmas Holiday.  
• The Council had it's second "Hispanic Stories & Voices" Literacy Project distributing 165 books to students at Tomlin Middle School.
• Two technical scholarships were provided at Aguilas Institute for students studying in the fields of Medical Assistant and Pharmacy Technician.
• Over 1000 school supplies were donated to students attending Davidson Middle School and the Wimauma Boys and Girls Clubs. 
• School uniforms were donated to students at  Reddick Elementary