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 Town and Country Senior Center.
• 100+ computers were donated to deserving students to assist in their scholastic success.
• 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 November, 150 families from the Town N Country Boys and Girls Club received meal bags in time for the Thanksgiving holiday.
• In December, 34 students from Shields Middle School received gifts from the Council for the Christmas Holiday.  
• The Council had it's first "Hispanic Stories & Voices" Literacy Project distributing 200 books to students at Webb Middle School.
• Two technical scholarships were provided at Aguilas Institute for students studying in the fields of Medical Assistant and Pharmacy Technician.