Romano Appointed JSO Undersheriff as HQ Moves

Sheriff T.K. Waters appointed Mark Romano as the new undersheriff of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) on Monday, September 21, 2026. Romano, a JSO veteran of nearly 30 years, replaces Undersheriff Shawn Coarsey, who retired after 32 years of service. Coarsey became undersheriff in March 2023.

Romano previously served as director of Patrol and Enforcement. He advanced through the ranks from patrol officer and held roles including director of Investigations and Homeland Security during Waters' administration.

Sheriff Waters also announced several other staff changes. Alan Parker moved from director of Services to director of Patrol and Enforcement. Michael Shell became director of Services after serving as chief of Homeland Security. Jordan Dowling now serves as chief of Homeland Security, promoted from commander of Specialized Investigations. Jose Cheeseborough was promoted from lieutenant of the Crime Gun Intelligence Center and Gang Unit to commander of Specialized Investigations.

These leadership changes coincide with JSO’s relocation of its administrative headquarters from the Police Memorial Building at 501 E. Bay St. to the Florida Blue building in Riverside. The department anticipates the move will be more cost-effective than constructing a new facility.

The JSO will remain fully operational during the relocation. The public counter at the Bay Street location will reopen at the Riverside facility on Monday, September 28, 2026. The District 1 substation on Norwood Avenue closed, but substations in districts 2 through 6 remain open.