Dennis Lemma qualifies for ballot in Seminole sheriff race

Dennis Lemma, retiring Seminole County Sheriff Don Eslinger’s chief deputy and hand-picked successor, has qualified for the ballot through petition, his campaign announced.

Lemma, 44, of Oviedo, is a 23-year veteran of the Seminole sheriff’s force and former U.S. Marine.

The Seminole County Supervisor of Elections Office certified more than the necessary 2,600 certified voters on his petitions this week, allowing him to qualify through petition.

So far his only competition is a Democrat from Altamonte Springs who is running under the name “Doctor Rooster per se.”