Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw recovering after two heart medical procedures
Mike Diamond
Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw is recovering and has started physical therapy after undergoing two heart surgeries, according to a sheriff's office spokeswoman.
Bradshaw, 73, was hospitalized April 26 for treatment of a heart condition. He underwent a surgery then and another one on May 13. Teri Barbera did not supply any specifics about his condition.
“Doctors have confirmed the (May 13) procedure was successful. He is in good condition and his recovery is going better than expected. He has started physical therapy to expedite his return to normal life,” according to the press release issued by his office.
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According to Barbera, Bradshaw is getting regular briefings and is capable of reviewing information and guiding his team. He is receiving excellent medical care and expects to be back to work soon, she said.
On April 26, Bradshaw’s office said he was in a local hospital “after having a successful medical procedure.” Doctors reported then that the surgery was a success and expected him to make a full recovery.
A week later, under advice from his doctors, Bradshaw decided to go forward with a second operation, according to his press office.
Bradshaw, who defeated former captain and retired veteran Lauro Diaz in the 2020 general election, was first elected to the nonpartisan sheriff's post in 2004.
If Bradshaw remains for the full four-year-term through 2024, he will earn the title of longest-serving sheriff in the county. Sheriff Richard Wille, who was first elected in 1976 and retired midway through his fifth term, served 18 years.
He oversees 4,000 employees and 4,300 volunteers with an operating budget of $620 million. PBSO serves unincorporated Palm Beach County and seven cities and towns.
Mike Diamond is a journalist at the Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. He covers county government and transportation. You can reach him atmdiamond@pbpost.com. Help support local journalism. Subscribe today.