Hospitals and other medical facilities are increasingly turning to the expertise of healthcare architects, patients, their families, physicians and nurses. The University of Miami Health System has a growing volunteer group helping design more effective care facilities.

Suspensions, internal affairs investigations, shootouts, dog bites, failure to follow procedure - and numerous commendations. Records obtained by WLRN offer sometimes mundane, sometimes revealing details about the candidates vying for the position.

The multi-billion dollar marine industry in South Florida is among those struggling to find skilled workers in a tight job market. Wages have been rising — but so has the cost of living. "The biggest challenge for our growth is really finding that great technical labor force," said one boss.

Many Miami-Dade sheriff candidates have lived in Broward for years, according to records obtained by WLRN. That is legal, but it potentially throws a curveball into the race — with other candidates arguing it raises questions about their commitment to the position.