Treasure Coast K9s Sunny, Syne Battle in Florida's March Madness Bracket

Two Treasure Coast law enforcement dogs are competing for Florida's top canine honor. Indian River County's K9 Sunny and St. Lucie County's K9 Syne have both earned spots in the Florida Sheriff's Association's K9 March Madness Tournament, with public voting now open statewide.

The Florida Sheriff's Association announced Thursday that its annual Canine Championship bracket is live, inviting residents across the state to vote for their favorite law enforcement K9. Thirty dogs representing agencies from nearly every corner of Florida are competing for the "Top Dog" title.

"These aren't just cute faces; they are heroes on four paws," the association said in announcing the tournament.

K9 Sunny represents the Indian River County Sheriff's Office, while K9 Syne carries the badge for St. Lucie County. Treasure Coast residents can cast their votes to boost either dog through the bracket rounds.

The field of 30 includes standout competitors. K9 Ruger of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, an eight-year-old golden retriever nearing retirement this summer, brings veteran credentials in missing persons tracking. K9 Scout of St. Johns County, a German Wirehaired Pointer, works inside schools through the Youth Resource Division. K9 Max, a Fox Red Lab introduced to the Nassau County School District in 2025, specializes in firearm detection.

For Treasure Coast residents, the bracket offers a rare chance to root for hometown dogs who work the same streets, schools and neighborhoods they live in every day. Voting is open now through the Florida Sheriff's Association.

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