Advertisement
HomePress ReleasePete Antonacci, Florida “elections police” chief, dies of heart attack

Pete Antonacci, Florida “elections police” chief, dies of heart attack

Published on

“Pete was beyond a shadow of a doubt one of the finest people I have ever had the honor of knowing,” said Steve Vancore, a political consultant who first met Antonacci in 1997. “He wasn’t just a jack-of-all-trades, but was an organizational master who understood how to bring out the best in people. Florida was lucky beyond measure to have him as long as we did.”
DeSantis appointed him on July 6 to his new job, saying at the time he was confident would lead the newly created agency “with integrity and ensure that Florida’s elections are the most secure in the nation.”
Critics, however, derided the new office as the “elections police,” saying it wasn’t necessary because of laws already in place.
Its first official action was to announce the arrest of 20 Floridians convicted of murder and sex crimes who were accused of voting illegally.
Pete Antonacci, a former deputy attorney general for former Democratic Gov. Lawton Chiles whom other governors called upon to fix serious problems in their administration, died of a heart attack while at work early Friday afternoon. He was 74.


Antonacci’s latest post was as director of the newly created Office of Elections Crimes and Security, which the Legislature created this year at the prompting of Gov. Ron DeSantis.
“He was a dedicated, tenacious, and assiduous public servant, lawyer, and respected professional – a friend to all in the State of Florida,” DeSantis said in a statement.

- Advertisement -

“He vigilantly sought to uphold the law throughout his lengthy career as a Deputy Attorney General, Statewide Prosecutor, General Counsel, Supervisor of Elections, and most recently as the newly appointed watchdog over Florida’s election security. His fighting passion will be missed, and his legacy will persist in the hearts and minds of many.”
Antonacci had a long career in Florida government, including as the Broward County supervisor of elections, a deputy attorney general and statewide prosecutor.

“Pete was beyond a shadow of a doubt one of the finest people I have ever had the honor of knowing,” said Steve Vancore, a political consultant who first met Antonacci in 1997. “He wasn’t just a jack-of-all-trades, but was an organizational master who understood how to bring out the best in people. Florida was lucky beyond measure to have him as long as we did.

- Advertisement -

”
DeSantis appointed him on July 6 to his new job, saying at the time he was confident would lead the newly created agency “with integrity and ensure that Florida’s elections are the most secure in the nation.”
Critics, however, derided the new office as the “elections police,” saying it wasn’t necessary because of laws already in place.


Its first official action was to announce the arrest of 20 Floridians convicted of murder and sex crimes who were accused of voting illegally.

- Advertisement -

- Advertisement -

Latest articles

Will The Skies Above Florida’s Space Coast Light Up?

The dazzling display of colors observed during a Falcon Heavy rocket’s boost-back maneuver is...

Gatorland wants public help to name EXTREMELY rare leucistic gator

An extremely rare white leucistic alligator has been born at a Florida reptile park. The...

Video of Florida GOP chair and alleged victim in rape investigation discovered

Disclaimer: This story contains explicit sexual content and details involving an alleged sexual assault.  Sarasota...

16-year old boy shot to death in Melbourne

A 16-year old boy was rushed to the hospital Wednesday night with multiple gunshot...

More like this

Criminal residency investigation of Commissioner Tobia reaches Governor’s Office

An Executive Order signed by the Governor on November 9th this year revealed that...

Armed man who threatened children with gun in Viera, dead from injuries

Original story: From the Brevard Sheriff’s Office:The armed suspect who threatened participants and spectators with...

Edgewood Jr/Sr High receives 3rd National Blue Ribbon Award

Edgewood Jr/Sr High Principal Ingratta and Superintendent Rendell traveled to Washington D.C. to accept...