Latest news with #FloridaHouseDemocrats


CBS News
4 days ago
- Politics
- CBS News
Florida State Rep. Joe Casello dies after having heart attack, state officials confirm
Florida State Rep. Joe Casello died after having a heart attack, Florida House Democrats announced. "We are so sorry to say that Representative Joe Casello has passed away surrounded by his loving family and girlfriend, following a heart attack. He was 73. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who have offered their love and support during this difficult time," a post on X read. Casello was a firefighter in Worcester, Massachusetts, for three decades before entering politics in Florida. He served as a Boynton Beach city commissioner before becoming a state lawmaker. He had announced plans to run for a seat on the Palm Beach County Commission in 2026. His profile on the state House of Representatives website says he enjoyed golf and was elected in 2018. A private ceremony will be held in the family's home state of Massachusetts, and a public memorial service will be announced in the coming weeks, according to a post from Florida House Democrats on X. Under Florida law, Gov. Ron DeSantis is required to call a special election or special primary election when a vacancy occurs for a legislative seat because of a death. Rep. Christine Hunschofsky posted Friday on X about Casello's death, saying, "Joe was a wonderful person, always positive and supportive. He was a Massachusetts native and had a wicked sense of humor. He served in the legislature with humility, grace, and a fierce sense of purpose. Joe was down to earth, kind, and cared about every person he came in contact with. He was always one of the best dressed in Tallahassee and I would call him GQ Joe. I will miss serving with Joe and I will especially miss his friendship."


National Post
4 days ago
- Politics
- National Post
Florida Rep. Joe Casello dies while in office following a heart attack
BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Florida Democratic lawmaker Joe Casello has died while in office following a heart attack, according to state House officials. He was 73. Article content Casello, who was first elected to the Florida House in 2018 from a district in Boynton Beach, was surrounded by his girlfriend and family when he died Friday, the Florida House Democratic Caucus said in a social media post. Article content 'The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who have offered their love and support during this difficult time,' the caucus said in a statement. Article content We are so sorry to say that Representative Joe Casello has passed away surrounded by his loving family and girlfriend, following a heart attack. He was 73. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who have offered their love and support during this difficult time. — Florida House Democrats (@FLHouseDems) July 19, 2025 Article content Casello was a firefighter in Worcester, Massachusetts, for three decades before entering politics in Florida. He served as a Boynton Beach city commissioner before becoming a state lawmaker. He had announced plans to run for a seat on the Palm Beach County Commission in 2026. Article content Article content