© 2024 WFSU Public Media
WFSU News · Tallahassee · Panama City · Thomasville
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Florida Emergency Management Director To Step Down

A man in a black jacket and black and grey striped tie gestures as he speaks in a microphone.
Steve Cannon/AP
/
FR127919 AP
FILE - In this March 15, 2017 file photo, Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Coral Springs, asks a question about a concealed weapons bill during a meeting of the criminal justice subcommittee in Tallahassee, Fla. Moskowitz, who heads Florida's Division of Emergency Management, told the USA Today Network that an official announcement of his departure is expected by Gov. Ron DeSantis. The Republican governor was scheduled to hold a news conference at the state Capitol on Monday, Feb. 15, 2021 afternoon, where he will likely be asked questions about the pending departure. (AP Photo/Steve Cannon, File)

A top Florida official responsible for his state’s handling of the coronavirus outbreak is stepping down. Jared Moskowitz heads Florida’s Division of Emergency Management and has overseen much of the state's response to the outbreak.

Florida Politics first reported the story in a tweet alert. Monday, Moskowitz told the USA TODAY NETWORK that an official announcement of his departure is expected Tuesday by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Moskowitz said he won't be leaving the job immediately, but will stay on to allow for a “gradual transition."

Moskowitz is a Democrat and former member of the state House. He assumed the role shortly after the Republican governor took office in 2018.

Associated Press