MIAMI – Peter Antonacci, the director of the state’s Office of Election Crimes and Security who had a long career in state government, died, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced on Friday. He was 74.
DeSantis described Antonacci as a “dedicated, tenacious, and assiduous public servant, lawyer, and respected professional” who “vigilantly sought to uphold the law throughout his lengthy career.”
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Antonacci served as a deputy attorney general, Palm Beach County state attorney, general counsel to former Gov. Rick Scott, Broward County’s 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,” DeSantis said.
Before he accepted DeSantis’s appointment, Antonacci served as chief judge for the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings. He also served as the executive director of the South Florida Water Management District and of Enterprise Florida.
Antonacci graduated from Hialeah High School. He transferred from Miami-Dade College to Florida State University where he also earned his law degree. He was admitted to the Florida Bar on Sept. 17, 1979.
Peter Schorsch, the publisher of Florida Politics, also tweeted news of Antonacci’s death and reported witnesses said he had suffered a heart attack in the Florida Capitol.
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There are some who say the meeting was "heated" and that Antonacci "stormed out" of the office but a source in the room says "Pete was Pete. Just passionate about his position. ... He left room and we expected him to come right back, but he didnt."
— Peter Schorsch (@PeterSchorschFL) September 23, 2022
Antonacci was found in hallway
Crist Campaign statement on the passing of Peter Antonacci. pic.twitter.com/2XFFZMK5Mi
— Samantha Ramirez (@Sam_RamirezQ) September 23, 2022
I am deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of my friend, Pete Antonacci, who dedicated his professional life to serving our State in a multitude of roles. I first met Pete when I was a young Assistant Attorney General under AG Bob Butterworth and he was 1/4
— Dave Aronberg (@aronberg) September 23, 2022
Just sick to learn our friend Peter Antonacci passed away this afternoon of a major heart attack. What a dedicated public servant and tenacious crime fighter.
— Graham Fountain (@GrahamWFountai1) September 24, 2022
I send my deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues who knew Peter Antonacci throughout his time as dedicated public servant. Peter leaves behind a legacy of steadfast service to the Sunshine State.
— Shevrin “Shev” Jones (@ShevrinJones) September 24, 2022