The head of Florida’s Division of Emergency Management and point man on the state’s COVID-19 response is leaving office to spend more time with his family.
Jared Moskowitz told the USA Today Network’s Florida Capitol Bureau that his departure won’t be imminent, and that it would be a gradual transition.
I am reminded on the third anniversary of the @MSDHighSchool school shooting in my hometown, along with this pandemic that tomorrow is not guaranteed. @fred_guttenberg. With 15 years in public office, time to hit the pause button to be with my family. I’ll be back. https://t.co/oUdpaAoj22
— Jared MASKowitz 😷 (@JaredEMoskowitz) February 15, 2021
Gov. Ron DeSantis said Monday during a news conference that Moskowitz has worked “incredibly hard” and done a “fantastic job.”
READ: All Central Florida Publix COVID-19 vaccination appointments booked: Here’s your next chance
“I think we’ve done the best in terms of logistics, both in terms of preparing for, responding to storms as well as responding to the COVID-19 pandemic,” DeSantis said. “And I think Jared was a big reason why.”
DeSantis said Kevin Guthrie, the deputy director of Florida’s Division of Emergency Management, will take over for Moskowitz.
Moskowitz’s family, including his two young children, live in Broward County; his job is based in Tallahassee.
READ: Here’s where to find the COVID-19 vaccine in your county
He was appointed to the position by DeSantis in 2019.
>>> WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
Cox Media Group