Florida Rep. Joe Casello dies in office

Boynton Beach, Fla. – The democratic legislator of Florida, Joe Casello, died in office after a heart attack, according to the officials of the State House. He was 73.

Casello, who was first elected from a district of Boynton Beach to the Florida house in 2018, was surrounded by his girlfriend and family when he died on Friday, said Florida House's democratic caucus in a social media post.

“The family thanked their heartfelt thanks to everyone who offered their love and support in this difficult time,” said the Caucus in an explanation.

Casello was a firefighter in Worcester, Massachusetts for three decades, before entering politics in Florida. He served as Commissioner of the City of Beach Beach before becoming a state legislator. He announced plans to apply for a seat in the Palm Beach County Commission in 2026.

According to Florida Law, Governor Ron Desantis has to call a special election or a special election if a vacancy for a legislative seat occurs due to a death.