Ryan Nicol
Senate President Bill Galvano is rebuffing Gov. Ron DeSantis‘ call for the chamber to continue its hearing into the suspension of Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel, telling members the review is on hold “until all appeals are exhausted.”
Galvano, a Bradenton Republican, sent senators a memo Thursday after a judge dismissed a lawsuit by the suspended Israel earlier in the day.
“One of Sheriff Israel’s attorneys has indicated that (he) will appeal to the 4th (District Court of Appeal), so the Senate will seek a formal communication as to how they wish to proceed,” he wrote. “As you are aware, the matter is in abeyance until all appeals are exhausted or have been definitively taken off the table.”
The Senate had paused their review of DeSantis’ decision in mid-March, citing a recommendation from Special Master Dudley Goodlette, who was assigned the case. Goodlette recommended suspending those proceedings until Israel’s legal proceedings concluded.
In dismissing Israel’s suit Thursday, Broward Circuit Judge David Haimes ruled that DeSantis had the right to remove Israel from his post.
Israel sued in early March, arguing the Governor “exceeded his constitutional authority” in decided to suspend the Sheriff.
“I am pleased that the court recognizes my authority as governor to suspend a public official for reasons of neglect of duty and incompetence,” DeSantis said of Thursday’s decision. “Now, I will ask the Senate to move forward with the process of the formal removal of Scott Israel.
“Broward County deserves professional law enforcement leadership that will safeguard the best interests of the community and work diligently for the protection of life.”
But, DeSantis’ request to restart the Senate hearing appears to be falling on deaf ears.
In his own letter to the Senate, Goodlette argued that the delay should last until “the exhaustion of all appellate remedies.” Israel’s attorney, Ben Kuehne, said he plans to appeal Thursday’s ruling. Galvano heeded Goodlette’s guidance.
The Senate is tasked with reviewing whether DeSantis’ suspension will stand or whether Israel will be reinstated.
Nick Primrose, a deputy general counsel for DeSantis, argued Israel demonstrated a failure of leadership surrounding the shootings at the Fort Lauderdale Airport and at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
“Mr. Israel neglected his duty and/or was incompetent in failing his paramount statutory responsibility to be the ‘conservator of the peace’ in Broward County,” Primrose said. He also argued Israel “is solely responsible for the negligence of the deputies he appointed.”
