Former Broward elections chief, Pete Antonacci, died of a massive heart attack

A major heart attack has claimed the life of Peter Antonacci, who served as the lead state election inspector and formerly oversaw elections in Broward County.

Pete Antonacci died of a heart attack while at work early Friday afternoon. He was the deputy attorney general for former Democratic Gov. Lawton Chiles, and other governors asked him to help them fix big problems in their own governments. He was 74.

Antonacci’s most recent position was as director of the newly established Office of Elections Crimes and Security. This office was established this year by the Legislature at the urging of Governor Ron DeSantis. Antonacci held this position.

He was a diligent, tenacious, and assiduous public servant, lawyer, and respected professional, DeSantis added. “He worked as Deputy Attorney General, Statewide Prosecutor, General Counsel, Supervisor of Elections, and most recently as Florida’s election security monitor. Many will miss his battling passion and his legacy.”

Peter Antonacci, director of the Florida Election Crimes and Security Office, speaks on Aug. 18, 2022 in Fort Lauderdale.

Antonacci worked for the state of Florida’s government for a significant portion of his life, holding positions such as supervisor of elections for Broward County, deputy attorney general, and statewide prosecutor.

Political consultant Steve Vancore stated Antonacci was “one of the nicest people I’ve ever known.” He was a brilliant organizer who brought out the best in people. Florida was lucky to have him so long.

On July 6, DeSantis gave him his new job. At the time, he said he was sure he would lead the newly created agency “with integrity and make sure that Florida’s elections are the safest in the country.”

Critics, on the other hand, called the new office the “elections police” and said it wasn’t needed because there were already laws on the books.

Its first official move was to make an announcement about the arrest of 20 Floridians who had previously been convicted of murder and/or sex crimes and who were accused of voting unlawfully.