TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A top Florida official responsible for his state's handling of the coronavirus outbreak is stepping down.
Jared Moskowitz heads Florida's Division of Emergency Management and has overseen much of the state's response to the outbreak.
He told the USA TODAY NETWORK that an official announcement of his departure is expected Tuesday by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
During a Monday news conference, DeSantis announced that Kevin Guthrie, the current deputy director/State Emergency Response Team chief, will fill the position.
.@GovRonDeSantis says Kevin Guthrie, Deputy Director/SERT Chief, will be taking the reins as Moskowitz steps down. https://t.co/8UkqZvo1sk
— Forrest Saunders (@FBSaunders) February 15, 2021
"He’s worked incredibly hard. He's done a fantastic job. I think Florida has the best emergency response in the country. He's done well by us and I told him, 'Maybe they should really make you FEMA director.' Maybe they will someday," DeSantis said.
Moskowitz's tenure as a director includes Hurricane Michael's recovery and rolling out Florida's COVID-19 testing and vaccination efforts.
He said he won't be leaving the job immediately but will stay on to allow for a "gradual transition."
Moskowitz is a Democrat and former member of the state House. He assumed the role shortly after the Republican governor took office in 2018.
The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported that Moskowitz is expected to hand over his official resignation letter Tuesday morning and will leave the post April 30.