Why are US and state flags in Florida at half-staff today?

The governor’s directive is in memory of State Rep. Joe Casello, a veteran state legislator and former Boynton Beach commissioner, who died July 18.

• Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered flags at half-staff to honor State Rep. Joe Casello.
• Casello, a former Boynton Beach city commissioner, died after a heart attack.
• He served as a state representative for four terms and was a firefighter for 33 years.
• Flags will be lowered at the State Capitol and all local and state facilities.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered all flags at the State Capitol in Tallahassee, as well as those at all local and state facilities, to fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Wednesday, Aug. 20.

The governor’s directive is in memory of State Rep. Joe Casello, a veteran state legislator and former Boynton Beach city commissioner, who died July 18, after suffering a massive heart attack earlier in the month.

Casello was a firefighter for 33 years in Worcester, Massachusetts, before moving to Palm Beach County. His first entry into politics was in 2013, where he became a city commissioner in Boynton Beach, winning the seat by only three votes.

In November, he was reelected to a fourth term in the state House. He had filed papers to run for the Palm Beach County Commission in November 2026.

Casello released the following statement just before coming off life support July 17:

“My life has always been about public service and meeting the needs of my community. Serving as both a firefighter for 33 years and an elected official for 13 years has been the greatest honor of my life. Representing the people — through times of unity and division, triumph and challenge — has been a privilege I will always cherish.

“Helping people in their times of need wasn’t just part of the job — it was a calling and a privilege that I will always hold close to my heart. To everyone who has supported me throughout the years: thank you. Truly. I can’t say that enough. I love each and every one of you. Your encouragement, your belief in me, and your unwavering support have meant more than words can ever express.

“To the broader community: my goal has always been to lead with common sense. Too often, political discourse gets in the way — and that only distracts us from the common good. Let’s rise above that. Let’s stay the course, love one another, and continue working together to achieve meaningful progress as citizens.”

The last time flags in Florida were lowered was August 1, 2025, in honor of the passing of Hulk Hogan (Terry Bollea) and to declare “Hulk Hogan Day in Florida.” The flags were flown at half-staff at the State Capitol and throughout Pinellas County.

James Coleman is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at jcoleman@pbpost.com and follow him on X (formerly known as Twitter) at @JimColeman11. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.