Photo: CBS 12
Gov. Ron DeSantis has nominated a new leader for a state law enforcement agency and at the same time shifted a county commission from longtime Blue to Red.
The governor has appointed Palm Beach County Republican Party Chairman Michael Barnett to fill the County Commission seat being left vacant by Democrat Dave Kerner.
DeSantis has nominated Kerner as Executive Director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Kerner is a one-time law enforcement officer who publicly endorsed DeSantis during his re-election run.
Kerner will serve on an interim basis until the Cabinet meets to consider his nomination on January 17.
Meanwhile, Barnett's appointment gives Republicans a 4-3 majority on the County Commission after two Democrat seats were flipped in November.
For years, the Board has been led by members of the Democrat party.
A statement from Palm Beach County Democratic Party Chair Dr. Mindy Koch says it is the party's "hope that Barnett is taking the job to work for all the people of Palm Beach County" and as for Kerner, the statement reads "we're not surprised. I guess Dave got his 30 pieces of silver."
Kerner takes over for Terry Rhodes, who the governor announced was leaving the department last month.
Prior to Kerner's endorsement of DeSantis, he served as Palm Beach County Mayor for two years during the COVID-19 pandemic and worked closely with the governor.