Scott Israel hospitalized with coronavirus
Ex-Broward sheriff a candidate to reclaim office
Scott Israel, the former Broward County sheriff who is running to reclaim the office, has been hospitalized after testing positive for COVID-19.
Israel, 64, learned he had the virus Tuesday night and went to a local hospital for further evaluation, according to a statement released by his campaign Wednesday.
“Like most of you, I took precautions, followed the advice of health experts, wore a mask in public, washed my hands regularly and observed social distancing,” Israel said in the statement. “Yet, despite this vigilance, I have contracted the virus.”
Israel said he was tested at the urging of family and friends after experiencing symptoms for several days.
Israel was receiving fluids for dehydration and undergoing further tests at the hospital on Wednesday, said Lori Parrish, a friend of Israel’s and former Broward County property appraiser.
“He is in good hands,” Parrish said she was told by Israel’s wife. “He is talking and responsive.”
Amy Rose, a campaign spokeswoman, said Israel is not in the intensive-care unit at the hospital.
Israel vowed to continue his campaign while quarantined.
“My outlook is positive, my faith is strong, and I rest in the strong support of loving family, friends and colleagues,” he said.
Israel was ousted from office in January 2019 by Gov. Ron DeSantis and replaced with Gregory Tony, who Israel is facing in the Aug. 18 Democratic primary.
Tony tweeted well wishes to his opponent: “Wishing good health and a speedy recovery to Scott Israel. Some things matter more than politics. Scott and his family will be in my thoughts.”
Israel participated Tuesday night in a candidate forum via Zoom that was held by the Plantation Democratic Club. The night before, he attended another virtual forum organized by the League of Women Voters of Broward County and the American Civil Liberties Union.
He didn’t visibly ill.
Israel rose to national prominence in the wake of the Feb. 14, 2018, mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland that left 17 students and staff dead. Scrutiny placed on his agency’s response led to his downfall. DeSantis suspended Israel for “neglect of duty” and “incompetence.” The Florida Senate upheld the suspension.
On the campaign trail, Israel has painted his removal as a politically motivated move by Republicans in Tallahassee that disregarded the wishes of Broward County voters.
Several top South Florida officials have tested positive for COVID-19 in recent days, including undersheriff Nichole Anderson, the second-in-command at the Broward Sheriff ’s Office.
Anderson is recovering at home, said Veda ColemanWright, an agency spokeswoman. Anderson’s boss, Sheriff Tony, is feeling well and does not plan to be tested, she said.
Broward Clerk of Courts Brenda Forman told an event organizer earlier this month that she had been
appear
to be hospitalized after testing positive for COVID-19. State Rep. Shevrin Jones, who chairs Broward’s legislative delegation, has been chronicling his recovery from the virus on Twitter.
In Palm Beach County,
State Attorney Dave Aronberg and Property Appraiser Dorothy Jacks have tested positive.
Both are recovering home.
Israel’s in full:
statement
at
reads
“Last night I tested positive for COVID-19. I am in a local area hospital for further evaluation. After experiencing symptoms over the past several days and at the urging of family and friends, I decided to take another coronavirus test. This time, unfortunately, the test was positive.
“Like most of you, I took precautions, followed the advice of health experts, wore a mask in public, washed my hands regularly and observed social distancing. Yet, despite this vigilance, I have contracted the virus. My outlook is positive, my faith is strong, and I rest in the strong support of loving family, friends and colleagues. While I am quarantined our campaign will continue, in earnest. Please protect one another, love one another, stay vigilant and fight, fight, fight for the health and safety of our community.”