Pete Antonacci is the new executive director of the South Florida Water Management District.
He enters the role at a time when the district is facing tough financial questions. Spending is expected to increase, staff size has decreased and the district is dipping into its reserves.
Antonacci also moved into the position following a controversial summer where the district’s board members voted not to reduce a certain tax.
Gov. Rick Scott’s office told outletslike the Palm Beach Post that he was “disappointed” with the decision. Soon after, the board reversed and rolled back the tax.
What followed was the departure of the board's executive director and chief of staff.
The board, which is appointed by the governor, installed Antonacci in September.
Antonacci has served as general counsel for the governor. He also served on the Northwest Florida Water Management board from 2005 to 2012.
Antonacci’s name popped up in state news last year for the role he played in the controversial firing of a state agency head.
Antonacci came to WGCU’s studio to discuss his plans for the district. We were also joined by South Florida Water Management District Governing Board member Mitch Hutchcraft.
