Gov. Ron DeSantis told the Florida Supreme Court on Tuesday that there are no grounds to overturn his suspension of Broward Sheriff Scott Israel.
In a filing with the Supreme Court, the governor’s attorneys said that the January suspension of the sheriff “lists specific grounds of suspension” required in the Florida Constitution, and “it supports the grounds with factual allegations that bear reasonable relation to the asserted grounds.”
In a separate motion, also filed Tuesday, DeSantis’ attorneys argued that the case is so clear that the justices should decide it based on the written filings – without hearing oral arguments from each side.
If the court disagrees and orders oral arguments, DeSantis wants them scheduled as quickly as possible. Israel’s side wants oral arguments before the Supreme Court justices.
Israel came under criticism after the February 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, and many family members of the 17 people killed and 17 injured wanted him removed.
DeSantis suspended Israel on Jan. 11, just three days after he took office.
The governor said lessons that should have been learned from the 2017 shooting at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport never were implemented, leading to a disorganized response in Parkland that cost lives and eroded trust in the Broward Sheriff’s Office.
The Florida Constitution gives the Florida Senate the authority to rule on gubernatorial suspensions. But Israel went to court, seeking to overturn the suspension.
On April 4, Broward Circuit Judge David Haimes upheld DeSantis’ use of his executive authority. The 4th District Court of Appeal said the issue is important enough that it should go directly to the Supreme Court, bypassing the intermediate appeals step.
It now is in the hands of the Supreme Court. The Senate has put off action on the Israel case until all court proceedings are complete. Time is running out for a quick Senate resolution; the annual legislative session is scheduled to adjourn on May 3.
This article will be updated. Check back for additional information.
aman@sunsentinel.com, 954-356-4550 or Twitter @browardpolitics