DeSantis Nominee to Oversee Florida Highway Patrol Despite Vocal Opposition

Critics complain David Kerner was too aggressive with COVID-19 response when Palm Beach County mayor

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks with David Kerner, then-mayor of Palm Beach County, Fla., during a national Fraternal Order of Police leadership gathering in Atlantic Beach, Fla., in September 2020. Courtesy of Palm Beach County

A former Democrat mayor of Palm Beach County, Florida—known for his controversial local response to COVID-19—was confirmed on Jan. 17 to lead the Florida Department of Highways and Motor Safety.

David Kerner was nominated for the post by Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican. And he was unanimously confirmed by the Florida Cabinet, including DeSantis, newly elected Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, and Attorney General Ashley Moody.