State Senator Gaetz Suffers Medical Emergency

Former State Senator for Niceville, Superintendent of Okaloosa County Schools, and current State Senator for Florida’s first district Don Gaetz suffered a medical episode at a speaking engagement Wednesday morning.

Gaetz was speaking at a dedication of an infrastructure project in Santa Rosa County when the event took place.ย 

A source told Mid Bay News Gaetz was taken to the hospital in an ambulance.ย 

Keri Pitzer, an aide to the Senator, later confirmed he was transported to Baptist Hospital in Pensacola.

Gaetz was in special session in Tallahassee until 8:30 last night and made the trip to Milton this morning for the bridge dedication which started at 10:30. The bridge is being named after longtime friends and allies of the 78-year-old Senator.

In a statement on X later that day, Matt Gaetz wrote that “Today, while giving remarks at a transportation event in Santa Rosa County, Senator Don Gaetz began to feel unwell. He returned to his remarks, but his condition did not immediately improve. He is currently in stable condition and is receiving excellent medical care. Our family thanks the first responders, nurses and doctors who have assisted him today for their outstanding work. We appreciate the expressions of prayer and support shared with all of us. He will be fully recovered soon.”

On Thursday, January 30, Matt Gaetz provided the following update via a post on X: “Senator Gaetz has been released from the hospital after an overnight stay and some precautionary tests. He will be back at work in Tallahassee on Monday serving the people of Northwest Florida. Great news!”

This is a developing story and we will provide updates here as we get them.

Has this story made a difference for you? Consider making a monthly supporting donation to Mid Bay News so that we can continue to create meaningful local journalism for our community.

Keep Up With Niceville News

Stop scrolling social media to find out what’s going on in Niceville. Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the info impacting your daily life!

Boat on a Bayou