Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff Wednesday, Aug. 20, in honor of former Rep. Joseph Casello.
Casello, 73, died July 18.
A former firefighter in Massachusetts, Casello moved to Florida and served in the Florida Legislature and was a former Boynton Beach city commissioner.
When should flags be flown at half-staff to honor Joe Casello?
DeSantis ordered flags to be flown at half-staff to honor Casello from sunrise to sunset on Wednesday, Aug. 20.
Where should flags be flown at half-staff?
U.S. flags, along with the Florida state flag, should be flown at half-staff at the State Capitol in Tallahassee and all local and state buildings, installations, and grounds throughout Palm Beach County on Aug. 20.
Who was Florida Rep. Joseph Casello?
Casello served for nearly seven years in the Florida Legislature. He was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2018 to represent District 90, where he served until his death on July 18, 2025.
Before becoming a state representative, Casello served on the Boynton Beach City Council.
Before moving to Palm Beach County, he worked as a firefighter for three decades in his hometown of Worcester, Massachusetts.
Casello also honorably served as a non-commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force in the early 1970s, DeSantis said.
"Representative Casello spent his career committed to public service, and he will be remembered for his dedication to improving his community," DeSantis said.
Casello: Representing people 'has been a privilege'
Casello had suffered a massive heart attack earlier in July.
He released the following statement just before coming off life support July 17.
"My life has always been about public service and meeting the needs of my community. Serving as both a firefighter for 33 years and an elected official for 13 years has been the greatest honor of my life. Representing the people — through times of unity and division, triumph and challenge — has been a privilege I will always cherish.
➤ State Rep. Joe Casello of Boynton Beach, 73, dies after suffering massive heart attack
➤ Retired Worcester firefighter Joseph Casello, a lawmaker in Florida, dies of heart attack
"Helping people in their times of need wasn’t just part of the job — it was a calling and a privilege that I will always hold close to my heart. To everyone who has supported me throughout the years: thank you. Truly. I can’t say that enough. I love each and every one of you. Your encouragement, your belief in me, and your unwavering support have meant more than words can ever express.
"To the broader community: my goal has always been to lead with common sense. Too often, political discourse gets in the way — and that only distracts us from the common good. Let’s rise above that. Let’s stay the course, love one another, and continue working together to achieve meaningful progress as citizens."
How to correctly fly your flag at half-staff
On days when the flag is flown at half-staff, it should first be raised to the top of the pole for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position, according to the U.S. Flag Code.
Before lowering the flag, it should again be raised to the top before being lowered for the day.
When is it appropriate to lower the American flag?
There are certain commemorative days when it is customary to lower the flag to half-staff:
Fallen Law Enforcement Officers (typically a day in April)
National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day (typically a Sunday during Fire Prevention Week in May)
Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15, unless that day is also Armed Forces Day)
Memorial Day (last Monday in May, from sunrise to noon)
Patriot Day (Sept. 11)
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (Dec. 7).
Do flags fly at half-mast or half-staff?
On ships and at naval stations ashore, flags are flown at half-mast.
On shore, flags are flown at half-staff.
Contributor: Mike Diamond, Palm Beach Post
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Flags at half staff Wednesday will honor Rep. Joseph Casello
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