Fred Hawkins Jr. wins despite suspension by Gov. DeSantis

Osceola County commissioner charged with a felony wins Republican Primary

Suspended Osceola County Commission Fred Hawkins speaks publicly about arrest for first time For the first time since his arrest for impersonating an officer and being suspended from his seat on the Osceola County Commission, Fred Hawkins publicly addressed his charges and answered questions about why he’s still running for a seat in the Florida Legislature.

By Julianne Amaya

Osceola County - County Commissioner Fred Hawkins Jr. was able to fend off challengers in the primary race for a Florida House seat representing parts of Osceola and Polk counties.

Following an investigation, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement charged Hawkins on July 20th with impersonating a law enforcement officer. Gov. DeSantis suspended Hawkins from office several weeks ago.

Hawkins showed a special deputy badge, issued by Sheriff Russ Gibson while attempting to enter a Turnberry Reserve HOA election meeting. “I am with the Sheriff’s Office,” Hawkins told security guard, Ailyn De Pena, whose body camera captured the moment. “You’re about to get arrested.

While previously debating two out of three other Republican opponents for the primary, he said, “I was trying to get the deputy inside to come out and fix the situation that he had warned the security guard about, putting her hands on people and restricting access.”

With all precincts reporting, Hawkins won in Fla. House District 42 with 47%, Dianna Liebnitzky following behind with nearly 30%. Hawkins will face Democrat Barbara Cady in the November general election.