On August 20, 2023, Former Representative Dale Patchett passed away at the age of 73. He served as a representative in the Florida House for roughly 14 years, from 1976 to 1990. Patchett represented District 48 (Indian River and parts of Brevard, Okeechobee, Osceola, and St. Lucie counties) and then the newly created House District 78 which included similar geographic areas. Throughout his tenure in the House, he served on several committees and was appointed chairman of both the Environmental Permitting & Protection Committee and the Mining & Reclamation Select Committee. He obtained leadership posts quickly within his party and acted as Republican Leader Pro Tempore from 1982 to 1984 and as Republican Leader from 1984 to 1990. Following his time in the House, Patchett served as the Deputy Secretary for what later became the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Dale Patchett will be remembered as a dedicated advocate for his neighbors and public servant to the citizens of Florida.

As a mark of respect, I hereby direct the flag of the State of Florida to be flown at half-staff at the Pasco County Courthouse in Dade City, Florida, the City Hall of Dade City, Florida, and at the State Capitol in Tallahassee, Florida, from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, September 23, 2023.