KEY LARGO -- The governor has suspended an elected member of the fire-ambulance board who was arrested in the summer for allegedly molesting lobster traps.

Key Largo Fire-EMS District board member Michael Cavagnaro was arrested on Aug. 25 with his namesake son. He was charged with one count of molestation or possession of another's spiny lobster trap, a third-degree felony.

Cavagnaro has entered a not-guilty plea.

Less than a month later the remaining four members of the board asked Gov. Charlie Crist to suspend Cavagnaro without pay until the outcome of the criminal trial is known.

On Monday, Nov. 9, Crist did just that.

"[It] is in the interest of the residents of Key Largo, Monroe County, and the citizens of the State of Florida, that Michael F. Cavagnaro Sr. be immediately suspended from the public office," stated the executive order signed by the governor.

Cavagnaro has not attended any Fire-EMS meeting since his arrest and did not return a phone call from the Free Press seeking comment.

According to the order, Cavagnaro is prohibited from performing any official duty or acting on behalf of the district and is not entitled to pay.

However, if he is acquitted, he will be immediately reinstated and shall be entitled to full back pay.

The district has the authority to appoint a Key Largo resident to the board in Cavagnaro's place until the vacancy is filled either by election or Cavagnaro's return.

Board member Mark Wheaton suggested the position would be filled soon.

"We have had two or three folks attend meetings and said they were interested in the position since Mike was arrested," Wheaton said. "I have someone in mind that I will nominate, possibly at the next meeting."

The board next meets at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 23 at Key Largo fire station 24, mile marker 100.

sgibbs@keysnews.com