Peter Schmitt, presiding officer of the Nassau County Legislature, was taken by ambulance Monday afternoon to Winthrop-University Hospital in Mineola for observation after experiencing shortness of breath.

Spokesman Edward Ward said Schmitt, "had an episode of shortness of breath and high blood pressure. At the hospital, they found fluid around his lungs. He is being monitored there and will stay overnight."

Schmitt (R-Massapequa) has served as presiding officer since Republicans took control of the legislature in 2010. Schmitt, 60, has been a county lawmaker since 1995.

NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa spoke with Robert Sinclair Jr., senior manager of public affairs for AAA Northeast, about some of the best and worst times to travel during the holiday weekend.   Credit: Newsday Studios; File Footage

Labor Day weekend travel forecast NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa spoke with Robert Sinclair Jr., senior manager of public affairs for AAA Northeast, about some of the best and worst times to travel during the holiday weekend.

NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa spoke with Robert Sinclair Jr., senior manager of public affairs for AAA Northeast, about some of the best and worst times to travel during the holiday weekend.   Credit: Newsday Studios; File Footage

Labor Day weekend travel forecast NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa spoke with Robert Sinclair Jr., senior manager of public affairs for AAA Northeast, about some of the best and worst times to travel during the holiday weekend.

SUBSCRIBE

Unlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 6 months

ACT NOWSALE ENDS SOON | CANCEL ANYTIME