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By DARA KAM
THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

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THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, April 21, 2017......... Calling his presence a "distraction" days after apologizing for a public tirade that included racially charged and vulgar expletives, Miami Republican Frank Artiles announced Friday he was resigning from the Senate, effective immediately.

Artiles --- a tough-talking, U.S. Marine veteran who earned the moniker "Frank the Tank" from fellow lawmakers --- stepped down amid a Senate investigation into reports that he had insulted two black colleagues, and others, Monday night at a members-only club in the shadow of the Capitol.

Artiles has faced widespread condemnation for a rant that reportedly included calling Sen. Audrey Gibson, D-Jacksonville, "girl," a "bitch," and a "f---ing ass----." Artiles also reportedly used the word "niggers" or "niggas," though he contended earlier this week that he did not direct the word at anyone in particular.

"It is clear to me my recent actions and words that I spoke fell far short of what I expect for myself, and for this I am very sorry. I apologize to my friends and I apologize to all of my fellow senators and lawmakers. To the people of my district and all of Miami-Dade, I am sorry I have let you down and ask for your forgiveness," Artiles wrote in a resignation letter to Senate President Joe Negron, R-Stuart.

Artiles earlier admitted to berating Gibson, who is black, at the Governors Club. Gibson said he also used the word "niggers" when referring to Republican senators who backed Negron in a leadership race, although Artiles later said he referred to the president's backers as "niggas." Gibson and Sen. Perry Thurston, a Fort Lauderdale Democrat who heard most of Artiles' remarks at the club Monday night, said Artiles also used a derogatory term to refer to Negron.

"He made the right decision. As he has noted, both on the (Senate) floor and in his letter, all of us are accountable for our actions and comments. I think it is an appropriate resolution," Negron, told reporters at a hastily convened press conference Friday.

Negron on Wednesday appointed the Senate's general counsel, Dawn Roberts, to serve as special master to conduct an inquiry into Artiles' behavior and submit a report and possible recommendations for sanctions to the Rules Committee.

The Senate president ordered the investigation after Thurston, who serves as chairman of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus, filed a formal complaint seeking Artiles' expulsion from the Senate.