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Gov. Scott: Next Horizon to Expand in Sanford and Create More Than 20 New Jobs at New Corporate Headquarters

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Governor Rick Scott today announced that Next Horizon will be expanding to a new corporate headquarters in Seminole County and will be creating more than 20 new jobs. The company will also invest $1.9 million in the local community. Next Horizon is a Sanford-based technology company specializing in IT managed services, application development and digital marketing solutions that currently employs more than 26 Floridians.

Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce that Next Horizon will be expanding in Sanford and creating more than 20 new jobs in Seminole County. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and have led to the creation of nearly 1.5 million jobs since 2011. Our focus remains on growing our economy by creating an environment where companies like Next Horizon can grow and hire more Floridians.”

The more than 20 new jobs will include positions for full time application developers, quality assurance professionals, and project managers, and will pay an average of 84 percent more than Seminole County’s annual average wage. Next Horizon will build the new facility adjacent to its current location in Sanford. Construction is scheduled to start December 2018 with completion slated for fourth quarter in 2019.

Next Horizon President and CIO Harry Ellis, III, said, “As our company grew, we had to consider all our options and decide how best to expand. The city of Sanford and Seminole County came together to meet our needs and create a business-friendly means for expansion. We have a wealth of resources here – educated professionals, creative designers, and a vibrant and engaged business community. We foresee an exciting and successful future right here in Sanford and this partnership has fueled our path to growth.”

The project was made possible through strong partnerships between Enterprise Florida, The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, the Orlando Economic Partnership, Seminole County Government and the city of Sanford. The Partnership assisted Next Horizon by validating the region’s labor market and business value proposition as well as providing connections to talent recruitment resources.

Peter Antonacci, CEO of Enterprise Florida, said, “Next Horizon’s expansion will bring new high wage jobs to Florida families. This represents a big win for Seminole County.”

Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “Congratulations to Next Horizon on the expansion of its corporate headquarters, another sign that Florida’s business friendly policies are having significant impacts on our economy. These high wage jobs in Seminole County will provide opportunities for hardworking Floridians in the technology industry.”

Seminole County Commission Chairman John Horan said, “Our Commission is pleased to support one of our existing businesses as they can continue to thrive in Seminole County. The high-tech sector is one of the fastest growing in our area, and the growth of Next Horizon demonstrates why it is important that government remain involved and supportive of economic development.”

Sanford Mayor Jeff Triplett said, “Next Horizon has been a tremendous corporate citizen in the city of Sanford for many years. The company provides high wage, high value employment for the citizens of our community. We are very excited that during this time of growth, they have decided to expand operations in Sanford.”

Orlando Economic Partnership President and CEO Tim Giuliani said, “As Orlando’s economy continues to grow, we are seeing more companies choosing to stay in our market. In addition, our region is rich in tech talent and in Seminole County alone, there’s been a 23 percent growth rate in the number of software developers over the past four years. The key to Next Horizon’s growth has been the company’s ability to successfully find and attract highly skilled workers.”

Next Horizon Networking & Technology has been serving the Central Florida area for more than 25 years, Next Horizon makes sense of technology, digital marketing, custom development, and IT Managed Solutions. Next Horizon helps customers by focusing on reducing client costs, increasing productivity and decreasing downtime. Next Horizon’s staff of certified IT technicians, staff programmers, web design developers and graphic designers offer complete technology solutions to businesses, from supporting client IT departments, developing custom software, to driving conversions from Internet visitors through strategic, creative and measurable internet marketing campaigns. Next Horizon is led by President, Harry Ellis III, who in 2017 was named one of Orlando Business Journal’s CEOs of the Year.

Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) is a partnership between Florida’s businesses and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for Florida. EFI facilitates job growth through recruitment and retention, international trade and exporting, promotion of sporting events, and capital funding programs to assist small and minority businesses. EFI launched “Florida – The Future is Here” to promote the state as the nation’s premier business destination.

The Orlando Economic Partnership (the Partnership) works to provide the Orlando region with quality jobs, economic growth, broad-based prosperity and a sustainable quality of life. It is a not-for-profit, public/private partnership representing Central Florida’s seven counties – Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole and Volusia – as well as the City of Orlando. The Partnership was formed from the merger of the Central Florida Partnership and the Orlando Economic Development Commission. For more information, visit Orlando.org.

Sen. Bill Nelson statement on International Space Station

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Following is a statement from U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL), the top Democrat on the Senate Commerce Committee which oversees NASA, on the president’s budget proposal to end funding for the International Space Station by 2025:

“The administration’s budget for NASA is a nonstarter. If we’re ever going to get to Mars with humans on board and return them safely, then we need a larger funding increase for NASA. The proposal would also end support for the International Space Station in 2025 and make deep cuts to popular education and science programs. Turning off the lights and walking away from our sole outpost in space at a time when we’re pushing the frontiers of exploration makes no sense.”

CFO Jimmy Patronis Increases Investment in Israel to Unprecedented Amount

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Florida to Hold $50 Million in Israel Bonds in 2018

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced today an increase in Florida’s investment in Israel Bonds by $10 million in 2018, increasing the state’s holdings to an unprecedented $50 million. The decision comes after discussions with Israel’s Finance Minister, Moshe Kahlon, and representatives, including the president, from Israel Bonds. Florida is the third largest U.S. state investor in the State of Israel.

“During a time when our nation is criticized and attacked for moving our embassy to Jerusalem, it’s incredibly important to signal to the world that we stand firmly with the State of Israel,” said CFO Jimmy Patronis. “Israel’s economy has seen significant growth over the years including expanded development in the high-tech industry. Increasing our investment in Israel by $10 million this year not only provides a good return on investment, but strengthens our relationship. The interests of Israel will always be the interests of the United States, and this unprecedented investment further cements us as friends, allies, and economic partners.”

“With a commitment to innovation and cutting edge technology, the State of Israel’s economy is vibrant and growing,” said Moshe Kahlon, Finance Minister of Israel. “Investment in Israel Bonds is an investment in Israel. It tells to the world that Florida and Israel are not only friends, but have shared economic interests. I’m grateful for CFO Jimmy Patronis’ leadership and commitment to the relationship forged between our great nations.”

“Israel Bonds is thrilled to deepen our partnership with the State of Florida,” said Israel Maimon, President of Israel Bonds. “We are proud to work with CFO Jimmy Patronis to increase Florida’s investment. Investing in Israel Bonds supports Israel’s economy, helping to keep it strong and resilient.’’

The State of Florida, through the Department of Financial Services (DFS) Division of Treasury, currently holds $40 million in Israel Bonds.

UT Academic Leaders to Travel to Cuba to Build Educational Partnerships

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The University of Tampa has been selected as one of 10 schools in the U.S. by the Institute of International Education (IIE) to participate in the binannual Congreso Universidad Cuban International Education Conference.

As part of the program, David Stern, UT’s provost; Marca Bear, associate dean of international programs; Frank Ghannadian, dean of the Sykes College of Business; David Gudelunas, dean of the College of Arts and Letters; Jack Geller, dean of the College of Social Sciences, Mathematics and Education; and Paul Greenwood, dean of the College of Natural and Health Sciences, will travel to Havana Feb. 11–17.

“Engaging in academic and cultural exchange with institutions of higher education in Cuba deepens Tampa’s international heritage that is a unique part of our community’s history,” said Stern.

“This is a critical moment for academic cooperation between the United States and Cuba,” said Clare Overman, head of higher education initiatives at IIE. “We firmly believe in the opportunity to expand bi-lateral exchange. This delegation aims to foster and explore those opportunities for academic collaboration despite challenges.”

At the Congreso Universidad, U.S. representatives will meet with their Cuban counterparts, opening opportunities for future academic partnerships and student exchanges between the two nations. IIE’s International Academic Partnership Program (IAPP) will lead the delegation.

Since current restrictions limit options for individual travel to Cuba from the United States, this trip represents a unique opportunity to foster educational exchanges and partnerships between the two countries. Moreover, Congreso Universidad will allow representatives of U.S. universities to connect with their counterparts in remote or difficult to access regions of Cuba.

The Cuban Ministry of Higher Eduation (MES) hosts the Congreso Universidad semi-annually, inviting delegations from Latin America and the world to meet with higher education officials from Cuba.

UT previously attended Congreso Universidad in 2015, which led to the University being named the first U.S. affiliate of the Center for Martí Studies in April 2016.

In May 2016, UT offered two travel courses to Cuba: Government and World Affairs 353: Cuba and the U.S., and Communication 224: Mass Media and Society. In October 2016, seven UT faculty presented research papers during the UNICA Conference, organized by the University of Ciego de Avila in Cuba.

For more information, contact Lisa Shemon, coordinator of international programs education and outreach, at [email protected] or (813) 258-7431.

New UNF Poll Shows Florida Governor Candidates Lack Name Recognition

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Respondents Show High Support for Restoring Felon Voting Rights

The Public Opinion Research Lab at the University of North Florida has a new poll that reveals an overwhelming lack of name recognition among Democratic candidates and Republican candidates running for Florida governor. The survey also shows that a majority of respondents support restoring the voting rights of individuals with felony convictions.

The poll, comprised of Florida registered voters, asked respondents to give their opinion on Andrew Gillum, Gwen Graham, Phillip Levine, Richard Corcoran, Ron DeSantis and Adam Putnam, all candidates running for Florida governor. Concerning the Democratic candidates, the percentage of respondents who had never heard of them ranges from 73 percent for Levine to 81 percent for Gillum. Graham had the highest favorability of the three Democratic candidates, with 11 percent viewing her favorably and 4 percent unfavorably, while 78 percent had never heard of her.

The Republican candidates didn’t fare any better as 67 percent had never heard of Putnam, 72 percent never heard of DeSantis and 78 percent never heard of Corcoran. Putnam received the highest favorability among Republicans, with 14 percent viewing him favorably and 7 percent unfavorably.

“It’s a little surprising that so few people have heard of the candidates, particularly Adam Putnam who has won two statewide races, and Gwen Graham, who is a former member of Congress and the daughter of former Gov. and Sen. Bob Graham,” said Dr. Michael Binder, faculty director of the Public Opinion Research Lab at UNF. “These results highlight both the opportunities for the candidates to shape the voters’ perception of them and the challenges they face in getting out their message.”

The poll also shows that respondents show high support for restoring felon voting rights. When asked whether they would vote yes or no on a proposition to restore the voting rights of Floridians with felony convictions, 71 percent of registered voters claimed they would vote “yes” on the proposition, with 22 percent who would vote “no.”

“Amendment 4, the voting rights restoration measure, facing voters in the fall is so widely supported, even a majority of Republicans support it. What remains to be seen is whether or not an influx of money opposing this ballot measure will knock off enough support to prevent it from reaching the 60 percent necessary to pass,” Binder said.

When asked whether they support or oppose lifting the bans on offshore oil drilling, 55 percent of registered Florida voters polled either strongly or somewhat oppose, while 37 percent strongly or somewhat support lifting the bans. Regarding DACA, respondents were asked about their views on illegal/undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children. A large majority, 82 percent, supported letting them stay in the U.S. to eventually apply for citizenship, while 5 percent stated they could stay but not apply for citizenship. Nine percent claimed they should be required to leave the U.S.

“Even though DACA and offshore oil drilling will likely get sorted out at the national level, Floridians have strong opinions on these issues—very supportive of a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers and opposed to opening up offshore oil drilling—and these opinions could very well influence the upcoming senate and gubernatorial elections,” noted Binder.

Regarding some policies facing Florida’s legislature, 59 percent of respondents strongly or somewhat oppose allowing concealed weapons to be carried on university and college campuses, with 35 percent in support. When asked about removing Florida’s home rule, 47 percent strongly or somewhat oppose giving the state government additional power over local government decisions, while 30 percent support it either strongly or somewhat. A majority of respondents, 62 percent, strongly or somewhat support legalizing and regulating recreational marijuana, with 35 percent in opposition.

“This is the third time over the past year we’ve asked about concealed weapons on college campuses, and the results are remarkably consistent. Voters are opposed to changing the current restrictions, and it will be interesting to see if the legislature listens to their electorate,” Binder said. “There is also opposition, though not nearly as strong, in scaling back Florida’s home rule, something legislators may want to pay attention to before acting to fundamentally alter governance in Florida.”

When asked about the most important problem facing Florida today, the most popular response was education at 20 percent, followed closely by health care, 16 percent, and crime, 15 percent. Out of all respondents, 52 percent either strongly or somewhat approve of the way that the Florida legislature is handling its job, with 33 percent disapproving either strongly or somewhat.

For details about the methodology of the survey and additional crosstabs by partisanship, sex, education, race and age, click here.

Amscot Financial Launches 13th ‘Just a Dollar’ Campaign to Benefit Local Students and Schools

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Amscot Financial, a leading provider of convenient, consumer-oriented financial services, is asking customers to give $1 this month to support local public schools. It’s the 13th ‘Just a Dollar’ customer giving campaign to support local teachers and students through their local education foundation by providing targeted assistance beyond what public school budgets provide.

“We conduct this campaign because the generosity of our customers continues to make a tremendous difference in the lives of children in the community,” said Ian MacKechnie, founder and CEO of Amscot Financial. “Everyone sees the importance of investing in their local students and is eager to give back. It’s up to the community to help fill in the gaps where tax dollars and school budgets don’t fully meet the students’ needs.” Amscot Financial will match the first $10,000 in customer contributions and the company’s founder and his wife Jean are demonstrating their commitment to the effort by personally donating $50,000.

Now in its second decade, Amscot Financial’s ‘Just a Dollar’ campaign has cumulatively raised more than $1.2 million benefitting students throughout the company’s 20 county service territory. Classroom grants, extra support for struggling readers, teacher supply stores and student scholarships are all examples of how the funds have been used in past years.

This year’s campaign is coming at a time when more than 10,000 students displaced from Puerto Rico and other hurricane-damaged areas have enrolled in Florida schools. Many are arriving without the basic items they need to be successful in their new schools and local education foundations are stepping in the gap to provide school supplies, clothing and hygiene items so they can get back to the business of learning as quickly as possible.

“What our local educations especially appreciate about this support is that it can be invested in the areas where it’s needed most in each school district. The needs may be different in rural communities like Highlands and Hardee counties or in urban areas like Orange and Broward. Regardless, donors can rest assured that every dollar raised will remain in the communities where contributions are made and used to meet local student needs,” said Mary Chance, president of the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations, the statewide organization that distributes the funds raised by Amscot.

Founded in 1989, Amscot Financial employs more than 2,000 associates working at 237 retail branches and at the company’s corporate headquarters in Tampa. The company currently operates retail locations in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, Polk, Hardee, Highlands, Manatee, Sarasota, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake, Volusia, Brevard, Marion, Citrus, Flagler, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties.

Statement by President Negron on the February General Revenue Estimate

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Senate President Joe Negron (R-Stuart) today released the following statement regarding the February General Revenue Estimate, which will be finalized later today.

“While today’s news is positive, past experience shows us that revenue estimates can fluctuate and circumstances change.  It is always best to remain cautious and prudent. For that reason, the budget we passed off the Senate floor yesterday maintains over $3.4 billion in total reserves.

“We always look forward to getting updated estimates, which help us finalize our budget planning. However, with the new estimate relatively unchanged from the estimate we used to develop the Senate budget, I do not expect that today’s news will necessitate significant changes in our budget development. As we move into the second half of the 2018 Legislative Session, we look forward to a productive budget conference with our House colleagues and to producing a balanced budget that meets the needs of our growing state.”

Commissioner Stewart Names Florida’s 2018 Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year

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Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart today named Kenneth Savage, of Lee County, as the 2018 Principal of the Year and Jackie Ramsey, of Orange County, as the 2018 Assistant Principal of the Year. These school leaders were honored at the Commissioner’s Summit for Principals for contributing to increased student performance.

“Strong leadership in our schools is essential to ensure teachers and students have the support and resources necessary to succeed,” said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. “Kenneth Savage and Jackie Ramsey have made a tremendous impact on their students, colleagues and community, and I am honored to recognize them as the 2018 Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year.”

Principal Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership
The 2018 Principal of the Year was awarded a cash prize of $5,000. The two state finalists were awarded a check for $1,500, and each district winner was awarded a check for $312. 

Kenneth Savage, James Stephens International Academy, Lee County
After serving successfully as principal at Veterans Park Academy for the Arts K-8, Kenneth Savage was appointed as a turnaround principal for James Stephens International Academy. In one year, Savage helped improve the school grade from an F to a B. He is commended for being a self-starter and critical thinker, and he is known as a diligent data user who always focuses on the ultimate goal – student achievement. He is a member of Principal Leads in Lee County and mentors other administrators.

“I am so proud of Ken and all of his accomplishments in this District,” said Lee County Superintendent Dr. Greg Adkins. “He is a true leader and mentor, not only for our kids, but for our staff and other administrators. Ken’s passion to make sure all students receive a high quality education is second to none.”

Outstanding Assistant Principal Achievement Award
The 2018 Assistant Principal of the Year was awarded a cash prize of $3,500. The two state finalists were awarded a check for $1,061, and each district winner was awarded a check for $219.

Jackie Ramsey, Carver Middle School, Orange County
As the assistant principal for instruction at Carver Middle School, Jackie Ramsey is known as a dynamic leader who provides exceptional support and motivation to teachers at several Orange County schools. Ramsey believes that all students will learn when they receive quality instruction. At Carver Middle School, students’ reading proficiency is up by three percentage points, and the bottom quartile learning gains are up by four percentage points. Under her leadership, Carver Middle School has improved its school grade from an F to a C.

“Jackie Ramsey is an outstanding assistant principal whose every action helps lead students to success,” said Orange County Superintendent Dr. Barbara Jenkins. “Her expertise has resulted in significant learning gains at every school she’s served. We applaud the selection of Jackie Ramsey as the Florida Assistant Principal of the Year.”

The Commissioner’s Summit for Principals is sponsored by the Florida Lottery.

Candidates for these awards were nominated by the superintendent from their respective school districts. Complete lists of candidates from each district for both categories are available online: 2017-18 Principal Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership District Winners and 2017-18 Outstanding Assistant Principal Achievement Award District Winners.

The Principal Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership was established in 1988 to recognize Florida principals for their contributions to their schools and communities. The Outstanding Assistant Principal Achievement Award was established in 1997 to honor assistant principals that have utilized teamwork and leadership to increase student achievement and greatly improved school environments.

For more information about Florida’s educator recognition and recruitment programs, click here.

Gov. Scott: After Months of Advocating, Federal Disaster Relief Heading to Florida

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After months of advocating for Congress to pass disaster relief for Florida, Governor Scott made the following statement following the passage of disaster funding for Florida, Puerto Rico, Texas and California.

Governor Rick Scott said, “For months, we have worked to ensure that Florida is provided the needed federal relief following Hurricane Irma. In October, I personally traveled to Washington to begin this conversation with Florida’s entire Congressional delegation, Congressional leadership and various federal officials. Today, Congress finally provided the relief we were seeking for Florida families and businesses. The funding provided today will help the recovery of our state’s iconic citrus industry, better prepare our communities as they continue to welcome families displaced by Hurricane Maria and aid in Puerto Rico’s recovery. I’ve traveled to Puerto Rico three times since the island was devastated by Maria, and Florida continues to stand with our fellow Americans.

“At my request, this relief also includes funding to speed the critical repairs to the federally-operated Herbert Hoover Dike. During Hurricane Irma, I ordered the evacuation of many communities surrounding the Dike to keep people safe. At my urging, and after securing a commitment from the White House, Congress has finally made funding available for this federal project. I will continue to fight for these repairs and will stop at nothing until the communities and the environment surrounding the dike are fully protected.”

Action taken by Governor Scott following Hurricanes Irma and Maria to urge federal disaster relief:

  • On September 28th, at the request of Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló, Governor Scott traveled to San Juan, Puerto Rico to help coordinate response and recovery efforts following Hurricane Maria.
  • On October 5th, the Governor entered into a host-state agreement with FEMA – Florida is the only state willing to enter into this type of agreement to help families displaced by Hurricane Maria.
  • On October 6th, Governor Scott spoke with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue regarding Florida’s iconic citrus industry.
  • On October 11th, Governor Scott traveled to Washington D.C. joined by Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam to meet with members of the Florida congressional delegation to discuss Hurricane Irma and Florida’s citrus industry.
  • On October 11th, Governor Scott met with Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen, Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture Congressman Mike Conaway, Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security Congressman Michael McCaul, and Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón.
  • On October 11th, November 13th and November 17th, the Governor spoke with White House Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney regarding federal disaster relief.
  • On October 26th, President Donald J. Trump instructed the Director of the Office of Management and Budget Mick Mulvaney to accelerate the completion of repairs to Florida’s Herbert Hoover Dike.
  • On October 30th, the Governor’s office sent a letter to the Office of Management and Budget. See the letter HERE.
  • On November 3rd, Governor Scott led a delegation of Florida utility providers to Puerto Rico at the invitation of Governor Ricardo Rosselló.
  • On November 9th, the Governor activated the State Emergency Response Team to assist families displaced by Hurricane Maria. See the Governor’s press release HERE.
  • On November 15th, the Governor sent a letter to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Ryan urging them to support Florida’s recovery following Hurricane Irma, Florida’s efforts to support those displaced from Puerto Rico by Hurricane Maria and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ongoing repairs to the Herbert Hoover Dike. See the Governor’s letter HERE.
  • On November 28th, Governor Scott spoke with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson regarding Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Irma.
  • On December 15th, the Governor spoke to House Speaker Paul Ryan urging immediate action to help Florida citrus growers.
  • On December 19th, the Governor spoke with Chairman John Hoeven of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies regarding Florida’s iconic citrus industry.
  • On December 19th, the Governor spoke with Congressman Vern Buchanan regarding citrus relief.
  • On December 20th, Governor Scott spoke with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue regarding Florida’s iconic citrus industry.
  • On December 20th, Governor Scott spoke with Senator Lamar Alexander, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development regarding repairs to the Herbert Hoover Dike.
  • On December 21st, Governor Scott spoke with Senator Lamar Alexander, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development regarding repairs to the Herbert Hoover Dike.
  • On December 21st, Governor Scott spoke with Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón regarding Puerto Rico’s recovery from Hurricane Maria.
  • On December 22nd, Governor Scott spoke with U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen regarding recovery efforts for Florida and Puerto Rico.
  • On December 31st, Governor Scott met with President Donald Trump regarding the need for federal aid for the recovery of Florida’s citrus industry and the needed repairs to the Herbert Hoover Dike.
  • On January 3rd, Governor Scott sent a letter to the United States Senate Committee on Appropriations urging the Senate to immediately pass a significant Hurricane Irma and Maria disaster relief package. See the Governor’s letter HERE.
  • On January 11th, Governor Scott spoke with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Brock Long regarding the FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program and the importance of continued communication between federal, state and local partners as families continue to recover from Hurricane Maria.
  • On January 12th, Governor Scott met with Governor Ricardo Rosselló and joined him for a Puerto Rico recovery town hall meeting to discuss ongoing relief efforts.
  • On January 24th, Governor Scott, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, California Governor Jerry Brown and Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló issued a joint letter urging the U.S. Senate to improve and expeditiously pass supplemental disaster funding, and for Congress to send the bill to the President. See the letter HERE.
  • On January 31st, Governor Scott spoke with U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell regarding disaster relief funding.
  • On February 1st, Governor Scott spoke with Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam and Florida citrus leaders regarding federal disaster relief.
  • On February 5th, Governor Scott visited Puerto Rico With Governor Ricardo Rosselló to assist with ongoing Hurricane Maria recovery efforts.
  • On February 7th, Governor Scott spoke with FEMA Administrator Brock Long regarding Governor Scott’s recent trip to Puerto Rico.

Highlights of the $89.3 billion federal disaster funding package includes:

  • $3.597 billion for citrus and agriculture, which will help Florida’s iconic citrus industry after Hurricane Irma;
  • $17.39 billion for the Army Corps of Engineers, which will help the federal government fund the much-needed repairs to the Herbert Hoover Dike;
  • $1.65 billion for the Small Business Administration (SBA), which will provide much needed SBA disaster assistance loans to Florida job creators;
  • $23.5 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which will help fund the recovery efforts of the State of Florida and local communities;
  • $2.46 billion for the U.S. Department of Education, which will help aid all students, including those from Puerto Rico who are displaced in Florida at elementary, secondary, and higher education schools; and
  • $28 billion for the Department of Housing and Urban Development, which will assist in rebuilding and repairing Florida homes, businesses, and communities.

Statement by Senate Committee on Agriculture Chairman Denise Grimsley

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“Last week I wrote to our congressional delegation to reassure them that their efforts to bring disaster relief to Florida farmers were not in vain. Today, I want thank them for their success. Were it not for leaders like Tom Rooney, Dennis Ross, Vern Buchanan, Mario Diaz-Balart, Neal Dunn, Carlos Curbelo, Marco Rubio and so many more, we would have scarcely seen results. The measure President Trump signed today is also a reminder that his and Secretary Perdue’s commitment to Florida following Irma has been fully confirmed.”