Governor Rick Scott announced that Florida set another record by welcoming the highest number of visitors of any six months in the state’s history with 60.7 million visitors, according to VISIT FLORIDA. This represents a 4.1 percent increase over the same period in 2016, and includes 53.2 million domestic visitors, 5.3 million overseas visitors and 2.2 million Canadian visitors.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce today that Florida has continued its record breaking success by welcoming more than 60 million visitors to our state over the first half of 2017- the highest number of visitors of any six months in our state’s history. This means back-to-back record quarters for our state. Now, with the investments made in VISIT FLORIDA during this year’s Special Legislative Session, we can continue to break records and work toward our goal of 120 million visitors this year. Florida’s booming tourism industry supports 1.4 million jobs across the state, and I know that VISIT FLORIDA and their many local partners are continuing to focus on breaking more records in order to help create even more opportunities for our families.”
VISIT FLORIDA estimates that a record 29.9 million visitors traveled to Florida in the second quarter of 2017 (April-June), an increase of 6.8 percent over the same period last year. This Q2 number breaks down to 26.4 million domestic visitors, 2.6 million overseas visitors and 899,000 Canadians coming to Florida. Total enplanements at Florida’s 18 major airports in Q2 2017 increased 6.1 percent over the same period the previous year, with a record 22.8 million enplaned passengers. The number of hotel rooms sold in Florida during quarter two of 2017 grew by 4.2 percent compared to quarter two 2016. During the same period, Florida’s average daily room rate (ADR) increased by 4.0 percent and occupancy by 2.5 percent.
Ken Lawson, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA, said, “With more than 60 million visitors to the state so far this year, this is an exciting and historic time for the Florida tourism industry. VISIT FLORIDA is committed to continuing to create cutting-edge marketing programs for our industry partners of all sizes that showcase the state to visitors and help make Florida the number one vacation destination in the world.”
The Florida Aquarium President and CEO Roger Germann said, “I am proud to join Governor Scott for this exciting announcement today. Our team at The Florida Aquarium welcomes hundreds of thousands of Tampa Bay residents and guests from around the world every year, and we are incredibly proud of our economic and educational impact in the community and our state. I look forward to working with Governor Scott, VISIT FLORIDA and our partners across the state to continue Florida’s thriving tourism industry and create even more opportunities at The Florida Aquarium.”
The Florida Aquarium Chief Operating Officer Scott Rose said, “The news that Florida tourism has had another record quarter and the biggest six months in our history is no surprise to me. Florida is an incredible state with so many things to see and experience, especially right here in Tampa Bay, including The Florida Aquarium. Our partnership with VISIT FLORIDA contributes significantly to our success and we look forward to continuing to work with them to share our mission and vision with others.”
Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association President and CEO Carol Dover said, “Florida continues to set record tourism numbers, which supports our economy and the 1.4 million industry jobs across the state. As ambassadors of Florida’s tourism industry, we will continue to work diligently to attract even more visitors to enjoy our incredible state. The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association is proud to be a champion of the tourism industry and honored to share Florida’s world-renowned hospitality with residents and visitors alike.”
Mise en Place President and CEO Maryann Ferenc said, “Six consecutive years of record visitation and now two more record quarters to start off the year do not happen by accident. It’s the result of really smart marketing by VISIT FLORIDA and the entire Florida tourism industry. Now is the time for all of us – big, small, public, private, DMO, commercial entity – to work together so that we can achieve our goal of 120 million visitors this year and make Florida the number one travel destination in the world.”
Madame Tussauds Orlando Senior Trade Sales Manager and Board Chair of the Florida Attractions Association Nick Romeo said, “With another quarter of record visitation numbers, it’s clear to see why Florida is a top worldwide destination. Florida’s world-class attractions play an important role in bringing people here, and we are working every day to market ourselves more aggressively. We look forward to continuing to work with VISIT FLORIDA to set more records and make Florida the number one global destination.”
To view additional Florida visitor data, go the Research page on VISIT FLORIDA’s media website.
*Preliminary estimates are issued 45 days after the end of each calendar quarter. Final estimates are released when final data are received for all estimates in the report.
Florida
Gov. Scott: Florida Job Growth Rate Continues to Outpace the Nation
Florida Leads Largest States in Job Growth
Governor Rick Scott announced that Florida is tied with Georgia for the fastest private-sector job growth rate of the 10 most populous states in the nation over the last year. Also, compared to all states, Florida had the third-fastest annual private-sector job growth rate in the nation, behind Nevada and Utah. For 63 consecutive months, Florida’s private-sector job growth rate has outpaced the nation’s.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud that Florida continues to lead the nation’s largest states in job growth, which is sending a message across the country that our state is the best place for businesses to grow and for families to find great jobs. Florida’s job growth has also outpaced the nation’s for nearly five and a half years, and we are leading the country in a variety of industries, proving that our efforts to diversify the economy are helping to create new opportunities every day. With the newly established $85 million Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, we will continue to attract job creators to invest in Florida and ensure we remain a leader in job creation for generations to come.”
Since December 2010, Florida businesses have created 1,397,400 private-sector jobs. This June, Florida’s unemployment rate reached a 10-year low at 4.1 percent, and decreased over the month by 0.2 percent while the national unemployment rate increased 0.1 percent.
Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director Cissy Proctor said, “Florida’s strong workforce and business-friendly environment allow our state’s economy to flourish. I am proud to see our state’s job growth rate soar past our nation’s other large states. Now is an ideal time for job seekers to find their dream job in the Sunshine State and for businesses to invest in our growing economy.”
In the last year, Florida businesses created more jobs than any other state in the trade, transportation and utilities industry with 35,600 new jobs. The state also had the second-highest over-the-year job gains among all states in the construction, manufacturing, financial activities and professional and business services industries.
Congress approves seven new VA facilities in Florida
The U.S. Senate late last night unanimously approved legislation authorizing seven new major VA medical facilities in Florida.
The legislation, approved by a voice vote yesterday, included language originally sponsored by U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) authorizing the General Services Administration to execute 28 new leases for major VA medical facilities around the country, including seven in Florida.
The new Florida facilities will be located in Daytona Beach, Jacksonville, Ocala, Tampa, Lakeland and two in Gainesville.
“We have a duty to care for the brave men and women who have served in our nation’s military,” Nelson said. “Getting these seven new VA clinics opened here in Florida will make it easier for some of our veterans to access the care that they need.”
By law, Congress must approve any U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs lease that would result in an average rental payment of more than $1 million per year. Congress has not authorized a major VA medical facility lease since 2014.
The legislation authorizing the new Florida facilities was included in a broader veterans’ health care bill, known as the VA Choice and Quality Employment Act of 2017, which the Senate approved yesterday. The measure, which was approved by the House last week, now heads to the president’s desk to be signed into law.
Here’s the list of Florida facilities and the amounts authorized for each:
- A replacement outpatient clinic, Daytona Beach, Florida, an amount not to exceed $12,198,000.
- A new outpatient clinic, Gainesville, Florida, an amount not to exceed $7,891,000.
- An outpatient mental health clinic, Gainesville, Florida, an amount not to exceed $4,320,000.
- A replacement outpatient clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, an amount not to exceed $18,623,000.
- A replacement outpatient clinic, Ocala, Florida, an amount not to exceed $5,026,000.
- A replacement mental health clinic, Tampa, Florida, an amount not to exceed $13,387,000.
- A replacement outpatient clinic, Lakeland, Tampa, Florida, an amount not to exceed $10,760,000.
ACA Repeal Will Result in Massive Losses in Health Care Coverage, Job Losses in Florida
No matter which version of the bill Senate Republicans, including Senator Rubio, are scheming to pass, the end product will strip health care from millions of Floridians. Instead of answering to the people who elected him, Senator Rubio is expected to vote on repeal bill that would cause millions of Americans to lose their health insurance and cause premiums to skyrocket.
“Senator Rubio’s and his Republican colleagues’ commitment to repeal the Affordable Care Act is dangerous. It would throw millions of Americans off their health care coverage and fracture local economies. In Florida alone, as many as 181,000 people could lose their jobs and 2,230,000 Floridians could lose healthcare coverage by repealing the Affordable Care Act. Any kind of repeal will be devastating to Florida’s families,” said DNC spokesperson Francisco Pelayo.
BACKGROUND
If the ACA is repealed, 2,230,000 Floridians could lose coverage. According to the Joint Economic Committee, if Senate Republicans vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) without a replacement plan 2,230,000 Floridians would lose their health care. [Joint Economic Committee. 7/26/17]
If the ACA is repealed, 181,000 Floridians could lose their jobs. State economies will shed jobs and take a hit to economic growth, 181,000 Floridians could lose their jobs across the health care, construction, retail, and financial industries. [Joint Economic Committee. 7/26/17]
Stick on a decal to show support for Florida’s manatees, sea turtles
There are more manatees and sea turtles in Florida than in any other state. More than 6,000 manatees swim in its coastal waters, rivers and freshwater springs, and thousands of sea turtles nest and hatch on its Atlantic and Gulf coast beaches.
It’s easy to show support for these iconic Florida species by sticking on a decal.
Every July the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) introduces new manatee and sea turtle decals available with a $5 donation.
The colorful, waterproof decals are designed to look great on a vehicle’s bumper or the side of a boat. Get them when registering or re-registering a vehicle or boat at local tax collectors’ offices across the state.
“Florida is home to more manatees and sea turtles than anywhere else in the U.S.,” said Carol Knox, who leads the FWC’s Imperiled Species Management Section. “Public support has been critical in helping us conserve these imperiled species. So please ‘stick on a decal’ and show support for our manatees and sea turtles.”
Decals generate funding for research, rescue and management efforts that help Florida’s manatees and sea turtles survive. For instance, when someone calls the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) to report an injured, entangled or sick manatee or sea turtle, FWC staff responds with efforts to rescue and rehabilitate the animal.
The decals also address important conservation issues:
- “Look out for manatees” is the message on the new manatee decal, which shows boaters in the distance as a manatee mother and calf swim along with only her back above water. When boating or using a personal watercraft in Florida waters, it is important to look out for manatees. Mature manatees grow to 1,000 pounds or more, but can be difficult to see when they’re swimming, grazing or resting underwater. Wear polarized sunglasses, and then watch and listen carefully to detect the signs of manatees nearby. Look for circles on the water’s surface indicating their underwater movement and snouts sticking out of the water as they surface to breathe. You may also hear huffing noises when they come up for air.
- “Helping sea turtles survive” is the message on the new sea turtle decal, which shows a green sea turtle. Green sea turtles nest on Florida’s Atlantic and Gulf coast beaches, and until recently were classified as endangered. Now after years of conservation efforts, the number of nesting green turtles has increased substantially. This species has been reclassified as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act. That’s a major step in “green” recovery. Remember, “Hands off” is the best policy for beachgoers encountering any species of nesting or hatchling sea turtles. Watch from a distance, do not disturb them and never use a cellphone or camera to shoot flash photos.
Learn about other ways to help conserve manatees and sea turtles at MyFWC.com/Manatee and MyFWC.com/SeaTurtle, where you also can click on “Decals” to order new or past editions of decals. Go to BuyaPlate.com to purchase a “Save the Manatee” or “Helping Sea Turtles Survive” license plate that supports those species.
Florida’s Insurance Consumer Helpline Recovers $16.6M During First Half of 2017
Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis today announced that assistance provided by insurance experts working Florida’s Insurance Consumer Helpline led to the recovery of more than $16.6 million during the first half of 2017. Helpline experts answered more than 141,000 calls from Floridians and aided in the recovery of funds that included insurance claim payments and premium refunds that consumers sought the Department of Financial Services’ help collecting.
The Insurance Consumer Helpline is a free service offered to all Floridians that assists callers with financial and insurance-related matters including disaster preparation and insurance fraud, as well as questions and complaints regarding auto, home, health, life, and small business insurance.
“The claims-filing process can be a stressful affair, especially during times of serious illness or after a disastrous event,” said CFO Jimmy Patronis. “I applaud the efforts of our experts who work tirelessly to provide Floridians with the tools and resources they need to easily navigate through their insurance-related issues.”
Recent examples of how consumers were helped by helpline experts include:
- A Leon County consumer contacted the Helpline after insurance claims related to her son’s month-long stay in intensive care were denied. The company denied the claims on the basis of a pre-existing condition, yet the consumer felt the policy did cover her son’s pre-existing illness. Helpline experts contacted the company on her behalf and learned that the insurance agent who sold the policy may have misrepresented what the policy would cover. Helpline staff questioned the pre-existing condition determination, the claims were reprocessed, and a maximum benefit payout of $100,000 was made to the consumer.
- After filing a homeowner’s claim and receiving payment following Hurricane Matthew, a Pinellas County consumer contacted the Helpline when her insurance company denied coverage for additional damage that had been discovered. Even after sending in additional documentation, she was unable to resolve the issue. Upon calling the company, Helpline experts were told that a simple processing error was to blame, not a denial. The company promptly processed the claim, paying out an additional $4,700 to the consumer.
- A Brevard County consumer contacted the Helpline when medical claims payments related to treatment for her son never arrived. The company explained to Helpline experts that the payments had been processed but the company could not explain why they had not been received. A widespread system error was discovered and the company realized that payment checks for 53 consumers had never been mailed. In total, more than $24,000 in unmailed payments went out to the 53 consumers, including the original caller.
Floridians can contact the Insurance Consumer Helpline toll-free by calling 1-877-693-5236.
ICYMI: WJXT: Gov. Scott Announces Florida is Number Two for Most Airline Passengers
“Gov. Scott Announces Florida is Number Two for Most Airline Passengers”
WJXT-JAX – Jacksonville, FL
July 10, 2017
To view the clip, click HERE.
Gov. Scott: Florida Jumps Texas to Become 2nd in Airline Passengers
Governor Applauds Federal Aviation Infrastructure Awards
Governor Scott today announced that Florida’s airports rank second in the nation for airline passenger volume according to preliminary data from the Federal Aviation Administration and Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Governor Scott also applauded President Trump and the U.S. Department of Transportation for awarding $10.6 million in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants to eight Florida airports.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce that Florida’s airports have surpassed Texas and are now second in the nation for the most amount of airline passengers. Florida’s airports help welcome millions of visitors, business leaders and families to our state each year, and have a significant impact on supporting job creation and growing our economy. That is why I am proud that we have invested more than $1 billion in state funding in our airports over the past six years.
“I would also like to thank the Trump Administration for awarding federal funding to eight Florida airports so we can continue to grow. I was proud to join President Trump last month at the White House to discuss the future of infrastructure, and it is clear that we have a partner in D.C. that understands the importance of supporting transportation projects in Florida. We will continue to make important investments in our airports so Florida can be first for airline passengers.”
According to the latest statistics available from the Federal Aviation Administration (preliminary 2016), Florida’s airports now handle more enplanements than Texas, placing it second in the nation only to California. Data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics support that claim.
Mike Dew, Florida Department of Transportation Secretary, said, “Florida’s airports are critical to the economy of our state and Governor Scott has demonstrated that by investing over $1 billion in our airport system.”
The Florida airports receiving federal Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants are Daytona Beach International Airport, DeFuniak Springs Airport, Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, Wauchula Municipal Airport, St Pete‐Clearwater International, Jacksonville International, New Smyrna Beach Municipal, and Space Coast Regional. More information on projects and funding amounts can be found HERE and HERE.
The Fighting for Florida’s Future budget signed by Governor Scott last month included more than $263 million for aviation improvements, and since 2011, the State of Florida has invested more than $1 billion in Florida’s airports. Florida airports account for 1.3 million Florida jobs with an annual payroll of $44.5 billion, and support more than $144 billion in annual economic activity. Florida has four large hub airports, more than any other state.
Commissioner Putnam and Tax Collector to Make Announcement Regarding Florida Concealed Weapon Licenses
MEDIA ADVISORY
Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam will be joined by Pinellas County Tax Collector Charles W. Thomas tomorrow in Clearwater, Fla. to make an announcement regarding concealed weapon licenses.
Event: Press event regarding concealed weapon licenses
Date: Thursday, June 29, 2017
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: Pinellas County Tax Collector’s Office
315 Court St., 4th Floor
Clearwater, Florida 33756
Governor Rick Scott Appoints Jimmy Patronis as Florida’s Chief Financial Officer
Governor Rick Scott appointed Jimmy Patronis as Florida’ next Chief Financial Officer. Patronis will be officially sworn in this Friday, June 30, 2017, to replace CFO Jeff Atwater who is leaving to pursue a position at Florida Atlantic University. The swearing in ceremony will be in Tallahassee and more details will be released later this week. The Governor made the announcement at Captain Anderson’s restaurant, which is owned and operated by the Patronis family.
Governor Scott said, “I am honored to appoint Jimmy Patronis as Florida’s Chief Financial Officer. As a small business owner, Jimmy has been a successful job creator and has helped grow Panama City’s economy. I know that he will bring his wealth of private sector experience with him to Tallahassee.
“Jimmy faithfully served Floridians in the Florida House of Representatives for four terms, and I was proud to appoint him to both the Constitution Revision Commission and the Public Service Commission. In each of these roles, Jimmy always put Florida families first. I am confident that he will add to our mission to cut even more taxes and create even more jobs.”
“I would like to thank Jeff Atwater for his service to families and for his stewardship of tax dollars. I will miss working with Jeff, and I wish him the best as he continues to work to benefit Floridians.”
CFO Appointee Jimmy Patronis said, “I am honored to be appointed as Florida’s next CFO. I would like to thank Governor Scott, and I look forward to continuing his legacy of job growth and economic prosperity for our state. This year marks the 50th anniversary of my family starting a business in Florida, and it has been my honor to be a part of its growth and success for much of my life. I want every family in Florida to have the same opportunities that my family had. As Florida’s next CFO, I want Florida to be the place where government does its job fairly and predictably so workers can find great jobs at great businesses.”
Jimmy Patronis was born and raised in Panama City, Florida. He has helped run and operate Captain Anderson’s restaurant in Bay County for nearly his entire life. Jimmy served four terms in the Florida House of Representatives beginning in 2006. He was appointed to both the Florida Constitution Revision Commission and the Public Service Commission by Governor Scott. Jimmy attended Gulf State College and Florida State University.
