Governor Rick Scott announced today the appointment of Gregory Hansen to the Board of County Commissioners of Flagler County. Hansen is appointed to fill a vacancy created by the death of Frank Meeker, for a term beginning January 13, 2017.
Governor Scott said, “Commissioner Frank Meeker was an incredible asset to the Palm Coast Community, and will be dearly missed by all. I am confident that Greg Hansen will work hard on behalf of the residents of Flagler County.”
Hansen, 70, of Palm Coast, is a retired Captain in the United States Navy and previously served as the head appropriations committee liaison for the Office of the Navy Comptroller, and a commanding officer on the USS McClusky and the USS Antietam. He received his bachelor’s degree from the United States Naval Academy and his masters from the United States Naval Postgraduate School. He is appointed to the seat previously held by the late Frank Meeker, for a term beginning January 13, 2017, and ending on November 20, 2018.
Gov. Rick Scott
Gov. Scott Announces Cott Corporation Headquarters Expansion in Tampa
Governor Scott announced today that Cott Corporation, one of the world’s largest beverage producers and distributors, will be expanding their headquarters in Hillsborough County. The expansion will create 60 new jobs and invest $800,000 in the local community.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce Cott Corporation is expanding their headquarters in Hillsborough County and creating 60 new jobs for Tampa families. Florida businesses have added more than 1.25 million private-sector jobs in the last six years and we will keep working every day to make our state the number one place to grow a business. I look forward to welcoming more job creators like Cott Corporation to Florida.”
Jerry Fowden, CEO, Cott Corporation said, “Cott has undergone a significant and positive transformation in recent years including acquisitions such as DS Services, Aquaterra, Eden Springs and most recently, S&D Coffee and Tea. As we grow, we continue to strive to be an employer of choice in the Florida and Tampa market. Tampa has been a very good location for our global headquarters, offering a workforce whose skills align with our business needs. That makes this region increasingly attractive to us.”
With over 12,000 employees, Cott maintains operations in 20 countries worldwide. Cott also develops and manufactures beverage concentrates, which it exports to approximately 50 countries around the world.
Brad Goist, President, North America, Cott Beverages said, “We had an opportunity to evaluate aspects of our North America support structure recently and have decided to relocate positions from other domestic and international locations and further invest those jobs in Tampa. We believe this is a good investment for our business unit and we look forward to continuing to grow with Tampa in the years to come.”
This project was made possible through strong partnerships between Enterprise Florida, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, Hillsborough County and the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation.
Chris Hart IV, President and CEO, Enterprise Florida, Inc. said, “Cott beverages is following other businesses and is continuing to expand in Florida. They recognize that Florida is the best place to do business and 60 new jobs are being created for Florida families. The business-friendly climate and the talent pool in Florida lead the nation and continue to attract businesses like Cott Beverages.”
Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “Cott Corporation is a thriving Florida business that has harnessed the Tampa area’s talented workforce and the state’s superior distribution networks. I am proud of the company’s growth and commitment to job creation and expansion in Florida. Cott’s newly announced high-wage jobs will provide great opportunities to local job seekers.”
Stacy White, Chairman, Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners said, “Hillsborough County’s exceptional pool of diversely skilled talent and friendly business climate helped make Cott Corporation’s decision to add jobs here much easier. We thank Cott for providing more excellent career opportunities for local families and applaud their decision to bring jobs that had been located in other states and overseas to Tampa. We look forward to supporting them as they grow.”
Cott Corporation joins a growing list of companies that have recently made the decision to locate or expand their headquarters in Hillsborough County, including Bertram Yachts, BlueGrace Logistics, North American Roofing Services, Inc., and Velocity Resource Group.
Ken Atwater, Ph.D., Chairman of Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation and President of Hillsborough Community College said, “We are pleased to see Cott Corporation continue to thrive in Hillsborough County. The competition for the quality jobs they provide is intense, and Cott had several other options to consider. We appreciate Cott’s decision to increase their investment in our community, and know it will pay great dividends for them.”
Individuals interested in open job opportunities may refer to the Cott Corporation web site at http://www.cott.com/careers.
About Cott Corporation
With the acquisitions of DS Services of America, Inc. and Eden Springs, Cott has combined leading providers in the direct-to-consumer beverage services industry with its traditional business, one of the world’s largest producers of beverages on behalf of retailers, brand owners and distributors. Cott now has the largest volume-based national presence in the North American and European home and office delivery industry for botled water and one of the five largest national market share positions in the U.S. and Europe office coffee services and filtration services industries. Cott reaches over 2.3 million customers through routes located across North America, Europe, Israel and Russia supported by national sales and distribution facilities, and fleet. Cott’s broad portfolio allows it to offer, on a direct-to consumer basis, a variety of bottled water, coffee, brewed tea, water dispensers, coffee and tea brewers and filtration equipment. Cott believes it has the broadest distribution network in the direct-to-consumer beverage services industry in North America and Europe, which enables it to efficiently service residences and small and medium size businesses, as well as national corporations, universities and government agencies.
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.
Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation is the lead designated economic development agency for Hillsborough County and the cities of Tampa, Plant City, and Temple Terrace. Established in 2009 as a partnership between the public sector and private corporate investors, the EDC works to develop and sustain a thriving local economy through the attraction, retention and expansion of high wage jobs and capital investment within targeted industry sectors.
Hillsborough County, Florida is the commercial and industrial heart of Tampa Bay. The fourth largest county in the state of Florida, Hillsborough is home to nearly 1.3 million residents, with thousands more arriving each year. Its strength is drawn from being one of the most advanced economies and having one of the most educated workforces in the state. Hillsborough County and its three municipalities –Tampa, Plant City, and Temple Terrace – offer a competitive business environment and an abundance of regional assets including Port Tampa Bay, Tampa International Airport, and MacDill Air Force Base. County government is focused on creating economic prosperity for residents and businesses throughout the area. To learn more, visit HCFLGov.net.
ICYMI: FOX 13: Gov. Scott Wants to Make Higher Education Affordable for All Floridians
“Gov. Scott Wants to Make Higher Education Affordable for All Floridians”
WTVT (FOX 13) – Tampa Bay, FL
January 10, 2017
To view the clip, click HERE.
Gov. Scott: We Will Fight to Make Higher Education More Affordable
Governor Rick Scott announced today his “Finish in Four, Save More” legislative and budget proposals to encourage colleges and universities to continue to make higher education more affordable for students and also help students graduate in four years. Currently, only 44 percent of undergraduate students at Florida state universities graduate within four years and 71 percent of students are graduating with four year degrees within six years.
Governor Scott said, “Florida students should have every opportunity to earn a degree in four years without graduating with mountains of debt. While we have fought to make higher education more affordable by holding the line on undergraduate tuition, there is much more that can be done to help students. I am calling on the state Legislature to freeze all fees at state colleges and universities, and to also freeze state college tuition so students aren’t burdened with the constant sky-rocketing costs. I am also calling on the Legislature to expand Bright Futures into the summer term, helping students graduate in four years. In business, you are expected to create more efficiencies or more value. Our institutions need to provide more value to our students by becoming more affordable and helping students graduate in four years so they can save money and get a great job. I want to thank the trustees and presidents of Florida’s colleges and universities for helping us make higher education affordable, but we must do more.”
The “Finish in Four, Save More” legislative and budget initiatives continue Governor Scott’s goal of making college more affordable. The following will be included in legislation:
- Freezing Fees: State college and university fees will be frozen at the current rates. Currently fees at universities average almost $100 per credit hour and colleges average more than $26 per credit hour. Colleges and universities will still be able to decrease fees;
- Freezing State College Tuition: State college tuition will be frozen at the current rates. In 2014, Governor Scott signed legislation limiting state universities’ ability to establish or raise a tuition differential. His goal is to continue that with state colleges this year; and
- Cutting graduate teaching assistant fees by 25%: This allows hardworking teaching assistants to receive a more affordable education.
The following will be included in the Governor’s recommended budget:
- Expanding Bright Futures: Expanding Bright Futures to cover summer classes will give students more flexibility to graduate in four years. Currently Bright Futures only covers fall and spring semesters; and
- Cutting taxes on college textbooks: This initiative and accompanying legislation will provide a sales tax exemption for students purchasing required textbooks and instructional materials and will save students $48 million next year. A student taking five courses per semester will save a minimum of $60 per year.
Governor Scott has held the line on undergraduate tuition for three consecutive years.
Last year, Governor Scott championed and signed a sweeping college affordability bill that the Legislature passed and includes the following provisions:
- Provided greater transparency for students regarding college costs;
- Held the line on graduate school tuition;
- Informed students of required and recommended textbooks before the start of classes;
- Required colleges and universities to adopt policies that make textbooks more affordable; and
- Required the Board of Governors and State Board of Education to make annual recommendations on how to make college more affordable.
In May, Governor Scott hosted the Degrees to Jobs Summit, which focused on important higher education topics including college affordability, leadership accountability and how business leaders and education officials can better connect Florida students with meaningful jobs when they graduate.
Gov. Scott: Ken Lawson Will Fight for Florida Tourism
Governor Rick Scott today released the following statement on Ken Lawson being named the new President and Chief Executive Officer for VISIT FLORIDA. The VISIT FLORIDA Board voted today on Ken Lawson’s position. Announcements on leadership for DBPR will be made soon.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud that Ken Lawson has been selected as the new President and Chief Executive Officer for VISIT FLORIDA. I appointed Ken as Secretary for the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation shortly after taking office and for nearly six years, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to serving Florida families.
“Ken understands the responsibility we have to be transparent with every tax dollar. He has tirelessly fought to make it easier for Florida businesses to create jobs, has helped cut millions of dollars in fees and has streamlined the agency to ensure the state reduced burdensome regulations. At DBPR, he oversaw crucial parts of Florida’s tourism industry and knows that tourism is important to the economic growth of our state.
“A native Floridian and military veteran, Ken has an incredible appreciation and understanding for our great state. I know he will use his unmatched experience and love for Florida to promote tourism while bringing much needed reforms to VISIT FLORIDA so our state can break even more tourism records. I look forward to continuing to work with Ken in his new role as President and CEO and appreciate the VISIT FLORIDA Board for selecting such a strong leader.”
Ken Lawson has served as Secretary of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) since he was appointed by Governor Scott in March 2011. Previously Lawson held several senior positions with federal law enforcement agencies including Assistant Secretary of Enforcement for the Department of the Treasury, Assistant Chief Counsel for Field Operations at the Transportation Security Administration, and Assistant United States Attorney in the Criminal Division for the Middle District of Florida (Tampa). Lawson has also served as a Captain in the United States Marine Corps, Judge Advocate General’s Division. Additionally, Lawson directed international anti-money laundering, anticorruption, and counterterrorist financing projects for Booz Allen Hamilton and served as Vice-President for Compliance at nFinanSe Inc., a financial services company in Tampa. He is a graduate of Florida State University and the Florida State University College of Law.
Gov. Scott: Obamacare must be repealed and replaced immediately
On Friday morning, in response to Leader McCarthy’s December 2nd letter, Governor Scott sent a letter urging Congress to repeal and replace Obamacare on day one of the new administration.
Excerpts from the letter are below:
“For far too long, it has been fashionable in Washington to say Obamacare can only be tweaked. We have seen debate after debate in Washington about this bad law but nothing has been changed. It has to be completely overhauled and now is the time to do it. We cannot let the usual political games or partisan gridlock of Washington get in the way of immediately repealing and replacing Obamacare with a plan that actually works.
The impact of Obamacare has been devastating in Florida and our nation. Obamacare was sold on a lie from the very start. Costs are skyrocketing, people have not been able to keep their doctors and many people have fewer doctors to choose from. The increases in health care costs are at a 32-year high and are expected to continue increasing in the coming months. Recent news of Obamacare rates rising 25 percent is absurd and families simply cannot afford it. We can do better and the families and businesses footing the bill deserve better.
…
I know the new administration is committed to getting rid of this bad law and it was great to hear this week that their first order of business will be to repeal Obamacare. I hope it happens January 20th…”
TO READ THE FULL LETTER, CLICK HERE.
Gov. Scott: We are Heartbroken by the Loss of Two Law Enforcement Officers in Orlando
Governor Rick Scott issued the following statement regarding the shooting death of Master Sgt. Debra Clayton, of the Orlando Police Department, and the death of an Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy.
Governor Scott said, “I am heartbroken and angered to hear of the shooting and death of Master Sgt. Debra Clayton this morning. I am also saddened by the death of an Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy who tragically lost his life in a vehicle accident while responding to this morning’s shooting. My wife Ann and I join Floridians across the state in praying for these officers and their families during this unimaginable time. We ask that God provide them with much needed healing, comfort and hope. Any act of violence against our heroes is cowardly and shameful and our state will not stand for it. I know the entire Orlando Police Department, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement are working diligently to bring justice and ensure the Orlando community is safe and secure.
“This past year, our officers have faced challenges like never before. But even after the terrorist attack at Pulse nightclub last summer and the attack at the Fort Lauderdale International Airport last week, our law enforcement officers still wake up each day and choose to put their lives on the line in order to protect our state. I had the honor of visiting the Orlando Police Department last week to meet these officers firsthand to thank them on behalf of all Floridians, and it just breaks my heart that one of them has been senselessly killed this morning. I proclaimed this week as First Responder Appreciation week, and on the first day of it today, this tragic shooting serves as a sobering reminder of how important it is for each one of us to take every opportunity to thank these heroes for their service and sacrifice.”
Governor Scott Proclaims January 9-13 as Florida First Responder Appreciation Week
Governor Rick Scott issued a proclamation today recognizing January 9-13 as Florida First Responder Appreciation Week. To read Governor Scott’s proclamation, click HERE.
Governor Rick Scott said, “The bravery displayed by Florida’s first responders in 2016 was inspiring. From placing their lives in the line of danger when a terrorist killed 49 innocent people at Pulse Night Club, to helping Florida families stay safe during hurricanes, we are so proud of all first responders throughout our state. I am thankful Florida citizens have them as their guardians and protectors and encourage all Florida students and families to recognize and thank a first responder throughout this year and especially during First Responders Appreciation Week.”
Commissioner Pam Stewart said, “First responders are integral to keeping our K-12 school and college communities safe. I am proud to join Governor Rick Scott in recognizing the heroic men and women who risk their lives daily to protect all Floridians, especially our state’s students and educators.”
Background – Florida First Responder Appreciation Week
This is the third year that Governor Scott proclaimed First Responder Appreciation Week in Florida. Governor Scott sent letters to Florida’s college presidents and superintendents encouraging students to thank first responders and their families. To learn more, visit the Florida Department of Education’s website HERE.
ICYMI: FOX News: Gov. Scott Requests Nearly $6 Million to Hire State Agents Dedicated to Counterterrorism Efforts
“Gov. Scott Requests Nearly $6 Million to Hire State Agents Dedicated to Counterterrorism Efforts”
Fox News – U.S. Cable
January 4, 2017
To view the clip, click HERE.
Florida League of Cities, Police Chiefs Association Hail Governor’s Proposal for Counterterrorism Unit
Leaders for the Florida League of Cities and Florida Police Chiefs Association today embraced Governor Rick Scott’s call for $5.8 million to create a special unit dedicated to fighting terrorism in Florida. League of Cities President Susan Haynie, who is mayor of Boca Raton, and Florida Police Chiefs Association President Albert “Butch” Arenal, police chief of Coconut Creek, said the counterterrorism squad would help protect Floridians by effectively coordinating law enforcement resources across Florida.
Mayor Haynie and Chief Arenal issued the following statement:
“The majority of Florida’s 20 million residents live in our cities, towns, and villages, and our municipalities face the constant threat of being targeted by terrorist acts. Governor Scott’s plan will institute a dedicated team of highly skilled, well-trained, and resolute experts whose sole mission will be to address the modern scourge of terrorism. This smart, forward-thinking, and unfortunately necessary proposal represents a cost-effective way to provide Floridians with a measure of assurance that their public servants are doing everything possible to protect them. We applaud the Governor’s leadership in advocating for these 46 agents and analysts, and we urge the Legislature to help protect the people of our state, not on the basis of what this costs but because of what it likely will save: lives.”
