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Gov. Scott: VT Mobile Aerospace Engineering Creates 400 Jobs

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New Hangar Opens at Pensacola International Airport

Governor Rick Scott attended the ribbon-cutting of VT Mobile Aerospace Engineering’s new hangar at the Pensacola International Airport. This brand new maintenance and engineering facility will add 400 new job opportunities for local families. The Florida Department of Transportation provided $23.8 million in grants to support this project.

Governor Rick Scott said, “Florida’s airports create jobs and welcome millions of visitors each year as our state continues break tourism records. We are working hard to make sure that every Florida family can get a job. Since December 2010, hardworking businesses have created more than 1.5 million jobs in Florida. We are proud to open this new facility in Pensacola today.”

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Gov. Scott and First Lady Ann Scott Invite K-12 Students to Participate in 2018 Hispanic Heritage Month Contests

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Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott announced the 2018 Hispanic Heritage Month contests for students and educators and invited Florida K-12 students to participate in the essay and art contests. Parents, students, teachers and principals are also invited to nominate full-time, outstanding educators for the Hispanic Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award.

Governor Scott said, “I encourage all Florida students to take advantage of the summer break to learn about the many influential Hispanic-Americans who have helped shape the Sunshine State. This year, students will be competing for a four-year Florida College Plan scholarship, which will help them live their dreams in Florida.”

First Lady Ann Scott said, “Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month is an exciting opportunity to focus on Hispanic-Americans and the role they played in shaping today’s Florida. When I visit schools to share my passion for reading and literacy, the students are always so enthusiastic about learning. I hope Florida students use this opportunity to explore Florida’s rich Hispanic culture. I am also honored to highlight the work of the immensely gifted Juan “One” Sepúlveda, our 2018 Hispanic Heritage Month featured artist.”

The theme for this year’s essay and art contests is “A Celebration of Innovative Hispanic-American Leaders.” Students are asked to share how Hispanic Floridians have impacted our state’s history and culture. More information about the contests and Florida’s Hispanic Heritage Month is available at FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.  

This year’s Hispanic Heritage Month featured artist is Juan “One” Sepúlveda.

About the Student Contests
Art Contest for Grades K-3: The Hispanic Heritage Month art contest is open to allFlorida students in grades K-3, and two winners will be selected.

Essay Contest for Grades 4-12: The Hispanic Heritage Month essay contest is open to allFlorida students in grades 4 through 12. Three winners will be selected: one elementarystudent (grades 4-5), one middle-school student (grades 6-8), and one high schoolstudent (grades 9-12). Winners will receive a four-year Florida College Plan scholarshipprovided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.

About the Excellence in Education Award
Governor Scott’s annual Hispanic Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award Contest is open to all Hispanic, full-time educators in an elementary, middle or high school in Florida. Three winners will be selected: one elementary school (grades K-5) teacher, one middle school (grades 6-8) teacher and one high school (grades 9-12) teacher.

All entry forms and guidelines for the contests, as well as additional information about Florida’sHispanic Heritage Month and other related events, can be found at FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.

Contest Entries and Nominations
Student contest forms and educator nomination forms must be mailed to Volunteer Florida or submitted online at FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.  Please mail your forms to:

Volunteer Florida
3800 Esplanade Way
Suite 180
Tallahassee, FL 32311

All entries must be mailed to Volunteer Florida or submitted online and received by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 15, 2018.

For additional information about Florida’s Hispanic Heritage, contests and other related events, please visit FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.

 

Image source: FloridaHispanicHeritage.com

Gov. Scott to Highlight Job Creation at Grand Opening of VT Mobile Aerospace Engineering Facility

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Tomorrow, June 8th, Governor Rick Scott will attend the grand opening ceremony for the new VT Mobile Aerospace Engineering Facility. The new hangar will create 400 jobs. Since December 2010, Florida’s hardworking businesses have created more than 1.5 million jobs.

WHAT: Grand Opening Ceremony
WHEN: 11:00 AM
WHERE: VT MAE
2701 Langley Avenue
Pensacola, FL 32504

Gov. Scott: 40-Day Red Snapper Season Starts on Monday

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With Florida’s red snapper season beginning this Monday, June 11, Governor Rick Scott encourages Floridians and visitors to take full advantage. Florida is the Fishing Capital of the World and recreational saltwater fishing contributes $8 billion annually to Florida’s economy. Fishing is just one of Florida’s incredible natural treasures. Florida’s fishing, like the state’s world-renowned beaches, attract millions of visitors to the Sunshine State every year and led to Governor Scott announcing this week that Florida experienced the highest quarter ever for tourism with more than 33 million visiting the state in the first quarter of 2018. Also, last week, Governor Scott announced that this Saturday and Sunday, June 9-10, are license-free freshwater fishing days in Florida.

Governor Scott said, “Florida is the Fishing Capital of the World and now is the perfect time to get outdoors and go fishing. I am proud that Florida’s world-class fishing continues to attract visitors from around the world, fueling our incredible tourism industry which supports more than 1.4 million jobs across our state. I encourage all Florida families and visitors to spend time with their loved ones this weekend enjoying Florida’s beautiful outdoors and head out for red snapper next week.”

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Chairman Bo Rivard said, “We are proud to lead Florida’s conservation efforts so that residents and visitors can access and enjoy all our state has to offer, like red snapper fishing, bass fishing, boating and more.”

For red snapper season, this year and next year are unique compared to previous years in that Florida’s Gulf recreational red snapper season will be the same in both state and federal waters.

Anglers fishing from private recreational boats will need to have their recreational saltwater fishing license (unless exempt) and will need to have Gulf Reef Fish Angler on their license (includes those that are exempt) to target red snapper or other certain reef fish in Gulf state and federal waters (excluding Monroe County). You can get this printed on a license at no cost at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or by visiting any location you can purchase a license.

To learn more about the 40-day recreational red snapper season in Gulf state and federal waters, including season size and bag limits, visit MyFWC.com/Snappers.

To learn more about license-free fishing, visit MyFWC.com/License.

Gov. Scott to Highlight the Importance of Hurricane Preparedness in the Florida Keys

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Tomorrow, June 8th, Governor Rick Scott will highlight the importance of getting prepared for the upcoming hurricane season and discuss ways families and businesses can get a plan.

WHAT: Press Conference
WHEN: 4:30 PM
WHERE: Key West City Hall
1300 White St
Key West, FL 33040

Appointments by Governor Rick Scott for Wednesday, June 6, 2018

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Gov. Scott Appoints Eleven to the Florida Interagency Coordinating Council for Infants and Toddlers

Governor Rick Scott today announced the five reappointments and six appointments to the Florida Interagency Coordinating Council for Infants and Toddlers.

Dr. Sara Evans, 35, of Pensacola, is an assistant professor at the University of West Florida. She is reappointed for a term beginning June 5, 2018, and ending January 1, 2020.

Cheryl Miller, 40, of Sarasota, is a therapist with Manatee Children’s Services. She succeeds Arwyn Holmes and is appointed for a term beginning June 5, 2018, and ending January 1, 2020.

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Florida Sends 25 FHP Vehicles to Puerto Rico to Aid in Recovery

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Governor Rick Scott today announced that Florida has donated 25 Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) vehicles to the Puerto Rico Police Department to support law enforcement needs and Hurricane Maria recovery.

Governor Scott said, “Since Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico last year, I have visited the island six times to offer guidance, assistance and support. We’ve made it a priority in Florida to aid Puerto Rico in their recovery from this devastating storm. I’m glad that the Florida Highway Patrol, on behalf of Floridians, has stepped up and honored a request to provide additional surplus police cruisers to the island. These 25 vehicles will assist law enforcement efforts as they work to rebuild. We will continue to do all we can to support Puerto Rico’s recovery.”

This announcement is part of a continued commitment from the state of Florida to assist Puerto Rico as they recover from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Maria. The vehicles had been out of circulation and were ready for surplus before they were donated. Per the state’s replacement criteria, FHP law enforcement vehicles may be taken out of circulation when they reach 80,000 miles or are eight years old. In November, 50 FHP troopers were deployed to Puerto Rico for one month to assist the Puerto Rico Police Department with security operations and traffic control needs.

“The Florida Highway Patrol is proud to continue assisting the Puerto Rico Police Department following Hurricane Maria,” said Colonel Gene Spaulding, Director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “These donated vehicles are another way Florida is supporting the people of Puerto Rico in their recovery.”

Actions taken by Governor Scott following Hurricane Maria:

  • 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 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 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 Paul Ryan urging them to support Florida’s efforts to support those displaced from Puerto Rico by Hurricane Maria. See the Governor’s letter HERE.
  • 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 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 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.
  • On February 7th, Governor Scott announced a new partnership to connect families displaced by Hurricane Maria with jobs in Florida. See the announcement HERE.
  • On March 5th, Governor Scott traveled to Puerto Rico to meet with Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón and attend the Puerto Rico State of the State Address.
  • On April 18th, Governor Scott met with Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón in Washington D.C. to discuss how Florida is working to help Puerto Rican evacuees in the state.
  • On April 18th, Governor Scott also spoke with FEMA Administrator Brock Long to discuss the FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program and the importance of keeping the FEMA case managers the Governor previously requested on the ground across the state.
  • On May 18th, Governor Scott announced that Florida Department of Education Commissioner Pam Stewart would travel to Puerto Rico on May 20th to meet with Puerto Rico Department of Education Secretary Dr. Julie Keleher and offer continued guidance and support. See the Governor’s announcement HERE.
  • On May 31st, Governor Scott traveled to Puerto Rico at the invitation of Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló to continue to offer guidance, advice and assistance regarding ongoing Hurricane Maria recovery efforts. During his visit, Governor Scott met with Governor Rosselló, Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State Luis G. Rivera-Marin, and Speaker of the House Carlos Johnny Méndez.

Gov. Scott: Florida’s Tourism Industry Booming, Achieves Highest Quarter Ever

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Governor Rick Scott today announced that Florida welcomed an all-time record 33.2 million visitors to the Sunshine State in the first quarter of 2018. This represents an increase of 7.4 percent over the same period in 2017 and is the largest quarter for visitation in Florida history.

Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce that Florida set an all-time record by welcoming over 33 million visitors to our state during the first quarter of 2018. This historic tourism number represents a 7.4 percent increase over last year and demonstrates the momentum that our state has built. Since December 2010, Florida has created more than 1.5 million jobs, and a large part of this growth is because of the incredible success of our state’s tourism industry. I appreciate the team at VISIT FLORIDA and their help making these historic numbers possible.”

VISIT FLORIDA estimates that a record 29.1 million domestic visitors traveled to Florida in Q1 2018, an 8.5 percent increase in domestic visitors over the same period last year. Following efforts by VISIT FLORIDA and Governor Scott to better market Florida visitation in Canada, 1.4 million Canadians came to Florida in Q1 2018, an increase of 2.5 percent from Q1 2017, continuing Florida’s strong growth of 4 percent in calendar year 2017. Total enplanements at Florida’s 18 major airports in Q1 2018 increased 7.6 percent over the same period the previous year, with Orlando International Airport reporting the most enplaned passengers at nearly 6 million. Of total enplanements, 80.1 percent were domestic, up 1.4 million compared to Q1 of last year. The number of rooms sold and the hotel occupancy rate in Q1 2018 also grew by 3.3 percent and 1.9 percent respectively.

Ken Lawson, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA, said, “This record setting quarter of 33.2 million visitors to our state, the largest quarter in our state’s history, shows that VISIT FLORIDA is marketing our state like never before. With the help of our 12,000 industry partners, we saw a historic 7.4 percent increase over last year, which is fantastic news. We will continue developing more innovative and cutting-edge marketing programs to build on this success across the country and across the world. I am very proud of our team’s efforts as we continue to market Florida as the number one global destination.”

To view additional Florida visitor data, go the research page on VISIT FLORIDA’s media website.

Gov. Scott Appoints Three to the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court

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Today, Governor Rick Scott announced three appointments to the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court.

Judge Dawn V. Denaro, 51, of Miami, is a county judge for Miami-Dade County, and previously served as an Assistant State Attorney for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit. She received her bachelor’s degree from Tulane University and her law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Denaro fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Jerald Bagley.

Judge Andrea Ricker Wolfson, 45, of Miami Beach, is a county judge for Miami-Dade County, and previously served as an Assistant State Attorney/Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame, her master’s degree from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, and her law degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law. Wolfson fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Antonio Marin.

Judge Renatha Francis, 40, of Miami, is a county judge for Miami-Dade County. She previously practiced with Shutts & Bowen, LLP, and served as an attorney for the First District Court of Appeal. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of the West Indies and her law degree from Florida Coastal Law School. Francis fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Sarah Zabel.

Gov. Scott Attends Roundtable with Puerto Rico Lt. Gov. Rivera-Marin to Offer Assistance and Guidance 

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Today, Governor Rick Scott attended a roundtable hosted by Puerto Rico Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State Luis Rivera-Marin, where he offered assistance and guidance on their ongoing recovery from Hurricane Maria. At the roundtable, Gov. Scott was joined by Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Wes Maul and Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director Cissy Proctor, as well as Puerto Rico business leaders.

Governor Scott said, “Hurricane season begins this week, and while we are always working to make sure Florida is prepared, we are also working to help our neighbors in Puerto Rico. At Governor Ricardo Rosselló’s request, I am proud to be in Puerto Rico for the sixth time since Hurricane Maria’s devastating impact to continue working with him and Lieutenant Governor Luis Rivera-Marin to offer assistance and guidance on their ongoing recovery. We will keep fighting to help our friends in Puerto Rico rebuild, recover and be ready for this year’s hurricane season.” 

To view the video, CLICK HERE.

Actions taken by Governor Scott following Hurricane Maria:

·        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 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 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 Paul Ryan urging them to support Florida’s efforts to support those displaced from Puerto Rico by Hurricane Maria. See the Governor’s letter HERE.

·        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 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 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.

·        On February 7th, Governor Scott announced a new partnership to connect families displaced by Hurricane Maria with jobs in Florida. See the announcement HERE.

·        On March 5th, Governor Scott traveled to Puerto Rico to meet with Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón and attend the Puerto Rico State of the State Address.

·        On April 18th, Governor Scott met with Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón in Washington D.C. to discuss how Florida is working to help Puerto Rican evacuees in the state.

·        On April 18th, Governor Scott also spoke with FEMA Administrator Brock Long to discuss the FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program and the importance of keeping the FEMA case managers the Governor previously requested on the ground across the state.

·        On May 18th, Governor Scott announced that Florida Department of Education Commissioner Pam Stewart would travel to Puerto Rico on May 20th to meet with Puerto Rico Department of Education Secretary Dr. Julie Keleher and offer continued guidance and support. See the Governor’s announcement HERE.