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Governor Rick Scott

Gov. Scott: Florida Ranks No. 1 for Building Code Strength

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Governor Rick Scott today announced that the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) has released the new edition of its Rating the States report, ranking Florida No. 1 for strengthening residential building-code systems. The state-by-state assessment, previously issued in 2012 and 2015, ranks 18 states most vulnerable to catastrophic hurricanes along the Atlantic Coast and Gulf of Mexico. The report is intended to focus attention on the need for strong, statewide building codes and identify steps states can take to improve their building-codes.

Governor Scott said, “In Florida, we know how important it is to be prepared for hurricanes while doing everything possible to keep families safe. Florida’s building codes have consistently ranked among the strongest in the nation and I’m proud that we have now been ranked first for building code strength by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety.”

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Jonathan Zachem said, “As reflected in the IBHS report, the importance of effective, well-enforced building codes was demonstrated in our state during the 2017 hurricane season. I’m extremely pleased that the state of Florida was ranked first on this landmark report.”

IBHS CEO and President Julie Rochman said, “States with strong, updated codes saw stunning proof this year in Florida that updated, well-enforced building codes have led to the construction of homes and buildings that can stand up to fierce hurricane winds. It can’t be any clearer: these codes work.”

To view reports and learn more about the Rating the States study, click HERE.

Governor Rick Scott Announces JinkoSolar to Build New U.S. Solar Panel Manufacturing Facility Creating 200 Jobs

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Governor Rick Scott today announced that JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd., a global leader in the solar industry, will build a new state-of-the-art solar panel manufacturing facility in Jacksonville. The new facility will create 200 new manufacturing jobs and will begin production of high efficiency solar panels beginning this year.

Governor Rick Scott said, “Florida’s economy is on a roll. Since 2011, nearly 1.5 million private-sector jobs have been created in our state, and more and more companies are choosing to grow in Florida. Today’s announcement means that 200 more families in Jacksonville will be able to find a great job. We will continue working nonstop to make Florida the number one destination of job creators.”

Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry said, “This is a major win for Jacksonville and the community. JinkoSolar’s presence enhances our reputation as a manufacturing city, and I am eager to see the company contribute to the vibrant economy in Jacksonville.”

Jim Robo, chairman and CEO of NextEra Energy, said, “As NextEra Energy continues to invest heavily in new solar projects across the country, we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to buy cost-effective, reliable solar panels made here in America. JinkoSolar shares our commitment to delivering affordable clean energy solutions, and we are pleased to welcome them to our home state of Florida.”

“It’s exciting to know that solar panels built in Florida will be helping power FPL customers in the not-too-distant future,” said Eric Silagy, president and CEO of Florida Power & Light Company, which currently operates 14 solar power plants in Florida. “We are honored to have played a role in making this possible, but it wouldn’t have happened without the dedication and dogged efforts of Governor Scott, Enterprise Florida, Mayor Curry, JAXUSA Partnership, the Jacksonville City Council, JEA, and the business community. By working together with open minds and a shared commitment, they made Florida shine in the face of fierce competition from other states.”

“Investing in this solar panel manufacturing facility makes clear our commitment to Florida and the growing US market,” said Kangping Chen, CEO of JinkoSolar. “This will be one of the world’s most advanced solar panel manufacturing facilities, which will provide us with the flexibility and manufacturing capacity to support our local partners and growing US customer base.”

JinkoSolar has been growing quickly in the United States, deploying more than 5 gigawatts of solar panels since 2011. The company plans to begin production of high efficiency solar panels at this location in the second half of 2018.

Gov. Rick Scott Highlights $4 Billion for Florida’s Environment, Participates in Turtle Release

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Governor Rick Scott today highlighted investments of more than $4 billion in the Securing Florida’s Future budget. Following the highlight, the Governor Scott participated in a turtle release at Sombrero Beach.

Since Governor Scott took office in 2011, investments to preserve Florida’s environment and protect the state’s iconic beaches, pristine springs and the Florida Everglades have increased by nearly $1 billion. This includes nearly $140 million in investments to protect the Florida Keys and its unique environment:

  • $102 million for Florida Keys Wastewater Treatment upgrades.
  • $24.5 million for Water Quality improvement in the Keys including Clean Marina programs.
  • $6.5 million for Florida Keys State Parks and Trails.
  • $5 million for Land Acquisition to continue protecting the Florida Keys.

Gov. Scott Signs Legislation Expanding PTSD Benefits for First Responders

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Governor Rick Scott today signed SB 376, a bill expanding PTSD benefits for first responders at the Tampa Firefighter Museum. The Governor was joined by Attorney General Pam Bondi, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, Congressman Gus Billarakis, Speaker of the House Richard Corcoran, Senate President Designate Bill Galvano, Senator Lauren Book, Senator Dana Young, Senator Kathleen Passidomo, Senator Doug Broxson, Senator George Gainer, Senator Debbie Mayfield, Representative Matt Willhite, Representative Jim Boyd, Representative Shawn Harrison, Representative Jamie Grant, Representative Chris Sprowls, Representative Wengay Newton, and Representative Jackie Toledo.

Gov. Scott Directs DCF to Enhance Collaboration with Local Law Enforcement in Each Florida County

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Governor Rick Scott today signed Executive Order 18-81 directing the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) to enhance collaboration with law enforcement offices in each Florida county to improve the coordination of behavioral health services for individuals in need. Following the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Governor Scott convened emergency meetings with education officials, mental health experts and law enforcement to develop strategies to make our schools safer and improve mental health treatment services in Florida. Today’s Executive Order complements the provision established in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act (SB 7026) which increases the sharing of information between sheriff’s offices, the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), DCF, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and any community behavioral health providers to better coordinate services and provide prevention or intervention strategies.  Read more about the new law, signed by Governor Rick Scott on March 9th, HERE.

Governor Scott said, “After the horrific shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, I met with legislators, members of law enforcement, school administrators, teachers, mental health experts, and state agency leadership to find solutions which make sure our schools and communities are safe. Last month, I proposed a major action plan, and then signed into law the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act to protect our schools, bolster out state’s mental health system of care and keep guns away from dangerous people. Today, to enhance the policies I just signed into law, I am using my executive authority to make sure we are supporting those most in need while protecting Florida families.

“In issuing this executive order, I have directed DCF to closely collaborate with local sheriffs’ offices and police chiefs in each county to further increase communication between these agencies and increase access to substance abuse and mental health services in every community. My goal is to ensure DCF is integrated in every local department, so we have a person working hand-in-hand with law enforcement and dedicated solely to being a crisis welfare worker focused on repeat cases in each community. We will continue ensure that all Floridians have the opportunity to get the treatment they need.”

The Executive Order takes five major steps:

  • Directs DCF to convene quarterly meetings in each of DCF’s six regions with sheriffs and police chiefs in the region, the behavioral health managing entities and service providers, school officials, and other stakeholders to improve communication, collaboration, and the coordination of services;
  • Mandates DCF, the Department of Juvenile Justice, and sheriffs’ offices to improve cost sharing and integration of funding;
  • Allows DCF to include sheriffs’ offices and local law enforcement agencies as eligible recipients of the criminal justice reinvestment grants;
  • Directs DCF and the managing entities to ensure sheriffs or their designee have a seat on each managing entities’ board of directors; and
  • Establishes enhanced collaboration between DCF, managing entities, and sheriffs’ offices to ensure access to mental health and substance abuse treatment services for those released from county jails.

To view Executive Order 18-81, click HERE.

Governor Scott to Sign Legislation Expanding PTSD Benefits for First Responders

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Tomorrow, March 27th, Governor Rick Scott will sign a bill expanding PTSD benefits for first responders at the Tampa Firefighter Museum. The Governor will be joined by Attorney General Pam Bondi and Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis.

WHAT: Bill Signing

WHEN: 2:00 PM

WHERE: Tampa Firefighter Museum
720 Zack Street
Tampa, FL 33602

Governor Scott to Attend Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Tellus Products

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Tomorrow, March 27th, Governor Rick Scott will attend the ribbon cutting ceremony for a new operations facility for Tellus Products. Since December 2010, Florida businesses have created nearly 1.5 million jobs.

WHAT: Press Conference

WHEN: 10:00 AM

WHERE: Tellus Products
1500 West Sugarhouse Rd.
Belle Glade, FL 33430

Governor Rick Scott announces Brad Piepenbrink as Chief of Staff

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Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Brad Piepenbrink as Chief of Staff of the Governor’s Office beginning today, March 26th. Jackie Schutz Zeckman resigned yesterday and will be pursuing other opportunities.

Governor Scott said, “Brad has done an incredible job in the many important positions he has held throughout my administration. He effectively ran our external affairs operation which has consisted of thousands of events across the state and has led the development of significant policy initiatives throughout my time in office. Brad also oversaw the appointments process of individuals to more than 600 boards and commissions. He was also a key component of my successful reelection efforts and has been critical to carrying out my agenda to make Florida the best state for families and job creators.

“Jackie has been on my team since my first year in office and has been a trusted and loyal advisor. During her time in the Governor’s Office, she led communications efforts and helped lead my legislative strategy during last year’s special legislative session and this year’s session where we secured many victories for Florida families. She also spent years as traveling press secretary where she has coordinated our communications efforts in every Florida media market, and in other states and nations during our economic development missions. She has been dedicated to implementing my agenda throughout my time as Governor and I know she will continue to do great things for our state.”

Brad Piepenbrink most recently served as deputy chief of staff in the Governor’s Office where he oversaw the Governor’s policy development over the environment, health care, transportation, law enforcement and emergency management and was also the director of the Office of External Affairs. Piepenbrink served in this role since the Governor’s reelection in 2014. Prior to this, he served as political director for Governor Scott’s reelection campaign.

During the Governor’s first term in office, Piepenbrink served as Governor Scott’s Director of External Affairs, Deputy Chief of Staff at the Department of Education, and travel-aide to the Governor. Earlier in his career, he also served Senate President Andy Gardiner in the Senate Majority Office and was the legislative aide to Senate President Pro Tempore Garrett Richter. He began his career working for John McCain’s Presidential Campaign in 2008. Piepenbrink holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Florida Gulf Coast University and MBA from the University of Florida.

Gov. Scott Signs Legislation Requiring Emergency Generators at All Florida Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities

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Governor Rick Scott today signed SB 7028 and HB 7099, which makes permanent the emergency rules requiring every nursing home and ALF in Florida to have emergency generators to keep residents safe. Governor Scott directed the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) and the Florida Department of Elder Affairs (DEA) to issue the emergency rules immediately following the tragedy at the Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills during Hurricane Irma last year. Florida is one of the first states in the nation to require emergency generators at nursing homes and ALFs.

Governor Scott said, “The tragedy at the Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills made it clear more needed to be done to ensure the protection of vulnerable Floridians during emergencies like Hurricane Irma. That is why I immediately ordered state agencies to issue emergency rules requiring each nursing home and ALF in Florida to have emergency generators on hand to keep residents safe. We fought aggressively to quickly implement this life-saving rule at facilities across the state and I am proud to sign legislation today that makes this rule permanent. Florida is one of the first states in the nation to require emergency generators at nursing homes and ALFs, and I appreciate the work of Senate President Joe Negron, House Speaker Richard Corcoran, and all the legislators who supported this important legislation. As we near the 2018 hurricane season, families can now know the facilities responsible for caring for their loved ones will have the resources needed to be fully prepared ahead of any potential storms.”

AHCA Secretary Justin Senior said, “Governor Scott has been clear since day one that the goal of this rule is to ensure a safe environment. With today’s bill signing, our Agency can move forward with implementing this emergency power plan rule to ensure that nursing homes and assisted living facilities are prepared for the start of the upcoming hurricane season. Florida faces an annual risk from Mother Nature, and these rules will help keep seniors safe during a possible devastating weather event or periods with prolonged power outage.”