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Gov. Rick Scott Signs Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act

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Invests More Than $400 Million in School Safety and Mental Health

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Representative Kristin Jacobs, Tony Montalto -father of Gina Montalto-, Ryan Petty -father of Alaina Petty-, Gena Hoyer -mother of Luke Hoyer-, House Speaker Richard Corcoran, Governor Rick Scott, Hunter Pollack -brother of Meadow Pollack-, Andy Pollack -father of Meadow Pollack-, Julie Phillips-Pollack, Senator Bill Galvano.

Following a meeting with the families of victims of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Governor Rick Scott yesterday signed SB 7026, the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act. This legislation makes significant reforms to make Florida schools safer, while keeping firearms out of the hands of mentally ill and dangerous individuals. For more information on the bill, click HERE.

Governor Scott’s full remarks as prepared for delivery upon the signing of SB 7026 are available HERE.

Gov. Scott Appoints Two to Board of Dentistry

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Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of two to the Board of Dentistry.

Dr. Matthew Freedman, 36, of Naples, is an orthodontist with Main Street Children’s Dentistry and Orthodontics. He succeeds Dr. Robert Perdomo and is appointed for a term beginning March 9, 2018, and ending October 31, 2020.

Dr. Nicholas White, 40, of Longwood, is the owner of Lake Mary Pediatric Dentistry. He succeeds Dr. William Kochenour and is appointed for a term beginning March 9, 2018, and ending October 31, 2021.

These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

Gov. Rick Scott Signs Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act

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Invests More Than $400 Million in School Safety and Mental Health

Following a meeting with the families of victims of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Governor Rick Scott today signed SB 7026, the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act. This legislation makes significant reforms to make Florida schools safer, while keeping firearms out of the hands of mentally ill and dangerous individuals. To view the Governor’s major action plan, which was announced on February 23rd, click HERE.

Governor Scott’s full remarks as prepared for delivery upon the signing of SB 7026 are available HERE.

The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act includes the following provisions: 

Keeping Guns Away from Dangerous and Violent Individuals

  • Creates “Risk Protection Orders,” which allows a court to prohibit a violent or mentally ill individual from purchasing or possessing a firearm or any other weapon. If a law enforcement officer believes that a person poses a danger to themselves or others by possessing a firearm, they can petition a court to have the individual immediately surrender the firearm and prohibit them from possessing or purchasing firearms;
  • Allows law enforcement to seize firearms when a person has been detained under the “Baker Act.” Also prohibits a person who has been “adjudicated mentally defective” or who has been “committed to a mental institution” from owning or possessing a firearm;
  • Requires all individuals purchasing firearms to be 21-years-old or older. Exceptions are included for the purchase of rifles and shotguns by law enforcement officers, correctional officers, active duty military members and all members of the Florida National Guard and United States Reserve Forces. Also, licensed firearm dealers are prohibited from selling or transferring any firearm to a person younger than 21 years of age;
  • Establishes enhanced criminal penalties for individuals who make threats to schools, such as social media threats of shootings or bombings;
  • Bans sale or possession of bump stocks; and
  • Creates a three-day waiting period for all firearms sales. This does not apply to law enforcement officers, correctional officers, active duty military members or members of the Florida National Guard or United States Reserve Forces who are purchasing a rifle or shotgun. The waiting period does not apply to the purchase of a rifle or shotgun for those who have completed a hunter safety course and possess a hunter safety identification card, or anyone who is exempt from the hunter safety course requirements and holds a valid Florida hunting license.

$400 Million Investment to Keep Students Safe & Enhance Mental Health Treatment 

  • Provides $162 million for safe-school officers and requires a safe-school officer at each school in the state. Safe-school officers must be sworn law enforcement officers;
  • Creates the Coach Aaron Feis Guardian Program under the purview of locally-elected sheriff’s offices. Participation in this program is 100 percent voluntary and optional and does not allow classroom teachers to carry firearms with exceptions made for those involved in Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC), current or retired armed service members and current or retired law enforcement officers. Participation in the Coach Aaron Feis Guardian Program must be agreed upon by the locally elected school board members and the local sheriff’s office. Each member of school personnel must complete 132 hours of comprehensive firearm safety and proficiency training to be eligible for participation in the Coach Aaron Feis Guardian Program;
  • Requires mandatory active shooter training in schools every semester. Students, district school safety specialists, threat assessment teams, faculty, staff and designated first responders must participate in these drills;
  • Provides $99 million to address specific school safety needs within each school district. This includes school hardening measures such as metal detectors, bulletproof glass, steel doors and upgraded locks. The Florida Department of Education (DOE) will establish the Office of Safe Schools and will work in consultation with sheriffs and police chiefs to approve school safety plans and provide school hardening grants to school districts;
  • Increases the sharing of information between sheriff’s offices, the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and any community behavioral health providers to better coordinate services and provide prevention or intervention strategies. In addition to the legislation, the Governor will also direct DCF Secretary Mike Carroll to establish a process between DCF and each sheriff’s office in Florida to better collaborate and coordinate services for those most in need;
  • Establishes a new, anonymous K-12 “FortifyFL” suspicious activity reporting tool, which would allow students and members of the community to anonymously report dangerous threats through a mobile app;
  • Provides $75 million for dedicated mental health counselors to provide direct counseling services to students and youth mental health assistance training. Every student in Florida will have access to a mental health counselor;
  • Requires every school in Florida to have a threat assessment team with expertise in mental health counseling, academic instruction, law enforcement and school administration to meet monthly to review any potential threats to students and staff at the school;
  • Requires crisis intervention training for all school resource officers;
  • Establishes the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission to investigate system failures in the Parkland school shooting and prior mass violence incidents and develop recommendations for system improvements; and
  • Provides $28 million to expand mental health service teams statewide to serve youth and young adults with early or serious mental illness by providing counseling, crisis management and other critical mental health services.

To view the transmittal letters, click HERE.

Sen. Bill Nelson on Governor Scott’s announcement today

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Following is a statement from U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) in response to the governor’s announcement today:

“This is a first step, and if we really want to do something to combat gun violence, like what we saw in Parkland, we must require universal background checks on the purchase of a gun and get these assault rifles off our streets. Until we’ve done that, we still have a lot of work to do.”

Gov. Scott Applauds Florida Legislature’s Unanimous Passage of Bill to Hold Maduro Regime Accountable

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Governor Rick Scott today issued the following statement following the Florida Senate unanimously voting in support of HB 359. HB 359 was also passed unanimously in the Florida House of Representatives in January and advances Governor Scott’s proposal to strictly prohibit the State of Florida, including all state agencies, from investing in any company that is doing business with Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro’s oppressive government. See Governor Scott’s announcement of this proposal HERE.

Governor Scott said, “With the passage of this landmark legislation, Florida continues its commitment to the people of Venezuela who are fighting for freedom and democracy. This legislation will prohibit all state agencies from investing in the Venezuelan government and puts even more financial pressure on the Maduro regime by stopping any future state investment with them. I want to thank Senate President Joe Negron and House Speaker Richard Corcoran, as well as sponsors Senator Rene Garcia and Speaker Pro Tempore Jeanette Nunez, for their great work on this important bill. Together, we will continue to shine a light on the unacceptable political tyranny and violence that is inflicted by Maduro and his ruthless thugs. We need to do everything we can to help stop these injustices and Florida stands with the people of Venezuela.”

Senator Rene Garcia said, “It was an honor to sponsor this important piece of legislation. HB 359 shows that Florida continues to stand strong against the brutal Maduro regime and any business that supports their oppressive leadership. We will continue fighting for human rights and democracy for our friends in Venezuela.”

Florida House Speaker Pro Tempore Jeanette Nunez said, “This legislation strengthens Florida’s opposition to Maduro’s brutal and oppressive regime. I want to thank Governor Scott on his leadership and commitment to the Venezuelan people. Together, we will keep fighting to bring democracy to the people of Venezuela.”

Governor Scott and Volunteer Florida Present Champion of Service Award

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During a meeting of the Florida Cabinet today, Governor Rick Scott and Volunteer Florida Chief Executive Officer Vivian Myrtetus awarded 12-year-olds Chase Hartman and Vance Tomasi with the Volunteer Florida Champion of Service Award, Florida’s official statewide volunteer recognition.

Governor Scott said, “At such a young age, Chase and Vance have devoted their time to giving back and making a difference in their community. Their incredible work to deliver books to students across the state makes them worthy recipients of the Champion of Service Award today.”

Volunteer Florida CEO Vivian Myrtetus said, “Volunteer Florida is honored to give this award to Chase and Vance for their outstanding work in collecting and distributing thousands of books to those in need throughout the state. It’s inspiring to see their commitment and dedication to helping others at only 12 years old.”

About the Champion of Service Recipients
Chase Hartman and Vance Tomasi are two 12 -year-old boys from Tampa, Florida, who created “read. repeat.,” an organization that collects gently used books from companies and individuals and distributes them to those in need. So far, they have collected more than 40,000 books of all kinds. Their most impactful deliveries have been to 10 local Title 1 schools in Florida where they donated a total of 13,000 books, including Sheehy Elementary School, which suffered from a flood and lost classroom libraries, and Lee Elementary School, which burned down days after Hurricane Irma moved through Tampa.  Under the leadership of Chase and Vance, “read. repeat.” makes monthly donations to the James Haley Veterans’ Hospital, with more than 3,000 books donated so far.

Gov. Scott Announces Nearly $22 Million Investments from the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund Across the State

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Governor Rick Scott today announced nearly $22 million in awards for eleven additional Florida Job Growth Grant Fund projects across the state. The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, established by Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature last year, provides $85 million for improving public infrastructure and enhancing workforce training in Florida. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has received more than 235 proposals requesting more than $825 million in funding. Today’s announcement reflects a total of more than $57 million in funding awarded to 21 communities across the state.

Governor Scott said, “I’m proud to announce the nearly $22 million in awards for 11 Florida Job Growth Grant Fund projects across the state. The $85 million Florida Job Growth Grand Fund was established last year with the help of the Florida Legislature to help Florida aggressively fight to be the best destination for businesses to succeed. These projects will help meet infrastructure and workforce training needs across the state in order to promote economic development. These projects are also slated to add more than 18,600 jobs for Florida families. I look forward to the completion of these projects.”

The eleven awarded projects include:

  • Osceola Board of County Commissioners ($5,800,000) to complete the NEO City Gateway Road, which will connect U.S. 192 with two main routes into NEO City, a 500-acre master-planned technology district.
  • City of Pensacola ($4,000,000) to develop additional taxiways, ramp construction and expansion for future development at the Pensacola International Airport, including improvements to facilities for education and training for aviation workforce.
  • Broward College ($3,187,500) to create the Critical Occupation Response through Education (CORE) program to provide workforce training for advanced manufacturing, aviation and information technology.
  • City of Marianna ($1,987,322) to extend the runway at Marianna Airport Commerce Park to 6,000 feet, which will allow the airport to accommodate larger businesses jets providing more opportunities for distribution capacity and economic growth.
  • City of Titusville ($1,060,500) for the construction of a new water main to support the fire flow needs of the southern industrial district, which supports regional space, manufacturing and logistics industries.
  • Volusia County ($1,961,564) for the expansion of County Road 4009 in Daytona Beach, which will provide access to Interstate 95 and enhance commercial and retail development opportunities.
  • St. Petersburg College ($1,596,858) to create the Mechatronics and Electromechanical Technician training program, an accelerated, innovative, responsive and competency-based technical workforce program that meets the advanced manufacturing industry’s skill requirements.
  • Sumter County ($838,860) for water infrastructure upgrades to benefit and promote expansion for existing manufacturers and distributers along the County Road 470 corridor adjacent to Interstate 75.
  • Big Bend Technical College ($100,000) to open a Diesel Maintenance Technician Program and a Diesel System Technical 1 Program that will train students for positions working with diesel transportation vehicles and diesel engines, along with purchasing equipment needed for the hands-on laboratory.
  • Valencia College ($1,320,000) to start the Advanced Manufacturing and Distribution Logistics project, which will provide advanced skilled worker training for advanced systems in manufacturing and industrial industries.
  • Chipola College ($76,240) to purchase equipment that will enhance and expand the welding program to meet the demand in North Florida for entry-level, high-skilled welders.

These proposals were reviewed by DEO, Enterprise Florida (EFI) and chosen by Governor Scott based on their strong return on investment to the state and to meet the demand for a robust workforce or infrastructure needs. Return on investment was calculated to determine the best projects for the state and economic development in the regions.

Executive Director of DEO Cissy Proctor said, “The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund is one of our state’s critical economic development tools that makes us competitive for attracting businesses to locate, relocate and expand in Florida. We are excited about the opportunities these projects will bring for Florida communities and families across the state.”

CEO of Enterprise Florida Peter Antonacci said, “Enterprise Florida is excited about this investment in these regional projects which will bring more jobs to Florida. EFI is committed to recommending projects with a high return on investment for our taxpayers and looks forward to their success.”

Chairman of the Osceola Board of County Commissioners Fred Hawkins Jr. said, “I’m glad that Governor Scott recognizes the significance that NeoCity will have in creating jobs and expanding employment opportunities in the region. Access to NeoCity is at the heart of this infrastructure project, and making it connected, functional and appealing is fundamental to its long-term success. Creating high-profile roadways that provide connections to our existing transportation network will have an immediate impact in attracting new partners to our project.”

Mayor of the City of Pensacola Ashton Hayward said, “We want to thank Governor Rick Scott and team, for their continued support expanding job growth in Escambia County.  My administration has worked tirelessly with Governor Scott to continue our economic momentum. This is another win enhancing our global presence along the I-10 Aerospace Corridor.”

Broward College President J. David Armstrong said, “The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund award will be used to train workers and grow jobs in the skilled workforce areas of aviation, advanced manufacturing, and information technology. All three areas where our region has significant growth opportunities and Broward College has strong programs and partnerships. I want to thank and congratulate Gov. Rick Scott for his leadership and support.  Since his first day in office, he has focused on the need for quality jobs and the importance of education and training in providing Floridians the tools for meaningful, sustainable careers. This grant will support Broward College and its partners like the Urban League, The Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance and Career Source Broward make our already strong economy and workforce the best in class in these industries.”

Mayor of the City of Marianna Kenneth Hamilton said, “The City of Marianna is truly grateful to Governor Scott for having the vision and forethought to invest in the City’s runway extension project, as well as Florida aviation, which is one of Florida’s targeted industries.  This project will allow our community to excel in job growth and retention. Thank you, Governor Scott.”

Mayor of the City of Titusville Walt Johnson said, “On behalf of the Titusville City Council and our Citizens, we are extremely pleased that Florida Department of Economic Opportunity has agreed to provide the City up to $1,060,500 to install a new public water main in the southern industrial district of the City. This project allows the City to support emerging industries in this district representing $350 million in new capital investment and 725 new jobs.  These jobs range from entry-level and skilled technicians, to high-skill, high-wage jobs.  We are positive this grant will have an impact in attracting new businesses to our city and region.”

County Manager of Volusia County James T. Dinneen said, “On behalf of the Volusia County Council, I would like to thank Governor Scott for supporting and enhancing economic development and job growth opportunities in the Daytona Beach/Ormond Beach area of Volusia County by providing nearly $2 million in state funds toward the $7.4 million project to expand Williamson Boulevard (CR 4009). This 4-laning project will offer immeasurable stimulus for office and commercial/retail development along the corridor with estimated assessed value for tax purposes likely to exceed $70 million and employ more than 500 people.”

President at St. Petersburg College Dr. Tonjua Williams said, “St. Petersburg College is grateful to Governor Scott for making Florida Job Growth Grant funds available and selecting us to be one of the few for an award.  The grant will help St. Petersburg College establish a new mechatronics training program that was designed in partnership with our regional businesses to help meet their demand for individuals with the automation and troubleshooting skills required to succeed in advanced manufacturing environments.  This initiative is a prime example of the Governor’s vision and dedication to workforce programs that drive our state and local economies and the College’s commitment to collaborative, high-impact educational programs that strengthen our communities.”

Sumter County Board of County Commissioners Al Butler said, “The Florida Job Growth Infrastructure Grant Fund award is an exciting opportunity for Sumter County Economic Development to partner with the City of Bushnell to make water system upgrades in the County Road 470 corridor of the county. These infrastructure improvements will benefit the existing businesses and residents as well as promote future economic growth in this area.”

Big Bend Technical College Director Jodi Tillman said, “This grant will greatly enhance our ability to train students and prepare them for the workforce with valuable skills, from entry-level technician to Master Mechanic. Upon completion the Diesel Technician or Diesel Systems Technician 1 program curriculum, our students will be able to earn a high-skill, high-wage job. We are proud that our program has been selected by the DEO and look forward to graduating a better trained workforce to fill the void in the region.”

Valencia College President Dr. Sandy Shugart said “We want to thank Governor Rick Scott for his leadership in supporting regional workforce training programs that enhance Florida’s economic growth. With these funds, we will be able to expand access to job training programs to low-income citizens in West Orlando. This partnership with the Governor’s office, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, the City of Orlando, the Parramore community and the college, illustrates the value of collaboration in creating “economic rungs on the ladder” for our citizens while providing a return-on-investment for the community.”

Chipola College President Dr. Sarah Clemmons said, “This $76,240 grant from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity will increase enrollment and help put more Chipola students to work sooner. The equipment provides improved access to hands-on training so that students can complete the program and get high-skill, in demand jobs.”

For more information about the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, visit FloridaJobs.org/JobGrowth.

Gov. Scott Applauds Florida Legislature for Passing Bill to Make It Harder to Raise Taxes

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Governor Rick Scott today made the following statement regarding the overwhelming, bipartisan passage of HJR 7001 in the Florida Senate. The Florida House of Representatives overwhelmingly voted 80-29 in bipartisan support of this bill on January 25th. This bill will place on the ballot an amendment to the Florida Constitution that will make it harder for politicians to raise taxes and fees by requiring a 2/3 majority vote by future legislatures to increase any taxes or fees. Florida voters will have the opportunity to add this measure to the Florida Constitution on the 2018 ballot.

Governor Scott said, “I want to thank Senate President Joe Negron, Speaker Richard Corcoran and the entire Florida Legislature for voting to approve HJR 7001 and put on the ballot a constitutional amendment that will make it harder for politicians to raise taxes for Florida families. We have cut taxes more than 80 times since I’ve been in office because we know that Florida families and businesses succeed when we put their tax dollars back in their pockets. I look forward to this important amendment being on the ballot to protect families from unfair tax increases.”

Gov. Scott Appoints Two to Florida Southwestern State College District Board of Trustees

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Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointments of Julia du Plooy and Jonathan Martin to the Florida Southwestern State College District Board of Trustees.

du Plooy, 34, of Clewiston, is an independent contractor and owner of Julia du Plooy, LLC, and serves as the president of the Lake Okeechobee Business Alliance. She received her bachelor’s degree from Florida State University. du Plooy succeeds Tristan Chapman and is appointed for a term beginning February 28, 2018 and ending May 31, 2020.

Martin, 36, of Fort Myers, is an attorney with Parvey & Frankel Attorneys, P.A. He received is bachelor’s degree from Stetson University and his juris doctorate degree from Liberty University School of Law. Martin succeeds Brian Chapman and is appointed for a term beginning February 28, 2018 and ending May 31, 2018.

These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

Gov. Scott Highlights Major Action Plan and $500 Million Investment to Keep Florida Students Safe

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Governor Rick Scott today visited Tampa, Jacksonville and DeFuniak Springs to highlight his action plan to make major changes to help keep Florida students safe, including a $500 million investment in school safety and mental health. The Governor’s proposal, which was announced last week, followed the emergency meetings Governor Scott organized with law enforcement, school administrators, teachers, mental health experts, and state agency leadership, as well as meetings the Governor hosted with students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Read the Governor’s full action plan HERE.