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Gov. Scott statement on the loss of Floridian and U.S. Navy Lt. James Mazzuchelli

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Governor Rick Scott today issued the below statement regarding the death of Navy Lt. James Mazzuchelli following a helicopter-related incident at the Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base last week. Governor Scott will honor the memory and sacrifice of Lt. Mazzuchelli, who was originally from Orange Park, by ordering the lowering of flags. The details on the lowering of flags will be announced in the coming days.

Governor Scott said, “Ann and I are saddened to hear of the death of Floridian and U.S. Navy Lt. James Mazzuchelli. As a flight surgeon, Lt. Mazzuchelli courageously served our country alongside his fellow Navy sailors and our U.S. Marine Corps, and his legacy will long be honored and remembered by his loved ones and by the State of Florida. Our service men and women, both at home and across the globe, face danger every day in order to protect our freedom. As a Navy veteran myself, I urge all Floridians to take this opportunity to thank the military members in their communities as we continue to pray for Lt. Mazzuchelli’s family during this difficult time.”

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

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Today, February 27th, Governor Rick Scott will 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.

WHAT: Press Conference

WHEN: 4:00 PM

WHERE: Miami-Dade Police Department
9105 NW 25th Street
Doral, FL 33172

NOTE: Media who wish to attend, please contact Miami-Dade Police Department Major Hector Llevat at (305) 471-1900 or [email protected].

Gov. Scott Convenes Florida Leaders to Work on Solutions to Keep Students Safe

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Following the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland last week, Governor Scott said that he would be quickly organizing meetings with state and local leaders to discuss ways to keep Florida students safe, including school safety improvements and keeping guns away from individuals struggling with mental illness. Tomorrow, February 20th, Governor Scott has organized state and local leaders to meet for workshops at the Florida Department of Education (DOE), the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) and the Florida Sheriffs Association. These groups will consist of members of law enforcement, school administrators, teachers, mental health experts, and state agency leadership. Governor Scott will be attending these workshops throughout the day and will hold a roundtable to discuss their findings at the end of the day.

All meetings will be open to the media and address the following:

  • The education workshop will focus on school safety improvements and updating school security protocols and emergency plans.
  • The mental health and child welfare workshop will focus on ways to expand mental health services for Floridians, especially students, and improve coordination between state, local and private behavioral health partners.
  • The law enforcement workshop will focus on ensuring individuals struggling from mental illness do not have access to guns and potential safety improvements for firearm policies.

Governor Scott said, “I have spent the last week in Parkland talking to members of the community, students and families of the victims who are suffering following this horrific shooting. While there are only three weeks left of the legislative session, we must make changes to keep students safe.  A tragedy like what occurred in Broward County must never happen again and swift action is needed now. I am bringing local and state leaders together to find solutions on how to prevent violence in our schools and keep guns out of the hands of mentally ill individuals. This is an urgent matter that we must address quickly.”

These meetings are not open to the public, but will be live-streamed by the Florida Channel at thefloridachannel.org. A website will be provided to submit public input.

WHAT: Workshop with education officials

WHEN: 10:00AM -12:00PM; 2:00PM – 4:00PM

WHERE: Florida Department of Education
325 W Gaines St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399

WHAT: Workshop with child welfare advocates and behavioral health leaders

WHEN: 9:00AM -11:00AM; 2:00PM – 4:00PM

WHERE: Florida Department of Children and Families
1317 Winewood Blvd.
Tallahassee, FL 32399

WHAT: Workshop with Florida’s law enforcement community

WHEN: 10:00AM -12:00PM; 2:00PM – 4:00PM

WHERE: Florida Sheriffs Association
2617 Mahan Dr.
Tallahassee, FL 32308

WHAT: Roundtable with Governor Scott and leadership members from workshop groups

WHEN: 5:30PM

WHERE: Florida State Capitol
Governor’s Large Conference Room
400 S Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399

NOTE: The Florida Channel will be live-streaming the meetings at thefloridachannel.org

Gov. Scott Issues Updates on State Response to Marjory Douglas High School Shooting

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Following the tragic shooting at Marjory Douglas High School in Parkland yesterday, Governor Scott has continued to be briefed by law enforcement and emergency management officials and has remained in communication with state leaders to ensure all state resources are made available. The Governor has also spoken with President Trump, the Department of Homeland Security and local school officials. Governor Scott remains in Broward County and additional details regarding the Governor’s schedule will be made available throughout the day. Governor Scott also announced that he will be organizing meetings with state and local leaders in Tallahassee next week to discuss ways to keep Florida students safe, including school safety improvements and keeping guns away from individuals struggling with mental illness. For more information, click HERE.

Information on the State of Florida’s response:

Florida Department of Education

  • The Department of Education has offered to send crisis management teams to Broward County. These individuals have extensive experience in crisis situations and stand ready to coordinate with Broward County’s crisis management teams to provide any additional community support.
  • Grief counseling is available today, Thursday, February 15, 2018, at a number of locations in Broward County for anyone needing support following the tragic events at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School: http://bit.ly/2o7sIkw
  • Broward College is offering students counseling and 24-hour crisis support. To schedule an appointment or speak to a mental health professional, students should call 954-424-6916.
  • The Florida Department of Education has communicated with the Florida Association of School Psychologists, and their health care professionals, which are on standby to assist, and with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Association, a branch of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which have offered virtual and in-person support.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement

  • Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) agents are assisting Broward County Sheriff’s Office with the investigation and FDLE analysts are gathering information.
  • Florida’s See Something Say Something number is activated to accept calls for information regarding the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. Anyone who has information, please call 1-855-FLA-SAFE.

Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

  • Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) provided perimeter support and is assisting law enforcement with the ongoing investigation.
  • The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles will be deploying two Florida Licensing on Wheels (FLOW) Mobile units to provide credentialing services to those impacted from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. In addition, impacted customers will be offered priority service in all DHSMV credentialing offices. Obtaining a Florida credential (DL or ID) will invalidate any previously-issued credential.

Florida Department of Children and Families

  • The Florida Department of Children and Families’ (DCF) local managing entity, Broward Behavioral Health Coalition, has community providers, including Henderson Behavioral Health, offering grief and crisis counseling services to students, families, and school personnel. Currently there are eight counselors available at four sites designated by Broward County Public Schools.

Florida Department of Health

  • The Department of Health has been in contact with our partners at the Florida Emergency Mortuary Operation Response System (FEMORS) and stand ready to assist Broward County’s medical examiner.
  • OneBlood has responded to meet the current blood needs of the Parkland area hospitals, however OneBlood is requesting that those who are able donate O negative in order to replenish supply. Find donation locations here: https://www.oneblood.org/donate-now/
  • DOH continues to monitor the situation and stands ready to assist in any way.

Volunteer Efforts

  • The Salvation Amy is supporting with meals and water at the Family Assistance Center established by the Broward Emergency Operations Center.
  • American Red Cross staff, including Disaster Mental Health, Disaster Health Services, Disaster Client Services as well as management and logistics support, are on scene at the Family Assistance Center. Emergency Response Vehicles (ERV) have also been deployed.
  • Approximately 45 American Red Cross volunteers have responded in support of the families and first responders.
  • Volunteer Florida is supporting partner agencies responding to the event and will continue to coordinate with their local and state partners regarding potential unmet needs.

Florida Office of the Attorney General

  • Attorney General Pam Bondi, her director of victim services and approximately a dozen advocates are on the scene helping victims and their families with counseling services and funeral, burial and medical expenses.
  • Victims of the attack in need of assistance can contact the office toll-free at 1(800) 226-6667 or use the following contact form: http://myfloridalegal.com/Contact.nsf/Contact?OpenForm&Section=Crime_Victim_Services.

Gov. Scott: We Must Have a Real Conversation About Keeping Students Safe

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Governor Rick Scott today announced that he will be organizing meetings with state and local leaders in Tallahassee next week to discuss ways to keep Florida students safe, including school safety improvements and keeping guns away from individuals struggling with mental illness. Governor Scott remains in Broward County and has continued to be briefed by law enforcement, emergency management, and local school officials. Additional details on next week’s meetings will be announced in the coming days.

Governor Scott said, “This senseless act of evil is absolutely heart wrenching. Our entire state is in mourning, and we have to make sure something like this never happens again. The violence must stop. We cannot lose another child in this country because of violence in our schools. We need to have a real conversation about public safety and protecting schools in our state. That is why, next week I will be organizing meetings with state and local leaders in Tallahassee to discuss what we must do immediately to keep our schools safe and keep guns out of the hands of mentally ill individuals.

“As a father and grandfather, I cannot imagine the pain these families are going through, and Florida’s parents need to be able to wake up every morning and know their children are going to a safe school. We have an opportunity right now during the ongoing legislative session to have this important conversation, and I have spoken to Senate President Negron and House Speaker Corcoran who are incredibly focused on this. My goal is that these meetings and conversations will help us move forward and protect our schools, our families, and our students.”

Gov. Scott: Lockheed Martin to Expand and Create 500 New Jobs in Orlando

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Governor Scott today announced Lockheed Martin, a global security and aerospace company, will be expanding in Orlando and creating 500 new jobs. The average wage of the 500 new jobs will be $87,064. The company will also invest more than $50 million in their Orlando facility. Lockheed Martin currently employs over 14,000 Floridians at 73 locations.

Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce Lockheed Martin is continuing to invest in Florida by creating 500 new jobs as part of their expansion in Orlando. Lockheed Martin is already a major job creator for our state, and our commitment to cutting taxes and making Florida business-friendly is making it easier for this global business to continue to create thousands of opportunities for Florida families.”

Lockheed Martin employs approximately 100,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced, technology systems, products and services.

Frank St. John, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control executive vice president, said, “With this expansion, Lockheed Martin is further solidifying its already robust presence in Florida and supporting our business growth. The Research & Development II building underscores our customer commitments to provide the most modern facilities for our talented workforce to produce critical capabilities for the U.S. and allies for years to come.”

Peter Antonacci, CEO of EFI, said, “Lockheed Martin’s continued investment in Florida sends a strong message to aerospace and aviation business leaders that Florida is the most business-friendly state in the United States for aerospace and aviation companies.”

Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “Lockheed Martin is globally recognized and attracts a diverse group of talent to our state. This expansion is an outstanding contribution to our state’s thriving economy and is a significant win for the families in the Orlando area.”

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said, “More than 60 years ago, Lockheed Martin opened its first location in Central Florida, planting the roots that have transformed Orlando into the innovative city it is today and solidifying Central Florida as the world’s epicenter for modeling, simulation and training. We welcome the company’s continued investment in Orlando which is an example of our success in creating long-term partnerships that bring high quality jobs to residents, and is a testament to our dynamic business environment and our high quality of life.”

Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs said, “I’m delighted to join in today’s groundbreaking ceremony. Already we’re a global leader in the modeling, simulation and training industries, and as the world’s number one defense contractor, Lockheed Martin is a huge part of that success. Today’s announcement tells the world that we have a skilled workforce and an economic climate in which high-tech manufacturing and development can succeed. And it tells our local community that we’re building an economy with depth, diversification, and opportunity.”

Tim Giuliani, president and CEO of the Orlando Economic Partnership, said, “Lockheed Martin has been an important part of Orlando’s economic growth for more than 50 years not only because of the company’s innovations in technology but because of its commitment to supporting our community’s STEM education initiatives. The Partnership is honored that Lockheed has chosen to expand in Orlando. Our region’s high-tech industry, strong engineering programs and talent pipeline highlight why this remains the ideal location for Lockheed’s continued success.”

APD Participates in Developmental Disabilities Day

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Disability Stakeholders Praise Governor’s Support

Governor Rick Scott today issued a proclamation recognizing today, February 14, as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day in Florida. Hundreds of disability advocates came to the Capitol in Tallahassee today to talk with legislators. To read Governor Scott’s proclamation, click here.

Governor Scott said, “I am proud to proclaim today as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day in Florida. We want every person in our state to have the opportunity to live the American Dream. We will keep working to ensure every Floridian has the resources they need to be successful.”

Governor Scott ‘s Securing Florida’s Future Budget proposes $1.4 billion to serve Floridians with developmental disabilities. Some of the proposed investments include:

  • $18.1 million to offer enrollment to approximately 900 individuals with developmental disabilities who are in crisis into the APD waiver program. This funding will serve individuals who are in a crisis situation, in extended foster care, or those in foster care who are adopted or reunified with their families.
  • $1 million to provide employment services for approximately 800 individuals with developmental disabilities who are ready to work.

APD Director Barbara Palmer said, “Governor Scott is a fabulous advocate for people with developmental disabilities. The Governor’s budget recommendations support $34 million in General Revenue funding for the increased needs of individuals on the waiver. I appreciate his continued support of individuals with special abilities. We want all Floridians with developmental disabilities to receive the resources they need to succeed.”

Family Care Council Florida Chairperson Mary Smith said, “We are happy to see Governor Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future budget will move 900 people from the waiting list to being served by APD. We appreciate his understanding of the growing needs of people already on the waiver too.”

Gov. Rick Scott to Announce 2017 Visitation Numbers During Multi-City Tourism Tour This Week

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MEDIA ADVISORY

This Thursday, February 15th, Governor Rick Scott will announce Florida’s 2017 visitation numbers during a multi-city tourism tour in Juno Beach, Tampa and Naples. Florida welcomed an all-time record 112 million visitors in 2016. VISIT FLORIDA works each day to market Florida as the world’s premier tourism destination, and the state’s six-straight record-breaking years of visitation have directly coincided with the marketing resources and funding championed by Governor Scott.

This year, VISIT FLORIDA was funded at $76 million, and the governor has recommended $100 million for VISIT FLORIDA as part of his 2018-2019 Securing Florida’s Future budget. Currently, the Florida Senate has proposed $50 million and the Florida House has proposed $76 million for VISIT FLORIDA during the ongoing legislative session.

WHAT: Tourism Numbers Announcement

WHERE: Juno Beach, Tampa, Naples
Additional details will be announced in the coming days.

Gov. Scott: Allegiant to Establish New Aircraft Base at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport

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Will Bring Additional Airline Routes and Tourism
Revenue to Destin-Fort Walton Beach Community

Governor Rick Scott today announced that Allegiant Travel Company (Allegiant) has chosen to establish a new, two-aircraft base with year-round routes at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS). The aircraft base will create 65 new jobs and bring an anticipated $418 million in tourism revenue to the area over the next five years. Allegiant is investing more than $49 million to establish the year-round base, which will house two Airbus aircraft. The new Destin base will also allow Allegiant to offer new routes to five cities. Allegiant currently supports more than 25,000 Florida jobs and generates nearly $3 billion in annual economic impact in the state.

Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce Allegiant has chosen to establish a new aircraft base at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport, which will create 65 new jobs. Today’s announcement is a great reminder of how our tourism industry supports Florida business and communities and creates new opportunities for our families. Tourism partners like Allegiant work hand-in-hand with VISIT FLORIDA to bring more visitors to our state and we must make sure this success continues by fully funding VISIT FLORIDA at $100 million. I look forward to seeing Allegiant’s success in Destin and across the state as we continue to welcome families from all across the world to Florida.”

Allegiant, which employs more than 4,000 team members across the country, launched its first Florida destination in 2005, and today serves seven destinations in the state with more than 200 routes. Allegiant’s service in Destin-Fort Walton Beach began with six routes in 2016 and expanded to 16 cities in 2017. The new Destin base will become the airline’s 14th year-round aircraft base. Allegiant plans to immediately begin hiring pilots, flight attendants, maintenance technicians and ground personnel to support operations. Positions are expected to offer average salaries more than double the area’s average wage.

Maurice J. Gallagher, Jr., Allegiant’s chairman and CEO, said, “We are excited to continue our growth in Florida’s Emerald Coast by establishing a full-time base at Destin-Fort Walton Beach. The base will not only afford many more options when it comes to adding routes and expanding service, but will also give us the opportunity to contribute even more to the community and the state’s economy. We have a terrific partnership across many state and local agencies, without which today would not be possible. We can’t thank them enough for their support.”

The five new routes will operate twice weekly and expand on the service Allegiant currently operates to Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS), bringing the total number of Allegiant routes to VPS to 21. The new flights will bring nearly 25,000 additional visitors to the area. New seasonal service to Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) includes Bentonville, Arkansas via Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA), Concord, North Carolina via Concord Regional Airport (USA), Lexington, Kentucky via Blue Grass Airport (LEX), Evansville, Indiana via Evansville Regional Airport (EVV), and Raleigh / Durham, North Carolina via Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). Flight days, times and the lowest fares can be found at Allegiant.com.

VISIT FLORIDA President & CEO Ken Lawson said, “Allegiant’s decision to make Destin a base of their operations and create new routes to the Emerald Coast is great news for Florida’s tourism industry. By opening new airline routes to our state, we’re able to share sunshine with more people around the world. VISIT FLORIDA is proud to play a small part in Allegiant’s decision, and we look forward to working with them to welcome more visitors and continue to set visitation records to our state.”

Peter Antonacci, CEO of Enterprise Florida, said, “The establishment of Allegiant’s new base at Destin-Fort Walton Beach is great news for our Emerald Coast families. Governor Scott has worked hard to make Florida the most business-friendly state in the nation.”

Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “The exciting decision by Allegiant Travel Company to expand their routes to the Emerald Coast is another sign that Florida’s business friendly policies are having significant impacts on our economy.”

Commissioner Graham Fountain, Chairman of the Okaloosa County Commission, said, “Allegiant Air’s new announcement is such great news for the people of Okaloosa County. The creation of a new hub for a national airline that comes with over 65 new jobs at the Destin/Ft. Walton Beach Airport helps fulfill our mission of creating additional high-paying jobs in the county.”

Nathan Sparks, Executive Director of the Economic Development Council of Okaloosa County, said, “Allegiant’s decision to name Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport a year round base is a win for the countless travelers who will benefit from the expanded service, and also a win for the 65 customer service personnel, aircraft maintainers and flight crew members who will now be hired to support the service expansion.”

Tracy Stage, Okaloosa County Airports Director, said, “We are thrilled! Allegiant Air’s model fits like a glove at VPS and a year-round base will bring monumental wide spread economic impacts to our region. We look forward to Allegiant’s continued success at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport.”