“Gov. Scott Highlights Job Growth at St. Johns Marine Group”
WFOX – Jacksonville, FL
January 3, 2018
To view the clip, click HERE.
Governor Rick Scott
Gov. Scott Urges North Florida Families to Prepare for Severe Cold Weather
Following a briefing today by the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), Governor Rick Scott urged Florida residents, visitors and businesses in North Florida to prepare for extreme cold weather conditions, including potential snow, sleet or ice accumulations, as a severe weather system moves into the area tonight. The National Weather Service has issued Winter Storm Watches and Winter Weather Advisories for Baker, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Madison, Nassau, Suwannee, Taylor and Union Counties. Additional counties in the Florida Panhandle may also be included in these advisories later today.
Governor Scott said, “In Florida, you should always be prepared for potential severe weather, regardless of the time of year. As this weather system moves through state, families and visitors across North Florida should prepare for potential hard freezes and below-freezing travel conditions. Floridians should closely monitor local media outlets for updates and important information. The state is working closely with local partners in North Florida to keep Floridians safe, and will continue to closely monitor weather conditions.”
Governor Scott directed the following state actions in preparation for the severe weather:
Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)
- FDOT crews will conduct winter weather operations by spraying state roads and bridges later tonight and into the early hours of Wednesday ahead of freezing temperatures.
- Spraying will consist of a saline solution that is designed to lower the freezing temperature of the precipitation falling on the bridge surfaces.
- Motorists may notice an increased number of FDOT vehicles on state routes as FDOT maintenance and operations staff monitor winter weather conditions on bridges and roadways.
Florida Highway Patrol (FHP)
- FHP troops A (Pensacola), B (Gainesville), G (Jacksonville) and H (Tallahassee) will be on 12-hour shifts monitoring any impacted roadways in coordination with FDOT.
- FHP Quick Reaction Force teams from other areas in the state also remain on standby if additional highway safety needs arise in winter storm-impacted areas.
- Motorists should dial *FHP (347) from their mobile phone if they are on the road and need assistance.
Florida Department of Health (DOH)
- State Surgeon General Dr. Celeste Philip held a call to discuss preparations with county health officers in impacted areas.
- This cold snap could trigger increased risk of Carbon Monoxide poisonings and home fires due to incorrect usage of generators and heaters. Watch this #FLHealthMinute video to learn about Generator Safety.
- DOH staff is prepared and on standby to staff special needs shelters if needed.
Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA)
- The Agency for Health Care Administration will host a call today with administrators, owners and CEOs of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and related associations in affected areas of the state to ensure health care facilities are preparing for inclement weather and monitoring conditions.
Florida Department of Education (DOE)
- DOE is monitoring any potential school closures across Florida.
Florida Department of Management Services (DMS)
- DMS is monitoring and will advise regarding any potential government building closures.
If severe weather threatens your area, be sure to follow these important safety tips:
- Ensure your NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio is on and programmed for your area or stay tuned to a trusted local media outlet for the most current weather situation.
- Ensure your disaster supply kit is prepared and heed all instructions from local officials.
- Pay attention to warnings issued & remember the 5P’s of cold weather safety – protect people, pets, plants, pipes and practice fire safety.
Shelters
- The following counties have or are planning to open cold weather shelters in anticipation of this event:
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- Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Leon, Columbia, Gadsden, Liberty, Wakulla, Suwannee, Clay, Duval Hillsborough, Citrus, Pasco, Brevard, Indian River, Martin, Osceola, Seminole, St. Lucie and Volusia.
*Individuals should contact their local emergency management office for the best information regarding shelter availability.
For more information and tips from the Florida Division of Emergency Management, visit FloridaDisaster.org or follow @FLSERT on Twitter.
Gov. Rick Scott Highlights Job Growth at St. Johns Marine Group
Governor Rick Scott today visited St. Johns Marine Group, a full-service ship repair and maintenance company in Jacksonville, to highlight the addition of more than 20 new jobs for local families over the last year. Recently, Governor Scott announced that Florida businesses have added 1,465,800 new jobs statewide since December 2010 and the state’s unemployment rate remained at a 10-year low of 3.6 percent.
Gov. Rick Scott Hosts Puerto Rico Relief Efforts Roundtable
Governor Rick Scott today hosted a roundtable at the Albizu University Miami Campus with Florida education leaders, community officials and volunteer organizations to discuss the ongoing relief efforts for those who have been displaced by Hurricane Maria. Last month, Governor Scott urged Congress to pass a disaster relief funding package which includes critical funding to help Florida school districts educate displaced students from Puerto Rico. Read more HERE.
Gov. Scott: Juvenile Arrests Drop to Historic 42-Year Low
Governor Rick Scott announced today that the number of juvenile arrests continued to decline in 2016-2017 according to the latest delinquency report released by the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ). Statewide, juvenile arrests dropped another seven percent in the last fiscal year, a five-year decline of 24 percent, and a historic 42-year low in juvenile arrests.
Governor Scott said, “Our state has made significant strides in reforming our juvenile justice system and I am proud to announce today that juvenile arrests have dropped to a historic 42-year low. Today’s announcement would not be possible without Florida’s juvenile detention and probation officers, who work each day to redirect our youth to a successful path. I will be working with the legislature during the upcoming session to pass a 10 percent pay raise for juvenile detention and juvenile probation officers so we can reward them for their critical work.”
The five counties with the largest populations in Florida continue to show decreases in juvenile arrests over the last fiscal year. The county with the largest drop was Orange County with a 15 percent decrease, followed by Hillsborough County with a 14 percent reduction, Broward County with a seven percent decrease, Miami-Dade County with a seven percent decrease, and Palm Beach County with a four percent decline in juvenile arrests.
DJJ Secretary Christina Daly said, “More than six years ago, DJJ committed to improve Florida’s juvenile justice system through innovative and aggressive reforms. The continued decline in juvenile arrests year after year demonstrates our reform efforts are working. We will continue to work with law enforcement and our community partners to keep even more kids out of the juvenile justice system, provide the very best services for those that do come into our system, and work hard to help steer every youth down the right path.”
The current report, covering a five-year period, shows an overall decline in felony offenses, including a 15 percent decrease in murder/manslaughter arrests and a seven percent decrease in aggravated assault arrests. The report also shows a year-to-year four percent drop statewide in auto theft arrests, including a 19 percent year-to-year decrease in auto theft arrests in the Central Florida region. The report also shows a 14 percent decline in overall misdemeanor arrests.
To view the full report, click HERE.
Gov. Scott: Florida Reemployment Tax Rate to Remain at its Lowest in 2018 for Third Year in a Row
Gov. Rick Scott today announced that Florida businesses will continue to pay the lowest possible rate for reemployment taxes next year for the third year in a row. The minimum tax rate will remain at $7.00 per employee in 2018. As a result of Florida’s thriving economy, more than 60 percent of Florida’s employers will pay the minimum tax rate, which is the highest number of employers at the lowest reemployment tax rate since 2004. The $7.00 per employee minimum tax rate for 2018 is down from a high of $120.80 per employee in 2012. Since 2012, Florida businesses have had their reemployment tax reduced by more than 94 percent, resulting in a savings of more than $4.9 billion.
Gov. Scott said, “By keeping the reemployment tax low, we are putting more money back into the hands of job creators so they can invest in their businesses. This continued low rate is another example of the steps we are taking to make Florida number one in the nation for job growth and opportunities.”
Florida businesses pay the reemployment tax as a percentage of the first $7,000 in wages for each employee. Reemployment taxes, or taxes on payroll, fund Florida’s Reemployment Assistance Trust Fund. Florida’s strong economy and private-sector job growth has allowed the state to dramatically reduce the minimum reemployment tax rate. As a result, this year’s trust fund is robust and the reemployment tax rate will remain low for 2018.
Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director Cissy Proctor said, “Businesses are confident in Florida’s economic climate and continue to create jobs for hardworking citizens. Our strong trust fund allows for a lower tax rate for a majority of businesses. This allows businesses to reinvest these savings. Florida remains the best state in the nation to live, work and do business.”
More information about the Reemployment Assistance tax rate can be found here.
Governor Scott Celebrates Hanukkah with Florida Cabinet
During a meeting of the Florida Cabinet today, Governor Rick Scott and Cabinet Members celebrated Hanukkah.
Governor Scott said, “Ann and I would like to wish Florida’s Jewish community a happy Hanukkah filled with family and loved ones. Earlier this month, we had the opportunity to visit Israel and experience some of the rich traditions and history of the Jewish community first-hand. During this holiday, let us all reflect on the many blessings we had this year and on the importance of tradition and family. Happy Hanukkah!”
Governor Scott Recognizes Educators with the Governor’s Shine Award
During a meeting of the Florida Cabinet today, Governor Rick Scott recognized seven outstanding educators with the Governor’s Shine Award. The Shine Award is presented to teachers and administrators in Florida who make significant contributions to the field of education. Five of the seven teachers honored today are 2017 district teachers of the year.
Governor Rick Scott said, “I am proud to present these outstanding educators with the Governor’s Shine Award today and thank them for their commitment to ensuring students reach their full potential. The educators honored today represent the thousands of great teachers around the state who are dedicated to preparing students for college and a future career.”
The following educators were presented with the Governor’s Shine Award:
Rudy Diaz, Miami-Dade County – Rudy Diaz teaches TV Production Media at South Miami Senior High School. With 30 years teaching experience, Diaz has been at his current school for 26 of them. Diaz has won three Emmy Awards for his expertise in editing, camera and producing, and is the 2017 Miami-Dade County District Teacher of the Year.
Lisa Gault, Bradford County – Lisa Gault is a veteran teacher with 33 years’ experience and teaches Adult Special Needs Transition at the Bradford-Union Technical Center. Gault is a member of the Bradford Education Foundation and the 2017 Bradford County District Teacher of the Year.
Felecia L. King, Hillsborough County – Felecia King teaches fourth grade English/ Language Arts at Lockhart Elementary Magnet School in Hillsborough County. King is the 2008-09 Ida S. Baker Teacher of the Year, 2014-15 Hillsborough County Teacher of the Year, member of the High Impact Teacher Corps and Leadership Florida, Education Class III.
Anne Jones, Dixie County – Anne Jones is an Instructional/Reading Coach at Ruth Raines Middle School in Dixie County. Jones has 21 years’ teaching experience and is the 2017 Dixie County District Teacher of the Year.
Nardi Routten, Indian River County – Nardi Routten has been an educator for 20 years and teaches fourth grade at Chester A. Moore Elementary School in Indian River County. Routten is the 2015 Milken Educator Award winner; member of the Teacher Leader Fellowship 2016; member of Leadership Florida, Education Class II; and is currently working on her second Master’s degree in Educational Leadership.
Timothy Stevens, Putnam County – With eight years’ experience, Tim Stevens teaches fifth grade English/Language Arts and Social Studies at Ochwilla Elementary School in Putnam County. Stevens is a member of the Superintendent’s Advisory Council and is the 2017 Putnam County District Teacher of the Year.
Dr. Karen P. Welch, Gilchrist County – Karen Welch teaches Intensive Reading and Intensive Language Arts at Bell High School in Gilchrist County. An experienced educator with 18 years’ experience, Dr. Welch was a district finalist for the 2009 Middle School Reading Teacher of the Year and is the 2017 Gilchrist District Teacher of the Year.
Governor Scott Recognizes Jon Bucci with Young Entrepreneur Award
During a meeting of the Florida Cabinet today, Governor Rick Scott recognized Jon Bucci, 23, with the Governor’s Young Entrepreneur Award. Bucci is the founder and CEO of Apex Property Restoration, a carpentry, repair, and assembly service company operating in Southwest Florida. Apex Property Restoration was founded in 2012 and currently employs 13 Floridians. Bucci is also co-founder of Inari Industries, a technology startup company and soon to be opening Bucci studios, a health and day spa.
Governor Scott said, “I’m proud to present Jon with the Young Entrepreneur Award today. It’s great to see a young entrepreneur follow his dream of building a business here in Florida. His determination and hard work will continue to lead him and his business to future success.”
Founder and CEO of Apex Property Restoration Jon Bucci said, “I’m honored to be recognized by Governor Scott with the Young Entrepreneur Award today. Apex Property Restoration strives to provide our clients with the best carpentry, repair, and assembly services in the Naples and Fort Myers areas. I’m proud of my team and the success we have seen and I’m grateful for the support the community has shown us.”
For more information about Apex Property Restoration, visit apexpropertyrestoration.com.
Governor Scott and Volunteer Florida Present Champion of Service Awards
During a meeting of the Florida Cabinet today, Governor Rick Scott and Volunteer Florida Chief Executive Officer Vivian Myrtetus awarded Zakary, Gracyn, and Ari Smith with the Volunteer Florida Champion of Service Award, Florida’s official statewide volunteer recognition.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud to recognize Zakary, Gracyn and Ari with the Champion of Service Award today. Their commitment and compassion to help fellow children in need is admirable and sets an example of outstanding service for every Floridian, especially during this holiday season.”
Volunteer Florida CEO Vivian Myrtetus said, “Zakary, Gracyn, and Ari illustrate that it’s never too early to start volunteering. Volunteer Florida is honored to recognize them for creating Smith Smiles Toy Donation. We are grateful for the opportunity to recognize Zakary, Gracyn, and Ari, and their work to serve children in hospitals.”
About the Champion of Service Awardees:
In 2011, Zakary (age 11), Gracyn (age 9), and Ari (age 6), created Smith Smiles Toy Donation, a nonprofit organization in Boynton Beach that donates items to children in hospitals. Smith Smiles Toy Donation, Zakary, Gracyn, and Ari host donation drives throughout their community in order to collect items such as toys, books, puzzles, games, and craft supplies for children and young adults who are in hospitals.
To date, Smith Smiles has donated over 4,000 items to hospitals throughout Florida and has recently donated to hospitals in Massachusetts, Ohio, and Tennessee. Smith Smiles Toy Donation also recently made donations to hospitals in Florida that were damaged by Hurricane Irma.
