During a meeting of the Florida Cabinet today, Governor Rick Scott recognized Manatee County Sheriff’s Deputy Willie Finklea with the Governor’s Medal of Heroism for his actions to save a couple from a burning car earlier this year.
Governor Rick Scott said, “I’m incredibly proud to honor Deputy Willie Finklea with the Medal of Heroism today for his outstanding service to the State of Florida. Deputy Finklea put his life on the line to save the lives of others and we thank him and all of our courageous law enforcement officers for their selfless service to Florida families.”
About the Medal of Heroism Recipient
On August 20, 2017, off-duty Manatee County Sheriff’s Deputy Willie Finklea spotted smoke from a burning car on the side of the road and immediately took action to help while his wife contacted 911. The vehicle’s electronic windows and locks were not working, trapping the two passengers inside. Deputy Finklea shot through the car’s left rear window and crawled inside to help the passengers. With the help of Deputy Finklea, both passengers escaped safely before the car was engulfed in flames.
Governor Rick Scott
Governor Scott: Florida Stands with Victims of Sexual Harassment
Executive Order Strengthens Sexual Harassment Protections for State Employees
Governor Rick Scott announced Executive Order 17-319 which includes measures to increase reporting, investigating and training to protect state employees who are victims of sexual harassment at executive state agencies under the Governor’s authority. This order takes clear action to protect against workplace sexual harassment and enhances many existing policies at executive state agencies to protect victims. The executive order is in addition to HB 397 proposed and signed by Governor Scott in June, which creates a public records exemption for identifying information of state employees who file sexual harassment complaints. To view the executive order, click HERE.
Governor Scott said, “It is absolutely disgusting to hear about the numerous accounts of sexual harassment happening across the country. Everyone deserves to work in an environment that is safe and free from any form of harassment. We cannot tolerate sexual harassment at all in Florida, and today’s executive order protects state employees by directing how agencies report, investigate and train against sexual harassment in the workplace. In Florida, we stand with victims and against those who mistreat others. Today, I call on every level of government to follow our lead and adopt these standards.”
Gov. Scott Applauds FWC for Investigative Efforts to Protect Florida Wildlife
Governor Rick Scott today released the below statement following the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office’s announcement of criminal charges against the individuals who senselessly dragged a shark behind their boat at high speed. This decision is a result of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) law enforcement’s investigation.
Governor Scott said, “I was outraged by the sickening video of a shark being horribly abused earlier this year. Florida has no tolerance for this mistreatment, and I am proud of the hard work of FWC law enforcement during this investigation to hold these individuals accountable for their horrific actions.”
Gov. Scott Applauds CRC for Passing Proposal to Make It Harder to Raise Taxes
Governor Rick Scott today made the following statement regarding the Constitution Revision Commission Finance and Taxation committee’s passage of a proposal that would make it harder for politicians to raise taxes and fees by requiring 2/3 majority vote by future legislatures to increase any taxes or fees. The proposal will be heard by the full CRC. If approved, Florida voters would have the opportunity to add this measure to the Florida Constitution.
Governor Scott said, “I want to thank the members of the CRC’s Finance and Taxation committee for protecting Florida families from unfair tax and fee increases by future politicians. As a businessman myself, I understand how the decisions made in Tallahassee can affect companies and families who rely on Florida’s low tax burden to succeed. I will also continue to work with the legislature to get this amendment on the ballot, and will stop at nothing to ensure that we continue to build on our success of cutting taxes more than 75 times during our time in office. I would also like to thank Commissioner Fred Karlinsky for sponsoring this amendment and fighting to ensure our state’s continued economic growth.”
Gov. Scott: Wayfair to Create 100 New Jobs at Three New Distributions Centers Across the State
Governor Scott announced that Wayfair Inc., one of the world’s largest online retailers for home goods, is opening three new distribution centers in Tampa, Orlando and Miami. This expansion will create 100 new jobs and allow Wayfair to continue to expand delivery to millions of consumers from these Florida locations.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce that Wayfair has chosen to expand in Florida with three new locations in Tampa, Orlando and Miami. This expansion will also create 100 new jobs across our state, which is further proof that our work to make Florida the most business-friendly location is helping encourage global companies to invest in our state. I look forward to seeing Wayfair’s continued success in Florida.”
James Savarese, Chief Operating Officer of Wayfair, said, “We are excited to expand our presence in Florida, where we will benefit from the region’s strong talent pool as we expand our logistics network to support the incredible growth of our business. The expansion of our operations in Tampa, Orlando and Miami will ensure that we continue to provide exceptional service every step of the way as we transform the shopping experience for home all the way through to delivery. We are pleased to open three new state-of-the-art facilities in Florida and contribute to the creation of new job opportunities across the state. We have worked very closely with Enterprise Florida, the state’s principal economic development organization, Governor Rick Scott’s Office, the City of Pompano Beach, as well as the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, all of which have been great partners throughout the entire process.”
To accommodate its expanding logistics operations, Wayfair has opened a 45,004-square-foot facility in Tampa, a 43,120-square-foot facility in Orlando and a 47,320 square-foot facility in Miami’s Pompano Beach. Wayfair is continuing to search for new talent across the state, and the new jobs include positions in management, warehouse, concierge and customer service functions.
Harry Sideris, Enterprise Florida board member and Duke Energy’s state president in Florida, said, “We are excited that Wayfair has selected Florida for its three, new warehouse locations as it expands its distribution network. This expansion showcases that our state has the diverse workforce and business friendly climate needed for any company wishing to expand its operations. Economic development is integral to building stronger communities and, ultimately, a stronger Florida and we look forward to assisting more companies like Wayfair in the future. We appreciate the dedication of Governor Scott to make Florida the best place to work and raise a family.”
For more information on hiring and career opportunities in Florida, visit wayfair.com/careers.
Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) is a partnership between Florida’s businesses and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for Florida. EFI facilitates job growth through recruitment and retention, international trade and exporting, promotion of sporting events, and capital funding programs to assist small and minority businesses. EFI launched “Florida – The Future is Here” to promote the state as the nation’s premier business destination.
Gov. Scott: Lifetime Sportsman’s License Cost Reduced for Florida Children and Young Adults
Governor Rick Scott signed a proclamation authorizing the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to offer Lifetime Sportsman’s Licenses for Florida children and young adults at a reduced cost. The license currently costs up to $1,000 but from now through Dec. 31st, the price will be reduced by 25 percent for Florida residents who are 17-years-old and younger. The lifetime license covers saltwater and freshwater recreational fishing, hunting and most associated permits. To view the proclamation, click HERE.
Governor Scott said, “Our state’s natural treasures give families all across the state opportunities to spend quality time together, and I’m proud to reduce the cost of the Lifetime Sportsman’s Licenses for Florida’s children and young adults this holiday season. I encourage Florida’s children and young adults to take advantage of this opportunity to spend time enjoying Florida’s great outdoors.”
A Lifetime Sportsman’s License allows fishing and hunting in Florida for the rest of the license holder’s life, even if that person is no longer a resident of the state.
The license may be purchased online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, and at Florida county tax collectors’ offices. Residency must be verified. For more information about a Lifetime Sportsman’s License and this limited time offer, CLICK HERE.
ICYMI: WFOX: Gov. Scott Proposes $100 Million for Beach Restoration
“Gov. Scott Proposes $100 Million for Beach Restoration”
WFOX – Jacksonville, FL
December 6, 2017
To view the clip, click HERE.
ICYMI: WBBH: Gov. Scott Stands with Israel
“Gov. Scott Stands with Israel”
WBBH-FTM (NBC) – Fort Myers, FL
December 6, 2017
To view the clip, click HERE.
Gov. Rick Scott in Israel: I Support Jerusalem as Israel’s Capital City
Florida Stands with Israel
Governor Rick Scott applauded the Trump Administration’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital city and the announcement of plans to move the U.S. Embassy. Governor Scott is leading a trade mission in Israel this week to continue to build on Florida and Israel’s strong relationship. Last week, Governor Scott announced in advance of his trip to Israel that the U.S. Embassy should move from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The video was taken earlier today at the Western Wall.
To view the video, see above or click HERE.
Gov. Rick Scott Recognizes Agreement Between Florida Atlantic University and Technion-Israel Institute of Technology
As part of his ongoing trade mission in Israel, Governor Rick Scott recognized the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding yesterday between Florida Atlantic University and Technion-Israel Institute of Technology. This agreement will expand scholarly partnerships, support collaborative research projects, and offer unique academic opportunities to medical students, medical residents, graduate students, and post-doctoral students in both Florida and Israel. To view the agreement, click HERE.
Governor Scott said, “Florida is proud to be home to world class education institutions and by continuing to build on relationships with our international education partners, we are ensuring that Florida’s students have even more opportunities to succeed in the classroom and beyond. I look forward to seeing the continued educational accomplishments between Florida Atlantic University and Technion-Israel Institute of Technology.”
Governor Scott is currently leading a delegation of nearly 70 Florida business and education leaders on a trade mission in Israel to continue to build on Florida and Israel’s strong relationship. Florida’s economic development and trading partnership with Israel exceeds $286 million a year.
