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Governor Rick Scott Honors 329 Veterans with Veterans Service Medal

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Governor Rick Scott today awarded 329 Florida veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Medal for their service to the state and the nation.
Governor Scott said, “We can never thank our veterans enough for their courageous service to our state and country. I’m incredibly proud to recognize these American heroes who dedicated their lives to our great nation and present them with the Veterans Service Medal today. We will continue to work to make Florida the most military and veteran friendly state in the nation.”
Governor Scott also highlighted investments in Florida’s active military, veterans and their families in his Securing Florida’s Future budget, including:

  • $200,000 for search and rescue vessels and protective equipment for our National Guardsmen to use during deployment;
  • Nearly $8 million to begin operations at the Lake Baldwin State Veteran Nursing Home, which will allow this facility to serve more than 110 veterans in the coming year;
  • Doubling the funding to $2 million for Building Homes for Heroes to build and modify homes for veterans who were severely injured while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan;
  • $2 million for the Florida Defense Support Task Force, which helps support our military and defense communities and the many families who rely on them; and
  • $2.7 million to support veterans looking to obtain employment, start their own businesses and make Florida their home, including $1 million for Veterans Florida to continue their mission of helping veterans find great jobs at Florida businesses.

The following Florida veterans were highlighted during today’s ceremony:
Second Lieutenant Richard Kappel
Second Lieutenant Richard Kappel enlisted in the United States Army in 1941 and served as a bombardier in Germany during World War II. During his last bombing mission, 2nd Lt. Kappel’s aircraft was severely damaged and had to make an emergency landing. His entire crew was captured and held as POWs at Stalag Luft #1. After 15 months of captivity, 2nd Lt. Kappel returned home as an American hero and was honorably discharged in 1945.
Specialist Phillip Lewis
Specialist Phillip Lewis was born and raised in Eustis and enlisted in the Army at the age of 17.  He attended Basic Training at Fort Benning Georgia where he earned the opportunity to attend Army Airborne School. He later went on to complete Army Ranger School and earned the Army Ranger Tab. SPC Lewis participated in three deployments to Afghanistan where he served in all areas of an Infantry fire team and eventually as a team leader. In 2014, SPC Lewis left active duty and entered the Florida Army National Guard where he has served as the Delta company supply specialist. Currently, SPC Lewis is assigned to 1st platoon as a vehicle commander.
Sergeant Christopher Adkins
Sergeant Christopher Adkins enlisted in 2007 and served as a combat medic in the 715th Military Police Company. He went on to serve as driver and medic for Bravo Company 1st Battalion 124th Infantry Regiment and in July 2011, was promoted to Sergeant and became a senior line medic in the Delta Company 2-124. In 2012, SGT Adkins earned his Associates in Emergency Medical Services. SGT Adkins also served a deployment to the Horn of Africa in 2015 and has been recognized with the Combat Medic Badge, Air Assault badge, Florida Commendation Medal and Army Service Ribbon for his service. Currently, SGT Adkins serves as the Delta Company Supply NCO.

Governor Rick Scott Honors Over 100 Veterans with Veterans Service Medal

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Governor Rick Scott today awarded 114 Florida veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Medal for their service to the state and the nation.
Governor Scott said, “I’m proud to recognize some of Florida’s outstanding veterans for their service and personally thank each of them for the countless sacrifices they’ve made for our nation. It is so important to continue investing in Florida’s military and veteran community and support those who serve and protect.”
Governor Scott also highlighted investments in Florida’s active military, veterans and their families in his Securing Florida’s Future budget, including:

  • $200,000 for search and rescue vessels and protective equipment for our National Guardsmen to use during deployment;
  • Nearly $8 million to begin operations at the Lake Baldwin State Veteran Nursing Home, which will allow this facility to serve more than 110 veterans in the coming year;
  • Doubling the funding to $2 million for Building Homes for Heroes to build and modify homes for veterans who were severely injured while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan;
  • $2 million for the Florida Defense Support Task Force, which helps support our military and defense communities and the many families who rely on them; and
  • $2.7 million to support veterans looking to obtain employment, start their own businesses and make Florida their home, including $1 million for Veterans Florida to continue their mission of helping veterans find great jobs at Florida businesses.

The following Florida veterans were highlighted during today’s ceremony:
Dave Bushnell
Dave Bushnell served in the United States Coast Guard from 1981 to 1988 and then continued his service in the United States Army for 18 years before ending his military career as Chief Warrant Officer 4 in the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. In November 2016, Bushnell became a pilot for the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office and earlier this year, became the Special Ops Aviation/ Marine Supervisor.
Sergeant Jason Strickland
Sergeant Jason Strickland served in the United States Army from 2001 to 2007, and was promoted to Sergeant E5 in 2004. During his military career, Sgt. Strickland deployed to Bosnia on a peacekeeping mission and later deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom, serving a year in Ramadi, Iraq. Following his active duty, Sgt. Strickland joined the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy and was promoted to Sergeant this past February. His service in the Sheriff’s Office has been recognized with the Medal of Valor and a Ribbon of Commendation.
Staff Sergeant Andres Moreira
Staff Sergeant Andres Moreira enlisted in the Florida Army National Guard in 1998 and has served in support of Operation Noble Eagle and deployed twice to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom. Throughout his 19 years of service, he has also supported Florida families during serval hurricane relief missions, including Hurricane Irma. Staff Sergeant Moreira’s actions have been recognized Army Commendation Medal, and the Combat Action Badge.

Appointments by Governor Rick Scott for Monday, November 20, 2017

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

Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Danny Nix to the Florida Southwestern State College District Board of Trustees.
Nix, 40, of Punta Gorda, is the owner of Nix & Associates Real Estate, LLC. He received his bachelor’s degree from Western Governor’s University. Nix succeeds Eric Loche, and is appointed for a term beginning November 20, 2017, and ending May 31, 2018.
The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

Gov. Scott Reappoints Three to Board of
Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services

Governor Rick Scott today announced the reappointment of three to the Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services.
Keenan Knopke, 67, of Temple Terrace, is the president of Curlew Hills Memory Gardens, Inc. He is reappointed for a term beginning November 20, 2017, and ending September 30, 2021.
Jody Brandenburg, 74, of Jacksonville, is the president of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Homes and Cemeteries. He is reappointed for a term beginning November 20, 2017, and ending September 30, 2021.
Lewis Hall, 54, of Lakeland, is the president of Gentry-Morrison Funeral Homes in Serenity Gardens. He is reappointed for a term beginning November 20, 2017, and ending September 30, 2021.
These appointments are subject to Senate confirmation.

Gov. Scott Appoints Linda Dudley to Holmes County Hospital Corporation

Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Linda Dudley to the Holmes County Hospital Corporation.
Linda Dudley, 70, of Bonifay, is a former loan officer for the United States Department of Agriculture. She fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning November 20, 2017, and ending August 15, 2019.

Gov. Scott to Highlight Military and Veteran Funding in the Securing Florida’s Future Budget

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Tomorrow, November 21st, Governor Rick Scott will honor Florida veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Medal and highlight investments in Florida’s military, veteran and families in his 2018-2019 Securing Florida’s Future budget.
WHEN: 9:00 AM
WHERE: Florida National Guard Armory
8551 West Venable Street
Crystal River, FL 34429
WHEN: 2:30 PM
WHERE: Florida National Guard Armory
605 S Bay St
Eustis, FL 32726

Gov. Scott: Florida Hits All-Time Record High for Tourism

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88.2 million visitors came to Florida in the first nine months of 2017

Governor Rick Scott today announced that Florida set another tourism record by welcoming the highest number of visitors of any nine months in the state’s history with 88.2 million visitors, according to VISIT FLORIDA. This represents a 3.3 percent increase over the 85.4 million visitors from the same period in 2016. This includes 77.6 million domestic visitors, 7.9 million overseas visitors and 2.7 million Canadians visitors. Governor Scott made the announcement at Azucar Ice Cream Company, a locally-owned ice cream boutique that has been nationally recognized as one of Little Havana’s top tourist destinations.
Governor Scott said, “Today, I am proud to announce that Florida has continued our record breaking success by welcoming more than 88 million visitors to our state over the first nine months of the year. Florida has had three record quarters in 2017, which would not be possible without our relentless work to market Florida as the top tourism destination. This includes VISIT FLORIDA’s aggressive marketing efforts to make sure families across the world knew that Florida was open for tourism following Hurricane Irma. We will work with the Legislature to invest $100 million for VISIT FLORIDA this upcoming session to continue this success and make sure Florida can continue to break tourism records.”
VISIT FLORIDA estimates that a record 27.9 million visitors traveled to Florida in the third quarter of 2017 (July-September), an increase of 3.3 percent over the same period last year. This Q3 number breaks down to 24.9 million domestic visitors, 2.6 million overseas visitors and 428,000 Canadian visitors coming to the Sunshine State. Total enplanements at Florida’s 18 major airports in Q3 2017 increased 2.4 percent over the same period the previous year, with 20 million passengers. The number of hotel rooms sold in Florida during quarter three of 2017 grew by 4.7 percent compared to quarter three 2016. During the same period, Florida’s average daily room rate (ADR) increased by 3.0 percent and occupancy by 2.9 percent.
Ken Lawson, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA, said, “Back-to-back-to-back record quarters in the first nine months of this year show the Florida tourism industry has great momentum. VISIT FLORIDA will not rest on our laurels, but will continue to be at the forefront of creating leading-edge, original marketing programs for our industry partners so that together we can make Florida the number one vacation destination in the world.”
To view additional Florida visitor data, go the Research page on VISIT FLORIDA’s media website.
*Preliminary estimates are issued 45 days after the end of each calendar quarter. Final estimates are released when final data are received for all estimates in the report.

Governor Rick Scott Attends L-8 FEB Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

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Governor Rick Scott today attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for the L-8 Flow Equalization Basin, a major restoration project completed as part of the Governor’s $880 million Everglades water quality plan. Since Governor Scott has been in office, more than $1.8 billion has been invested by the State of Florida in restoring the Everglades.
To continue protecting Florida’s world-class beaches, award-winning and nationally acclaimed state parks, renowned springs and iconic Everglades, Governor Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future budget proposes more than $3.8 billion, including a record $355 million for the following Everglades restoration related projects:

  • $32 million in recurring state funding that is part of the Governor’s $880 million Everglades water quality plan;
  • $173.8 million for Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan projects, including the C-43 Reservoir and land acquisition required to move additional projects forward;
  • $36 million for dispersed water management and public private partnerships to provide additional water storage;
  • $64 million to the South Florida Water Management District for the EAA Reservoir (Senate Bill 10); and
  • $50 million to accelerate repairs to the federally-operated Herbert Hoover Dike.

Gov. Rick Scott Directs Additional Florida Highway Patrol Officers to Seminole Heights

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To assist the Tampa Police Department’s efforts to keep the Seminole Heights neighborhood safe, Governor Rick Scott today directed the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) to deploy additional officers to the area. These officers will work with the Tampa Police Department to enhance their efforts in patrolling the neighborhood to increase safety. The deployment of FHP Troopers is in addition to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s (FDLE) Tampa Bay Regional Operations Center who has a squad of agents assigned to neighborhood canvassing. FDLE also has agents assigned to vet leads and is providing analytical assistance. FDLE lab analysts continue to process numerous items of evidence. FDLE has also contributed $10,000 to the Crime Stoppers reward.
Governor Scott said, “Safety is our top priority, and we are glad to provide additional state resources from the Florida Highway Patrol and FDLE to the Tampa Police Department to assist in their efforts. I have spoken with Tampa Police Chief Brian Dugan and Mayor Bob Buckhorn to offer any resources they may need from the State of Florida. Everyone in the area should continue to listen to local law enforcement who have been working day and night to keep families safe. I am fully confident that our brave law enforcement will bring whoever is responsible for these senseless acts to justice. Our hearts break for the victims of these crimes and their loved ones. Today, we are making it clear – Florida has zero tolerance for violence and crime, and we will stop at nothing to keep our communities safe.”

Appointments by Gov. Rick Scott for Wednesday, November 15, 2017

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Gov. Scott Appoints Chief Melanie Bevan to Statewide Council on Human Trafficking

Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Chief Melanie Bevan to the Statewide Council on Human Trafficking.
Bevan, 52, of Bradenton, is the Chief of Police at the Bradenton Police Department. Bevan is a 31-year veteran law enforcement officer who most previously served as Assistant Chief at the St. Petersburg Police Department. She received her bachelor’s degree from Saint Leo University, her master’s degree from Troy State University, and her doctor of education degree from Argosy University. Bevan fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning November 15, 2017, and ending June 30, 2018.

Gov. Scott Reappoints Representative Larry Metz to Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame Council

Governor Rick Scott today announced the reappointment Representative Larry E. Metz to the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame Council.
Metz, 62, of Yalaha, has served in the Florida House of Representatives since 2010 and has practiced with the Metz Law Firm P.A. since 2007. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1976 to 1982, including active duty until 1980. Metz received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and a law degree from Florida State University. He is appointed for a term beginning November 15, 2017, and ending June 30, 2020.

Gov. Scott: Securing Florida's Future Budget Includes $178 Million Investment for Florida's Veterans

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On Monday, Governor Rick Scott announced his proposal for $178 million in total funding to support active military, veterans and their families in Florida as part of his 2018-2019 recommended budget. He also announced his support for a proposal being considered by the Constitution Revision Commission to provide free tuition to the families of fallen first responders, state law enforcement officers and military members who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
Governor Scott’s $178 million investment for Florida’s active military, veterans and their families includes:

  • $200,000 for search and rescue vessels and protective equipment for our National Guardsmen to use during deployment;
  • Nearly $8 million to begin operations at the Lake Baldwin State Veteran Nursing Home, which will allow this facility to serve more than 110 veterans in the coming year;
  • $2 million for Building Homes for Heroes to build and modify homes for veterans who were severely injured while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan;
  • $2 million for the Florida Defense Support Task Force, which helps support our military and defense communities and the many families who rely on them; and
  • $2.7 million to support veterans looking to obtain employment, start their own businesses and make Florida their home, including $1 million for Veterans Florida to continue their mission of helping veterans find great jobs at Florida businesses.

Click here to view the Securing Florida’s Future Budget complete budget.
Click here to view the Securing Florida’s Future Budget highlights.
Click here to view the Securing Florida’s Future Budget FAQ.