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Governor Scott and Florida Cabinet Issue Resolution Recognizing Veterans Day

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Recognizes More Than 60 Florida Veterans
with Governor’s Veterans Service Medal


During a meeting of the Florida Cabinet today, Governor Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet issued the following resolution recognizing November 11, 2017 as Veterans Day. Governor Scott also recognized more than 60 veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Medal for their service to Florida and the nation.
Governor Rick Scott said, “I am proud to issue this resolution recognizing Veteran’s Day as we honor those who have served our great nation. Florida is committed to being the most military and veteran friendly state in the nation. As a veteran myself, I think it is so important to thank our courageous veterans for their service defending our country’s freedom.”
Colonel Glenn Sutphin, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, said, “On this Veterans Day, we ask you to pause, reflect and thank our state’s more than 1.5 million veterans who have defended the principles upon which our country was founded. From our network of award-winning state veterans’ homes to connecting veterans to their earned benefits and services, Florida is the most veteran-friendly state in the nation.”

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, for more than two centuries, individuals from all walks of life have taken up arms and sworn an oath to support and defend the principles upon which our country was founded; and
WHEREAS, throughout our history, courageous men and women have donned the uniform of our Armed Forces and built a noble tradition of faithful and dedicated service to our Nation; and
WHEREAS, Veterans Day has been set aside as both a national and state holiday to honor those American patriots who answered the call of duty, preserving our freedoms and often making the ultimate sacrifice; and
WHEREAS, we can never fully repay our debt of gratitude to those heroic men and women who served, were wounded, or even died in battle; and
WHEREAS, the unwavering commitment of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, and Merchant Mariners has preserved our freedoms and saved millions around the world from tyranny; and
WHEREAS, we continue to draw inspiration from the heroism and dedication of those who currently serve and sacrifice for the cause of liberty and justice; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting that all Floridians honor America’s military veterans, including Florida’s more than 1.5 million living veterans, through whose selfless service and sacrifice we enjoy freedom and liberty.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Governor and Cabinet of the State of Florida do hereby recognize November 11, 2017, as

VETERANS DAY

and call upon all Floridians to honor the contributions of current and former members of the United States Armed Services.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governor and Cabinet of the State of Florida encourage citizens to participate in local Veterans Day activities honoring the men and women who have stood watch over America.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF the Governor and Cabinet of the State of Florida have hereunto subscribed their names and have caused the Official Seal of the State of Florida to be hereunto affixed in the City of Tallahassee on this 7th day of November 2017.
RICK SCOTT
GOVERNOR
PAM BONDI
ATTORNEY GENERAL
JIMMY PATRONIS
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
ADAM. H. PUTNAM
COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE

Governor Scott Recognizes Four Florida Veterans with Governor’s Medal of Merit

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During a meeting of the Florida Cabinet today, Governor Rick Scott recognized Florida veterans Judge T. Patt Maney, Lieutenant Colonel John Steele, Colonel John Pelleriti and Paul Martel with the Governor’s Medal of Merit.
Governor Scott said, “I’m honored to recognize these veterans with Medals of Merit today. They have courageously served our country and they continue to serve their veteran communities. I am proud to join all of Florida in recognizing them as selfless American heroes.”
About the Medal of Merit Recipients
Judge T. Patt Maney
Judge T. Patt Maney is a retired Army Reserve Brigadier General and Okaloosa County Judge and an advocate for Florida veterans. During a deployment to Afghanistan in 2005, Judge Maney sustained a traumatic brain when a roadside bomb detonated under their vehicle. After multiple surgeries and thousands of hours of physical therapy, Judge Maney regained his cognitive ability and continued on to serve as a county judge. In 2012, Governor Rick Scott signed “The T. Patt Maney Veterans’ Treatment Intervention Act” into law, which authorized the establishment of veterans’ court to  address the substance abuse and mental health needs of veterans within Florida’s criminal justice system. More than 30 Veterans Courts are now in operation in Florida. 
Lieutenant Colonel John L. Steele
Lieutenant Colonel John Steele currently serves as the Florida Air National Guard Advisor to the State Emergency Operations Center’s Air Operations Branch. During Hurricane Irrma, Lt. Col. Steele helped coordinate early integration of air mobility and rescue assets including over 800 mobility sorties that moved over 3,500 people and over 1,300 tons of equipment.  Lt Col Steele’s 27-year career of outstanding service includes two deployments involving combat flight operations over Bosnia and six deployments in support of the Global War on Terror.
Colonel John Pelleriti
Colonel Pelleriti’s exceptional 25-year distinguished career as an Active Duty Officer and Florida Guardsman have included increasingly responsible key command and staff positions, as well as three overseas deployments to safeguard our “American Way of Life.”  Recently, under the direction of the Adjutant General of Florida, Col. Pelleriti lead the military response to Hurricane Irma, which has been recognized by senior officials of the Department of Defense for their good work.
Paul Martel
Paul Martel is an Army veteran and formerly served as a national vice commander of The American Legion, the nation’s largest wartime veterans’ service organization. A life member of the American Legion, he has held every post from State Commander in 2008-2009 to national sergeant-at-arms from 2009-2010. From 2010 – 2015, Martel served as chairman of the Florida Veterans Council.

Gov. Scott Proposes $180 Million in Tax Cuts for Florida Families

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Governor Rick Scott today announced that he will propose $180 million in tax cuts for Florida families as part of his 2018-2019 recommended budget. The Governor’s proposal includes sales tax holidays to help families prepare for the school year and hurricane season, and reductions to many of the fees on driver’s licenses. Since 2010, the Governor has cut taxes more than 75 times, saving Floridians more than $7.5 billion. In August, Governor Scott also announced that he will propose an amendment to Florida’s Constitution to make it harder for politicians to raise taxes by requiring a supermajority vote by future Florida legislatures to raise any taxes or fees. Read more HERE.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce today that during the upcoming legislative session, I will fight to cut $180 million in taxes for families. This includes sales tax holidays to help families get prepared for the school year and for hurricane season, which is especially important following the devastation we saw from Hurricane Irma. I am also proposing to roll back many driver’s license fees, which will put money back into pockets of virtually every Florida family. These fees were raised in 2009 before I came into office, and I am proud to cut them by more than 58 percent to help every Floridian when they renew their license.
“Over the past seven years, we have worked relentlessly to turn around Florida’s economy and the results are clear – our unemployment rate has dropped to a more than ten year low of 3.8 percent, business have created more than 1.3 million private sector jobs and we have been able to make historic investments in education, transportation and our environment. All of this was accomplished while cutting taxes more than 75 times, saving more than $7.5 billion for Florida families and job creators. Cutting taxes works and the rest of the nation needs to follow Florida’s lead. I am also fighting to make it harder for politicians to raise taxes in the future and I look forward to working with the Legislature during the upcoming session on these proposals.”
Governor Scott’s $180 million tax cut package includes:

  • Sales Tax Holidays to Save Families $88 Million – The Governor’s recommended budget includes funding for four sales tax holidays which will save Floridians an estimated $88 million in the upcoming fiscal year. These sales tax holidays include:
    • $73 million from a 10-day back-to-school sales tax holiday; and
    • $15 million from three one-week disaster preparedness sales tax holidays which would take place in May, June and July.
  • Reduction in Driver’s License Fees to Save Floridians $87 Million – Governor Scott is proposing to reduce the fees for driver’s licenses. These fees were increased in 2009, prior to Governor Scott taking office. These fee cuts include:
    • $67 million in savings from reducing the fee for a renewal of a regular driver’s license by more than 58 percent from $48 to $20; and
    • $20 million in savings from reducing the fee on an original regular driver’s license by more than 43 percent from $48 to $27 and the fee on an original Commercial Driver’s License by more than 10 percent from $75 to $67.
  • Reduction in Traffic Citation Fines to Save Floridians $4 Million – Governor Scott is proposing to reinstate the 18 percent reduction of eligible traffic citation fines, which was repealed in 2009 prior to Governor Scott taking office, for individuals who attend a basic driver improvement school.

More details on the Governor’s proposed budget will be made available in the coming weeks.

Governor Scott Proclaims November as Florida Adoption Month

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Announces $200 Million Investment for Adopted Children and Families

Governor Rick Scott proclaimed the month of November as Florida Adoption Month to educate Floridians about the process of adoption and to share stories of amazing children available for adoption. Last year, FY 2016-2017, 3,692 children in Florida found forever families, the highest in eight years. Today, Governor Rick Scott also announced he will propose nearly $200 million for families who adopt children from foster care. This funding will continue critical post adoption services for more than 37,000 children. Since taking office, Governor Scott has championed investments for the adoption of more than 20,000 children from Florida’s child welfare and foster care systems.
Governor Scott said, “Every November, we take time to recognize the many families across the state who have opened their hearts and homes to adopt children in need. This Florida Adoption Month, I am proud to propose a nearly $200 million investment as part of my 2018-2019 recommended budget to support children adopted from foster care. Every child deserves a loving family and adoptive parents have a unique opportunity to help change a child’s life for the better. We are grateful to the families who have provided homes for the more than 20,000 children adopted from Florida’s child welfare and foster care systems over the past seven years and will continue to do all we can to encourage families to consider adoption.”
“November is a special time for us to come together to celebrate adoptions, thank those who have already opened their hearts and homes, and spread the message about the joys of adoption. In recognition of National Adoption Month in Florida, I want to personally thank all those who have adopted and congratulate all those who will finalize adoptions this month,” said DCF Secretary Mike Carroll. “These children deserve to be loved unconditionally and nurtured as they grow into the people they are meant to be. As an adoptive father, I know firsthand what an impact adoption has on a child, and even how much more adoption impacts you and your family, making you whole.”
November 18, 2017 is National Adoption Day, and families and children across the nation and the great State of Florida will celebrate the joy of adoption on this day and throughout the month, while remembering children who are still hoping for a loving, permanent family of their own.
During the month of November, the Governor’s Office of Adoption and Child Welfare and DCF will feature “30 Days of Amazing Children,” a joint effort created to focus on amazing children available for adoption.
Approximately 800 children are currently available for adoption, including teenagers, sibling groups, and children with special needs. To learn more about Florida Adoption Month and to view children available for adoption, please visit http://www.adoptflorida.org.
 

Gov. Scott Proposes Nearly $200 Million Investment for Adopted Children and Families

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Governor Rick Scott today announced he will propose nearly $200 million for families who adopt children from foster care. This funding will continue critical post adoption services for more than 37,000 children. Since taking office, Governor Scott has championed investments for the adoption of more than 20,000 children from Florida’s child welfare and foster care systems. Over the past year, more than 3,600 children were adopted in Florida, the highest year for adoptions in eight years. This week, Governor Scott also proclaimed November as Florida Adoption Month. To view the proclamation, click HERE.
Governor Scott said, “Every November, we take time to recognize the many families across the state who have opened their hearts and homes to adopt children in need. This Florida Adoption Month, I am proud to propose a nearly $200 million investment as part of my 2018-2019 recommended budget to support children adopted from foster care. Every child deserves a loving family and adoptive parents have a unique opportunity to help change a child’s life for the better. We are grateful to the families who have provided homes for the more than 20,000 children adopted from Florida’s child welfare and foster care systems over the past seven years and will continue to do all we can to encourage families to consider adoption.”
DCF Secretary Mike Carroll said, “Being adopted into safe homes with loving families changes the lives of children and also transforms the forever families they join. Continued support after adoption enables more families to open their hearts and homes to children who are available for adoption.”
More details on the Governor’s proposed budget will be made available in the coming weeks.

Gov. Scott Announces Canadian Power Play Program to Attract Canadian Visitors to Florida

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Governor Rick Scott today announced the kick-off of the new Canadian Power Play Program, which aims to attract more Canadian visitors to Florida by making it more affordable for Canadian families to travel to the state. Package travel deals from VISIT FLORIDA partners with discounts of 20 percent will be available to Canadian travelers through the program. This follows the decline of Canadian visitation to Florida in recent years and directly addresses concerns from Canadian families regarding the current exchange rate between the U.S. and Canada. Twenty-six Florida businesses and tourism partners will be participating in the Canadian Power Play Program. Travel deals will be available for Canadians at LoveFlorida.ca. Governor Scott made the announcement with VISIT FLORIDA in Toronto as part of his ongoing tourism and trade mission to Canada.
Governor Scott said, “I’m proud to announce the Canadian Power Play Program, which will help make it more affordable for Canadians to travel to Florida. With discounts on flights, car rentals and travel accommodations, more Canadians will be able to enjoy all the Sunshine State has to offer. As Florida’s number one international tourist market, Canada is so important to Florida’s tourism industry and the 1.4 million jobs it supports for families across our state. We will keep working every day to attract 120 million visitors this year and make Florida the number one global destination.”
Discounts from Florida businesses and tourism partners include:

  • Air Canada
  • Air Canada Vacations
  • An Owners Dream Management
  • Beachwalk Resort
  • Beacon South Beach Hotel
  • Blue Heron Beach Resort
  • Caprice Resort
  • Coca-Cola Orlando Eye
  • DoubleTree Orlando at SeaWorld
  • Emerald Grande
  • Florida Citrus Sports
  • Hampton Inn Panama City Beach
  • HCV Orange Lake Resort
  • Hertz/Dollar Car Rental
  • Madeira Bay Resort by TRS
  • Magic Village Resort
  • Marenas Beach Resort
  • Residence Inn Miami Aventura
  • ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals
  • Sailport Waterfront Suites
  • Sandestin Golf and BeachResort
  • Sundial Beach Resort & Spa
  • Suwannee River Hideaway Campground
  • The Don Cesar Hotel
  • TreeUmph! Adventure Course
  • Xtreme Action Park

Canada remains Florida’s number one international market, with 3.3 million Canadians traveling to Florida in 2016, which accounts for 23 percent of Florida’s international visitors. In total, Canadian visitors spent $3.6 billion in Florida in 2016. The announcement of the Canadian Power Play Program comes during VISIT FLORIDA’s ongoing Canadian Power Play marketing campaign and the time many Canadian travelers begin planning for upcoming tourism, with 40 percent of Florida’s Canadian visitors traveling in the winter months of January through March.
VISIT FLORIDA President & CEO Ken Lawson said, “Canada is Florida’s top international market, and we are doubling down on our efforts to bring more Canadians to the Sunshine State with our new Canadian Power Play Program. By allowing Canadian consumers to take advantage of discounts from our great partners, we are making it easier than ever for them to book a trip to Florida. With our Canadian Power Play Program, Florida Day in Toronto and our Canadian Power Play marketing campaign this week, we are showing Canada why Florida is the best place in the world to travel.”

Statement from Governor Rick Scott on NYC Attack

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Governor Rick Scott today made the following statement regarding the attack in New York City this afternoon. The Governor has been briefed by Florida state law enforcement.
Governor Rick Scott said, “I am absolutely disgusted by the act of terror that occurred in Manhattan today. All of Florida is praying for the victims, their families and our brave law enforcement and first responders.”