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Governor Rick Scott

Gov. Scott proposes historic investments for environment

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$1.7 Billion for Florida’s World-Class Beaches,
Springs, State Parks, Everglades and Natural Treasures

Governor Rick Scott today announced that he will propose more than $1.7 billion to protect Florida’s environment as part of his 2018-2019 recommended budget. This $1.7 billion funding for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is a more than $220 million increase over the current year.
The proposed funding will include:

  • A historic investment of $55 million for Florida’s springs;
  • A historic investment of $100 million for Florida’s beaches;
  • A record $355 million for Everglades restoration;
  • A record $50 million for Florida’s state parks; and
  • $50 million for Florida Forever to help preserve and protect our natural lands

Governor Scott said, “People from across the world come to Florida because of our state’s beautiful natural treasures. Over the past seven years, we have made historic strides to protect Florida’s lands, invest record funding in the Everglades and Florida’s springs, and preserve our beloved beaches. To make sure our state remains beautiful for generations to come, I am proud to announce today that my recommended budget will include $1.7 billion to protect and preserve Florida’s environment.
“This funding includes historic investments in our iconic springs, world-renowned Everglades, award-winning state parks and beautiful beaches, which is especially important following impacts by Hurricane Irma. I am also proud to be recommending $100 million to preserve and protect our natural lands, including $50 million for Florida Forever. Our natural treasures are so important to Florida’s economy and tourism industry and the many families that rely on them. I look forward to working with the Legislature during the upcoming session on these strategic investments to help preserve our environment for Florida’s children, future residents and visitors.”
Additional environmental funding will be included in the Governor’s recommended 2018-2019 budget. More details on the Governor’s proposed budget will be made available in the coming weeks.

Governor Scott and Volunteer Florida Present Champion of Service Awards

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During a meeting of the Florida Cabinet today, Governor Rick Scott and Volunteer Florida Chief Executive Officer Vivian Myrtetus awarded Maggie Barnick, Stephen Rocca, and Scott Lewis with the Volunteer Florida Champion of Service Award, Florida’s official statewide volunteer recognition.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud to recognize these dedicated volunteers with the Champion of Service Award today. These individuals represent the thousands of people who volunteered their time to help families following the recent hurricanes, and I’m grateful for their service.”
Volunteer Florida CEO Vivian Myrtetus said, “It is an honor to recognize these volunteers who have demonstrated a true commitment to volunteerism and service. We are grateful for the opportunity to recognize them and the countless hours they’ve spent serving all over the State of Florida, as well as in other parts of the country following the recent hurricanes.”
About the Champions of Service:
Maggie Barnick
Maggie Barnick serves as Branch Director of AmeriCorps-Disaster Response Teams operations in Southwest Florida and deployed to Lee County on September 19, 2017 in response to Hurricane Irma. Under Maggie’s leadership, the Southwest Florida Forward Operating Base has completed 232 damage assessments, cleared 5,009 cubic yards of debris, removed 129 hazard trees, provided temporary roof repair to 129 homes and conducted 424 wellness checks.
Stephen Rocca
Stephen Rocca serves as a Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services Volunteer and previously served as the Chair of the Orlando Area Command Advisory Board for the Salvation Army following the 2016 tragedy of the Pulse Shooting. He also worked alongside volunteers from Orlando in Houston for Hurricane Harvey response. During Hurricane Irma, Steve served communities in Orange County and Naples distributing hot meals and supplies.
Scott Lewis
Scott Lewis founded the Eagles Wings Foundation, a Florida-based non-profit post-disaster relief organization, in 1999. EWF has responded to devastating natural disasters worldwide, including Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. In response to Hurricane Irma, Scott and the EWF team deployed to the Florida Keys and worked with the American Aid Logistics Network to deliver three flatbed trucks of supplies to the community. The Eagles Wings Foundation also aided Hurricane Maria response in Puerto Rico to evacuate homebound survivors.
Volunteer Florida is the Governor’s lead agency for volunteerism and national service in Florida, administering more than $32 million in federal, state, and local funding to deliver high-impact national service and volunteer programs in Florida. Volunteer Florida promotes and encourages volunteerism to meet critical needs across the state. Volunteer Florida also serves as Florida’s lead agency for volunteers and donations before, during, and after disasters. For more information, visit: www.volunteerflorida.org.

Governor Rick Scott appointments for Monday, October 16, 2017

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Governor Rick Scott Appoints Two to Florida
Faith-Based and Community-Based Advisory Council

Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Rabbi Yosef Weinstock and Rabbi Pinchas Taylor to the Florida Faith-Based and Community-Based Advisory Council.
Weinstock, 38, of Hollywood, is Senior Rabbi at Young Israel of Hollywood-Fort Lauderdale. He succeeds Alan Dimmitt and is appointed for a term beginning October 16, 2017 and ending July 18, 2021.
Taylor, 33, of Plantation, is a Rabbi at the Chabad of Plantation and a Chaplain for hospice organizations. He succeeds Leonel Mesa and is appointed for a term beginning October 16, 2017 and ending July 18, 2020.

Gov. Scott Appoints Three to Florida Violent Crime and Drug Control Council

Governor Rick Scott today announced one reappointment and two appointments to the Florida Violent Crime and Drug Control Council.
William Snyder, 65, of Stuart, currently serves as the Sheriff of Martin County and received his bachelor’s degree from Florida Gulf Coast University. Sheriff Snyder is reappointed for a term beginning October 16, 2017, and ending on June 30, 2019.
A.J. “Tony” Smith, 58, of Apalachicola, currently serves as the Sheriff of Franklin County and received his bachelor’s degree from Barry University. Sheriff Smith succeeds retired Sheriff Ben Johnson and is appointed for a term beginning October 16, 2017, and ending on June 30, 2019.
Robert Hicks, 47, of Leesburg, is the Chief of Police at the City of Leesburg Police Department. He received his bachelor’s degree from Warner University and his master’s degree from Columbia Southern University. Chief Hicks succeeds Chief Jeffrey Chudnow and is appointed for a term beginning October 16, 2017, and ending on June 30, 2019.

Governor Rick Scott Directs Resources Following Request from Alachua County Sheriff

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Following a request from Alachua County Sheriff Sadie Darnell, Governor Rick Scott today signed Executive Order 17-264 to assist local law enforcement’s response to rallies planned on the University of Florida campus this Thursday. EO 17-264 activates Florida’s Mutual Aid Plan which allows the state and Sheriff Darnell to quickly coordinate resources from other state, county and municipal law enforcement agencies. See the Executive Order HERE.
Governor Scott remains in constant communication with state and local law enforcement and University leadership to ensure that every request to the state is quickly granted to keep the public safe.
Governor Rick Scott said, “We live in a country where everyone has the right to voice their opinion, however, we have zero tolerance for violence and public safety is always our number one priority. I have been in constant contact with Sheriff Darnell who has requested this Executive Order to ensure that county and local law enforcement have every needed resource. This executive order is an additional step to ensure that the University of Florida and the entire community is prepared so everyone can stay safe.”

Governor Scott Proposes $1 Million in Security Funding for Jewish Day Schools

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Governor Rick Scott today visited Katz Hillel Day School of Boca Raton to announce his proposal for $1 million in security funding for Jewish Day Schools in his 2018-2019 recommended budget. This funding would be available to all Florida Jewish Day Schools to help provide security and counter-terrorism upgrades such as video cameras, fences, bullet-proof glass, alarm systems and other safety equipment.
Governor Scott said, “Every Florida student deserves to have the opportunity to learn in a safe and comfortable setting. After Florida’s Jewish community received hateful threats last year, we saw the need to provide additional security so the children that attend Jewish Day Schools can learn without having to worry about feeling threatened. While last year’s investment will make a huge difference, we must continue to do more. I look forward to working with the Legislature to provide this important funding and will continue to work with our federal partners and members of Florida’s Jewish community to ensure the safety of families and students.”
Currently, thousands of Florida students attend Jewish Day Schools. Earlier this year the Governor signed the Fighting for Florida’s Future budget, which provided more than $654,000 in security funding for Jewish Day Schools.

Gov. Scott's Opioid Proposal Moving Forward in the Legislature

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Governor Rick Scott today thanked Florida Senate President Joe Negron, Florida House Speaker Richard Corcoran, Senator Lizbeth Benacquisto and Representative Jim Boyd for filing legislation to combat the opioid epidemic and help Florida families. The legislation filed today, HB 21, follows Governor Scott’s legislative proposal made on September 26, 2017 to limit the chance of drug addiction, reduce the ability for dangerous drugs to spread in Florida’s communities, give vulnerable Floridians the support they need, and ensure law enforcement officers have resources to protect Floridians impacted by opioids. A companion Senate bill will be filed in the coming days.
Governor Scott will also be including $50 million in his recommended budget to combat opioid abuse in Florida. More details on this significant investment will be announced in the coming weeks. More information on Governor Scott’s proposed legislation and $50 million budget proposal is available HERE.
Governor Scott said, “Families across our state are struggling with the pain and loss inflicted by the national opioid epidemic and today, I am proud that Senator Benacquisto and Representative Boyd are filing important legislation to help combat this terrible crisis. Last month, I announced proposed legislation and $50 million in funding to limit the chance of drug addiction, reduce the ability for dangerous drugs to spread in Florida’s communities, give vulnerable Floridians the support they need, and ensure law enforcement officers have resources to protect Floridians impacted by opioids. I know how painful substance abuse is for a family and no family in our state should experience the anguish and heartbreak that opioid abuse brings.
“We cannot be too cautious when it comes to helping families. Whether it’s recovery from the devastation of Hurricane Irma, fighting against the Zika virus or combatting the opioid epidemic – we will not stop providing Floridians every resource when they need it the most.”
Florida Senate President Joe Negron said, “Opioid abuse is a critical public safety issue plaguing communities across our state. I commend Senator Benacquisto for working with Governor Scott on this important issue, and am grateful to Governor Scott and all of our Senators, House Members, and other local elected officials and advocates who have worked tirelessly to explore meaningful solutions. In the Senate, we have begun a robust and ongoing public discussion regarding providing treatment and resources for those suffering from addiction and instituting measured steps to prevent future addiction, while still respecting the rights of patients seeking medical treatment and the knowledge and skill of their physicians. I am confident that during the 2018 Legislative Session we can work together to pass comprehensive legislation that will help our state tackle this epidemic.”
Florida House Speaker Richard Corcoran said, “Opioids are tearing families and lives apart throughout our state. It is all the more insidious because many of these addictions are preventable. Under the leadership of Governor Scott, Florida will address this public health crisis at its core and do all we can to prevent new addictions and treat those who are suffering. I commend the Governor and look forward to working with him and our counterparts in the Senate to address this scourge.”
Senator Lizbeth Benacquisto said, “The opioid epidemic continues to cause pain and death in our communities each and every day, and we must act now. I’m proud to work with Governor Scott and Representative Boyd as part of the solution to this tragic problem that plagues so many individuals and families across the State of Florida. I’m hopeful that we can pass legislation that truly helps stem the tide of addiction to opiates and help folks move toward a successful recovery.”
Representative Jim Boyd said, “The opioid crisis is one of the most horrific issues I’ve ever witnessed. It’s destroying our families and destroying our communities, but together we will prevail. I’m honored to continue this fight against opioid abuse and thankful for such strong leadership from our Governor and Speaker in combating this epidemic.”
This year, Governor Scott has taken the following action to combat the opioid epidemic in Florida:

  • Directed the Department of Children and Families (DCF), the Department of Health (DOH) and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to meet with communities in Palm Beach, Manatee, Duval and Orange Counties to identify additional strategies to fight the rising opioid usage cases in Florida.
  • Signed Executive Order 17-146 allowing the state to immediately draw down more than $27 million in federal grant funding through the Opioid State Targeted Response Grant. This funding is distributed to communities across the state to deal with the opioid epidemic.
  • Directed State Surgeon General Dr. Celeste Philip to declare a Public Health Emergency and issue a standing order for Naloxone in response to the opioid epidemic in Florida.
  • Signed HB 477 which combats synthetic opioid drug abuse by enhancing penalties for the abuse of fentanyl and its derivatives. To view the transmittal letter, click HERE.
  • Propose major legislation and more than $50 million as part of his 2018-2019 recommended budget to combat opioid abuse in Florida. More information HERE.

Gov. Scott Directs FDOT to Examine Interstate Improvements From I-75/Florida Turnpike Interchange to Florida-Georgia Border

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Governor Rick Scott today directed the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to begin examining ways to help expedite evacuation routes from the I-75/ Florida Turnpike Interchange near Wildwood to the Florida-Georgia border during times of emergencies such as hurricanes. FDOT’s report will be submitted in January 2018.
Governor Scott said, “In preparation for Hurricane Irma, the state worked closely with local emergency management, transportation and law enforcement partners to successfully oversee the largest evacuation in U.S. history. Anytime a natural disaster threatens our state, we must do all we can to ensure Floridians can evacuate safely. That is why today, I am directing FDOT and their traffic experts to begin a comprehensive evaluation on ways to help expedite evacuation routes on I-75 from Wildwood to the Florida-Georgia border. This roadway is a major evacuation route, and it is crucial that residents and visitors can quickly and safely travel in this area during emergencies. We will continue to work with all our partners to make sure we are doing everything we can to ensure our state is fully prepared for all emergencies so we can keep our families and visitors safe.”
 

Governor Rick Scott Reappoints Two to District Board of Trustees of Daytona State College

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Governor Rick Scott today announced two reappointments to the District Board of Trustees of Daytona State College.
Bob Davis, 80, of Port Orange, is the President of the Halifax Lodging & Hospitality Association. He previously served as the chairman of the Civil Service Board for the city of Daytona Beach Shores. Davis is reappointed for a term beginning October 11, 2017, and ending on May 31, 2021.
Mary Ann Haas, 65, of Flagler Beach, is a retired district curriculum director of the Flagler County School District. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Central Florida and is reappointed for a term beginning October 11, 2017, and ending May 31, 2021.
The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.