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Gov. Scott Issues Updates on Tropical Depression Emily

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Governor Rick Scott continues to receive updates on Tropical Depression Emily at the State Emergency Operations Center. The Governor remains in constant communication with state and local emergency management officials and state agency leaders who are also working to ensure the state is prepared to respond to any potential impacts from Tropical Depression Emily. This morning, Governor Scott issued Executive Order 17-204 declaring a state of emergency in 31 counties within the state of Florida in response to Tropical Depression Emily. There are currently no evacuation orders in effect.
Governor Scott said, “I just spoke to state and county emergency management officials on the impacts of Tropical Depression Emily and there are no unmet needs or evacuation orders at this time. While it is positive news that this tropical storm has been downgraded to a tropical depression, we must remain vigilant. I will continue to receive briefings on the impacts of this storm tonight and will deploy state resources to assist local efforts if needed.
“Families in central and eastern Florida should remain alert and expect significant rainfall and the possibility of flooding and damaging wind gusts. As many Floridians head home from work, I urge everyone to drive cautiously and avoid driving through any standing water. All Floridians should continue to stay tuned to local weather alerts throughout the evening.
EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTIONS BY STATE EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM
MILITARY SUPPORT

  • The Florida National Guard stands ready to support hurricane preparedness and response with guardsmen ready to be deployed if needed.

POWER OUTAGES AND UTILITIES

  • As of 5:00 p.m., there were approximately 7,800 homes and businesses without power, predominately in Manatee and Hillsborough counties. See the county power outage breakdown HERE.
  • Utilities are continuously reporting outage and restoral information to the State Emergency Response Team.
  • Utilities are contacting their mutual aid partners to determine availability if external resources are needed to restore services.
  • Monitoring the power grid for sufficient power in the state and the natural gas infrastructure for any damages that can cause a loss of service to power plants.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

  • The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has a 250-person response team ready to deploy as needed to assist with road closures, directing traffic in the event of power outages and respond to any call for service as needed by local law enforcement agencies.
  • FHP has reopened all lanes of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.
  • The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and other partnering agencies are identifying resources for deployment if necessary to respond to the storm.

SHELTERS & VOLUNTEER SERVICES

  • The American Red Cross is on standby to conduct shelter operations in Pinellas and Indian River counties.
  • Volunteer Florida has eight Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) comprised of 265 specially-trained individuals ready to deploy as needed to assist disaster relief agencies and emergency management personnel.

INFRASTRUCTURE: TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC WORKS

  • The state is monitoring the storm and holding teleconferences with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) districts and agency partners – Army Corps of Engineers, Water Management Districts, Civil Air Patrol and Federal Highway Administration to ensure all infrastructure needs are met.
  • Army Corps of Engineers and Water Management Districts are monitoring waterways and are prepared to adjust flows as necessary.
  • FDOT is actively monitoring for roadway flooding and stands ready to respond as needed.
  • FDOT has prepared maintenance yards, construction zones, equipment and staff; testing and inventorying equipment; placing emergency crews on standby; reviewing emergency plans; preparing construction zones; and monitoring flood prone areas.
  • FDOT will continue to reach out to county emergency operations centers directly to coordinate any necessary response actions including activating traffic counters and providing maintenance of traffic and other assistance.

BUSINESS, INDUSTRY, & ECONOMIC STABILIZATION

  • The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and the Division of Emergency Management (DEM) created an event in Florida Virtual Business Emergency Operations Center (FLVBEOC) for Tropical Depression Emily and it is currently up to date with storm info, including press releases/situation reports. DEO and DEM continue to provide situation awareness to private sector partners.
  • VISIT FLORIDA has activated the Weather Alert ribbon on the VISITFLORIDA.com homepage and the Florida Now resource landing page

FUELS

  • The state has contacted fuel industry partners (e.g., Florida Petroleum Council, Florida Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association); there are no reported supply, distribution or retail fuel shortages or issues.
  • The state is monitoring fuel assistance requests; currently there are no requests for assistance.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

  • At this point, there are no out of ordinary reports of any major outages.
  • The state is monitoring fuel assistance requests; currently there are no requests for assistance.

SOUTH FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

  • Field Station readiness actions include the following:
    • Lake Okeechobee water levels indicate that no discharges should be necessary. Lake levels will continue to be monitored.
    • Inspecting key parts of the flood control system and critical flood control structures.
    • Ensuring adequate fuel supplies for pump stations and other equipment.
    • Securing items vulnerable to high wind at pump stations and laydown yards in Homestead, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

  • The Florida Department of Environmental Protection surveyed beaches throughout entire Florida west coast and is reaching out to state parks to assess needs.
  • No state parks are closed at this time.

CONTACTS:

  • State Emergency Operations Center Media Line: 850-921-0217.
  • Follow @FLSert or @FLGovScott on Twitter for live updates on Tropical Depression Emily.
  • Visit http://www.floridadisaster.org to find information on shelters and road closures.

Gov. Scott Urges West Coast Residents to Monitor Weather and be Prepared for Tropical Depression

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Governor Rick Scott this morning spoke with the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) to get an update on potential storm impacts. Governor Scott and the State of Florida are continuing to actively monitor a tropical depression off the western coast of Florida, and is urging everyone in Florida to remain vigilant. The state receives regular weather updates from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and as of 6:00 a.m. today, the NHC advised that the storm, designated Tropical Depression Six, had formed 65 miles South – Southwest of Tampa. There is currently a Tropical Storm Watch in effect from Anclote River in Pasco County southward to Englewood in Sarasota and Charlotte Counties and the depression is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 2 to 4 inches through Monday night along the west coast of Central Florida between the Tampa Bay area and Naples. At this time, the depression is forecast to move quickly across the Florida peninsula on Monday and then exit the state offshore of the east-central Florida coast around midnight. Little change in strength is forecast during the next 48 hours and the system is not forecast to become a Tropical Storm. A flood watch has been issued for Hardee, DeSoto, Highlands, Lee, Charlotte, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota and Pinellas counties.
Governor Scott said, “As we know in Florida, storms can quickly develop, bringing severe weather to our state in a moment’s notice. Last night, this storm posed no threat to Florida. Now, after rapidly intensifying overnight, a tropical depression will impact the Tampa area and Floridians must prepare for impacts to Southwest Florida. Just as with last year’s storms, I encourage Floridians to get prepared and visit FLGetAPlan.com.
“We are working closely with the National Hurricane Center and continuing to monitor the storm’s development and its potential impacts to Florida. We know that heavy rainfall is expected across Central Florida for the next few days. Our focus is on keeping Florida families safe and we will continue to release updates on this storm as it develops.”
FDEM Director Bryan Koon, said, “With Tropical Depression Six off the coast, all Floridians must be prepared. We are continuing to monitor this storm and its potential impacts, and I encourage everyone to visit FLGetAPlan.com to find storm resources and information.”
The Florida Division of Emergency Management is the state agency charged with preparing for all types of disasters in Florida.  The Division is the state’s disaster liaison with federal and local agencies, and is the lead consequence management agency for the State Emergency Response Team (SERT). The Division maintains the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in Tallahassee and the State Warning Point, the 24-hour communications and command center for response coordination. Follow the Division on social media at facebook.com/FloridaSERT or on Twitter @FLSERT.

Appointments by Governor Rick Scott for Sunday July 30, 2017

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Governor Scott Appoints Judge Charles Sniffen
to the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court

Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Judge Charles Sniffen to the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court.
Sniffen, 44, of Parrish, is currently a county judge for Manatee County. He previously worked in private practice, and as an Assistant State Attorney for the Twelfth Judicial Circuit. He received his bachelor’s degree from Emory University and law degree from Florida State University. Sniffen fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Janette Dunnigan.

Governor Scott Appoints James Jefferson Goodman, Jr.,
to the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit Court

Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of James Jefferson Goodman, Jr., to the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit Court. 
Goodman, 38, of Bonifay, is currently a solo practitioner, with prior experience in both the public and private sectors. He previously served as an Assistant State Attorney for the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit, and as a litigation associate for Balch & Bingham, LLP. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and law degree from Florida State University. Goodman fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Hentz McClellan.

Appointments by Governor Rick Scott for Friday, July 28, 2017

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Governor Rick Scott Appoints LaTasha Green-Cobb to Florida Housing Finance Corporation

Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of LaTasha Green-Cobb to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation.
LaTasha Green-Cobb, of Jacksonville, is the chief executive officer of Empowered Action Corporation. She succeeds John Hawthorne and is appointed for a term beginning July 28, 2017, and ending November 13, 2020.
This appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.

Governor Rick Scott Appoints Jim Murphy to the Governing
Board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District

Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Jim Murphy to the Governing Board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District.
Murphy, 57, of Lakeland, is the division president of Florida Sealing Products, Inc. He attended Ohio State University and is appointed to fill a vacant seat for a term beginning July 28, 2017, and ending March 1, 2021.
The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

Gov. Scott Announces Modernizing Medicine to Create More Than 800 Jobs in Palm Beach County

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Governor Rick Scott today announced that Modernizing Medicine plans to expand operations in the historic Boca Raton Innovation Center (BRIC) in Palm Beach County and will add a total of 838 jobs by 2022. Modernizing Medicine is a Florida based company that specializes in healthcare information technology. In addition to the more than 800 new jobs being created, Modernizing Medicine anticipates making a capital investment of more than $15 million in the Boca Raton community.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud that Modernizing Medicine will be expanding in Palm Beach County to create more than 800 new jobs which will provide even more families a great career. Companies like Modernizing Medicine are helping Florida become the best state in the nation for job creation while helping our unemployment rate continue to drop. Now, with the $85 million Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, we will ensure that even more job creators can grow and succeed in Florida.”
Headquartered in Boca Raton, Modernizing Medicine was founded in 2010 by chief executive officer Daniel Cane and chief medical and strategy officer Dr. Michael Sherling and has quickly grown to more than 550 employees. The company empowers physicians with suites of mobile, specialty-specific solutions designed to transform how healthcare information is created, consumed and utilized to increase efficiency and improve outcomes.
Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Cissy Proctor said, “Modernizing Medicine is growing and expanding its medical software company in Florida, which benefits Florida’s families. With more than 800 new jobs created, this company will provide opportunities for hardworking Floridians. We are proud that they chose Florida for its pro-business climate and talented workforce.”
CEO and Co-Founder of Modernizing Medicine Daniel Cane said, “We are extremely excited to expand our presence and create more jobs across a wide range of fields in South Florida. As a Florida-based technology company, it’s not lost on us that we’re in the backyard of where the modern day era of technology was born. We’re proud to work with Enterprise Florida, the City of Boca Raton and the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County to continue to enhance the already stellar reputation as an area of innovation and growth. I look forward to seeing the company’s long-term impact on the community as well as the modernization of medicine.”
Executive Vice President of Enterprise Florida Mike Grissom said, “Florida-grown companies like Modernizing Medicine create the kind of jobs that open new doors for families across the state. I commend our Governor for focusing on business-friendly policies that make companies like Modernizing Medicine want to grow in Florida.”
President and CEO of the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County Kelly Smallridge said, “Modernizing Medicine is an IT powerhouse and a great Palm Beach County success story. It provides hundreds of jobs and its success demonstrates that the county is an ideal location for technology companies to flourish.”
Mayor of Boca Raton Susan Haynie said, “Modernizing Medicine has been a part of the City of Boca Raton’s corporate community since 2012. With their recent acquisitions, and impressive and continued growth, we’re proud that the Modernizing Medicine team has decided to remain headquartered in Boca Raton and create over 800 jobs in our City.”
About Modernizing Medicine
Modernizing Medicine® and its affiliated companies empower physicians with a suite of mobile, specialty-specific solutions that transform how healthcare information is created, consumed and utilized to increase efficiency and improve outcomes. Built for value-based healthcare, Modernizing Medicine’s data-driven, touch- and cloud-based products and services are programmed by a team that includes practicing physicians to meet the unique needs of dermatology, gastroenterology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, otolaryngology, pain management, plastic surgery, rheumatology and urology practices, as well as ambulatory surgery centers. For more information, please visit www.modmed.com.
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.
About the BDB
The Business Development Board of Palm Beach County is the official public/private economic development organization for Palm Beach County and Enterprise Florida.  Founded in 1982 as a not-for-profit corporation, our primary purpose is to attract and retain new industry, business investment, high quality jobs and workforce development through corporate relocations, expansions and international trade. During the past five years, the BDB has assisted companies that have created more than 13,000 direct jobs with average salaries greater than $68,000, resulting in more than $627 million in capital investment to Palm Beach County and an economic impact that exceeds $6.95 billion.
Additional information can be found at the BDB’s web site, BDB.org.

Gov. Scott: New Proposal Will Prohibit Florida from Doing Business with Maduro Regime

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Florida Stands with the Venezuelan People Against
Upcoming Maduro Controlled Constituent Assembly

Governor Rick Scott released details regarding his proposal to the Trustees of the Florida State Board of Administration (SBA) that will prohibit the State of Florida from doing business with any organization that supports the Maduro regime. The Governor reiterated that he stands against Nicolas Maduro’s upcoming plans to rewrite the Venezuelan constitution to further empower his dictatorship through a Constituent Assembly on July 30th.
Governor Scott said, “The atrocities happening at the hands of the brutal and oppressive Maduro regime are unspeakable. I have heard firsthand from Floridians about the need for change in Venezuela. Prohibiting the Florida State Board of Administration from making investments that support Nicolas Maduro is a big step in the right direction, and we must continue to find ways to bring freedom and democracy to Venezuela. I am encouraged by the Trump administration’s sanctions against the Maduro regime this week. President Trump’s swift actions on this issue are welcomed and I look forward to working with our federal and state partners to support democracy in Venezuela.
“Nicolas Maduro’s attempt to rewrite Venezuela’s constitution and take power away from his citizens is reprehensible. This brash attempt, which completely disregards the will of the people, will not be tolerated. Floridians stand with our fellow Americans for freedom and democracy in Venezuela and all Latin America.
“I look forward to working with the SBA on this important proposal and I will work with the Florida Legislature during the next legislative session to take more action against Maduro and his gang of thugs.”
Governor Scott’s proposal that will be considered by the trustees of the State Board of Administration on August 16th prohibits the SBA from doing business with Venezuela in the following ways:  

  • The SBA will be prohibited from investing in any securities issued by the Government of Venezuela.
  • The SBA will be prohibited from investing in any company that is majority owned by the Government of Venezuela.
  • The SBA will be completely prohibited from participating in any vote or resolution that advocates or supports the Maduro regime.
  • The SBA will be completely prohibited from doing business with any financial institution or U.S. company which directly, or through a subsidiary, and in violation of federal law, makes any loan, extends credit of any kind or character, advances funds in any manner, or purchases or trades any goods or services in or with the Government of Venezuela.

Commissioner Putnam Applauds Governor Scott’s Support of Florida’s Law Enforcement Officers

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Following Governor Rick Scott’s legislative budget proposal for $30 million more for state law enforcement pay raises, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam issued the following statement:
“Our state law enforcement officers deserve all the support we can give them, as they’ve achieved a 46-year crime low and face unprecedented challenges, such as the current opioid crisis.
“Our 240 law enforcement officers with the Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement and their peers at other state law enforcement agencies deserve a raise. In order to recruit and retain the best law enforcement officers to keep Floridians and visitors safe, this is a much-needed step in the right direction. I thank Governor Scott for this proposal.”
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.

Gov. Scott to Propose $30 Million in Pay Raises for State Law Enforcement Agencies

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Proposed Funding Would Double Current Year Investment

Governor Rick Scott today announced that he will propose $30 million in pay raises for state law enforcement agencies to use for officer recruitment and retention in his 2018-2019 recommended budget. Last month, Governor Scott signed SB 7022 to provide a five percent pay raise for Florida’s sworn state law enforcement officers. This $30 million would double that investment and be used to reward current sworn state law enforcement officers and continue to attract qualified officers. The Governor’s proposal will allow each state agency with sworn law enforcement to formulate their own pay raise plan to meet their specific needs. The Governor will announce his entire recommended budget before the beginning of next year’s legislative session.
Governor Scott said, “Today, I’m proud to announce that as part of my upcoming recommended budget, I will be proposing a $30 million investment in pay raises for our state law enforcement agencies to use for officer recruitment and retention. This $30 million in pay raises will help reward our hard-working state law enforcement officers and ensure we can continue to hire highly qualified and dedicated officers to keep Florida families safe for years to come. I know that each state agency has different needs, and this proposal allows them to provide pay raises to best suit their sworn law enforcement officers.
“As Governor, I have traveled the state and had the opportunity to meet firsthand with our brave law enforcement officers to hear incredible stories of their bravery and service. Our state law enforcement officers face danger every day, and they have protected our communities during some of our state’s most challenging times. I was proud to stand with the Florida Senate and Florida House this year to fight for the well-deserved five percent pay raise for sworn state law enforcement officers, but we cannot stop there. We must do everything we can to recognize our law enforcement and work to ensure that our state can recruit hard-working law enforcement officers to build on Florida’s 46-year crime low.”
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Rick Swearingen said, “We are grateful for Governor Scott’s continued support of Florida’s law enforcement community and his commitment to the safety of our Florida citizens. His proposal will help us continue to hire the best, and to better retain the talented agents we have already working for FDLE.”
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Executive Director Terry L. Rhodes said, “I am immensely proud of the life-saving work that the Florida Highway Patrol members do every day to protect the citizens and visitors of our state. Governor Scott is dedicated to ensuring the state has the necessary resources to recruit and retain state law enforcement, and I thank him for his proposal.”
Florida Highway Patrol Director Colonel Gene Spaulding said, “Every day, Florida Highway Patrol troopers leave the safety and comfort of their homes and families to protect and serve our great state. This funding proposal is a testament to their great sacrifice, and I thank Governor Scott for his continued commitment to our troopers and all of the state law enforcement officers.”

Gov. Scott Attends Office Depot Foundation Back-to-School Celebration

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Governor Rick Scott today attended the Office Depot Foundation Back-to-School Celebration to hand out backpacks and school supplies to students and parents for the 17th annual “National Backpack Program” event. Governor Scott also highlighted this year’s Back-To-School Sales Tax Holiday starting Friday, August 4 and continuing through Sunday, August 6.
Governor Scott said, “I was proud to attend the Office Depot Foundation Back-to-School Celebration where they donated 6,000 backpacks to children in Miami. This year’s Fighting for Florida’s Future budget includes record per-student K-12 funding and a Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday which will save families more than $33 million on necessary school supplies so students can succeed in the classroom. We are working to ensure every child in Florida has the opportunity to get a great education and we look forward to their continued success in the upcoming school year.”
President of the Office Depot Foundation Mary Wong said, “It is our mission to make sure that every child has the right tools to achieve success in school. School is challenging enough on its own, and when you’re unable to come prepared with the basic essentials for learning, it’s nearly impossible. We want to give every kid a fair chance.”
The 2017 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday was passed by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Governor Rick Scott. This sales tax holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 4, 2017, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, August 6, 2017. During this sales tax holiday, qualifying items will be exempt from tax including: certain school supplies selling for $15 or less per item; clothing, footwear, and certain accessories selling for $60 or less per item; and personal computers and certain computer-related accessories for $750 or less per item.
For more information and a list of qualifying items, please visit the Department of Revenue’s 2017 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday webpage.