Governor Rick Scott today released the following statement on Peter Antonacci being named the new President and CEO of Enterprise Florida beginning August 2nd.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud that the entire EFI Board voted to select Pete Antonacci as their new President and CEO. Pete has a long record of success and has demonstrated an incredible commitment to helping make our state the best place for families and job creators. I am confident that his experience as the executive director at the South Florida Water Management District and as my office’s general counsel will make him a great leader for EFI as he fights to bring more jobs to Florida every day. I commend the Enterprise Florida Board of Directors for nominating such a great leader, and I know Pete will help utilize the new $85 million Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to compete for new job opportunities on behalf of Florida families.”
Governor Rick Scott
Gov. Scott: Florida Unemployment Lowest in a Decade
Nearly 18,000 Jobs Created Across the State in June
Governor Rick Scott announced that Florida’s unemployment rate dropped to 4.1 percent in June, the lowest rate since June 2007. Florida businesses created nearly 18,000 private-sector jobs in June, bringing the total number of new jobs added since December 2010 to 1,397,400. Florida’s annual private-sector job growth rate, which is 3.1 percent, has exceeded the nation’s rate, which is 1.7 percent, for 63 consecutive months. Governor Scott will also meet today with representatives of Allegiant Air at their Nevada headquarters to discuss the company’s continued investments in Florida. Since Allegiant Air chose Florida as the best location for their new East Coast Training Center last year, their base at Orlando Sanford International Airport has become the company’s largest in the United States. Allegiant Air is currently responsible for more than 15,000 direct jobs across the State of Florida.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce that Florida’s unemployment rate has dropped to its lowest rate in 10 years and that nearly 18,000 new jobs were created for families across the state in June. Over the past six and a half years, we have tirelessly worked to cut more than $7 billion in taxes and reduce more than 5,000 burdensome regulations, which is helping job creators like Allegiant Air bring new opportunities to our state. Our newly established $85 million Florida Job Growth Grant Fund will keep Florida on track to becoming the national leader for job growth. I encourage businesses interested in growing in Florida to learn more about the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund today.”
As of June, Florida’s unemployment rate dropped 6.6 percentage points since December 2010, while the national rate declined by only 4.9 percentage points in the same time period. In the last year, 343,000 people entered Florida’s labor force, a growth of 3.5 percent, while the national labor force growth rate is only 0.8 percent.
Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “Florida’s unemployment rate has dropped below the nation’s and down to the lowest our state has seen in an entire decade. Thanks to our state’s pro-growth policies, Floridians have thrived and companies have become more confident. Together, we have made Florida the best place in the nation to live, work and play.”
Other positive economic indicators include:
- Private-sector industries gaining the most jobs over-the-year were:
- Professional and business services with 47,800 new jobs;
- Education and health services with 40,300 new jobs;
- Trade, transportation and utilities with 35,600 new jobs
- Leisure and hospitality with 33,500 new jobs; and
- Construction with 32,400 new jobs.
- Florida job postings showed 248,335 openings in June 2017.
- In June Florida’s 24 regional workforce boards reported 22,977 Floridians, including 1,276 veterans, were placed in jobs.
To view the June 2017 employment data, click here.
ICYMI: WPBF: Gov. Scott Highlights Job Growth at Orangetheory Fitness
“Gov. Scott Highlights Job Growth at Orangetheory Fitness”
WPBF (ABC) – West Palm Beach, FL
July 19, 2017
To view the clip, click HERE.
Gov. Scott Highlights Florida Forklift’s New Jacksonville Facility
Governor Rick Scott today visited Florida Forklift’s new facility in Jacksonville. Florida Forklift is a dealer of new, used and rental forklifts and was founded as Tampa Forklift in 1974. Since its founding, the company has added locations in Winter Haven, Orlando, Jacksonville and Fort Myers and currently employs more than 60 Floridians. The new Jacksonville facility will allow the small business to continue its growth and create additional opportunities in the community.
Governor Rick Scott said, “I am proud to highlight the success of a great small business Florida Forklift today and celebrate its new facility in Jacksonville. We have fought to cut taxes and reduce burdensome regulations on businesses in our state so companies like Florida Forklift can thrive and create opportunities. By making critical investments in our state’s economic development through the $85 million Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, we are ensuring our continued economic growth and helping Florida become the number one place for families and job creators to succeed.”
Florida Forklift President Gary Mansell said, “I’d like to thank Governor Scott for his commitment to creating a business-friendly environment and support of small businesses like Florida Forklift. The team at Florida Forklift is incredibly grateful for our success in the state for over 40 years, especially here in Jacksonville, which has helped make the move to this new facility possible. We look forward to providing great service to many more Floridians and creating opportunities for years to come.”
Gov. Scott Appoints Judge Lourdes Simon to the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court
Governor Rick Scott announced the appointment of Judge Lourdes Simon to the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court.
Simon, 49, of Miami, is currently a county judge for Dade County. She previously served as an Assistant Public Defender for the Miami-Dade Public Defender’s Office. She received her bachelor’s degree from Florida International University, and law degree from Nova Southeastern University School of Law. Simon fills the vacancy created by the elevation of Judge Robert Luck to the Third District Court of Appeal.
Gov. Scott: MAGLITE Should be Made in Florida – and the USA
This week, during President Donald Trump’s “Made in America” week, Governor Rick Scott sent a letter to President of Mag Instrument, Inc. and creator of the MAGLITE flashlight, Anthony Maglica. Unfortunately, thanks to California’s laws, Mr. Maglica is not allowed to put a “Made in USA” label on his American designed, engineered and manufactured flashlights. In his letter, Governor Scott responds to Mr. Maglica’s opinion piece, Made in California—but Not the USA?, and invites him to move his business to Florida to escape the unreasonable regulations placed on Mag Instrument, Inc. by the State of California. To read the letter, see below or click HERE.
July 17, 2017
Mr. Anthony Maglica
2001 Hellman Avenue
Ontario, California 91761
Dear Mr. Maglica:
Like you, I have spent my life in business and understand the incredible work ethic and perseverance it takes to build a company from the ground up. I admire your hard work to take a one-man operation and build it into the employer of hundreds of Americans and producer of one of America’s most trusted and recognizable products – manufactured right here in the USA. Entrepreneurs like you are what makes our country the home of the American Dream and drive the innovation that moves our markets forward. That’s why I was shocked to read your letter in the Wall Street Journal detailing the ridiculous but unsurprising regulations placed on your business by the State of California.
As you know, California Governor Jerry Brown and the California Legislature have been no friend to businesses in your state. Governor Brown’s tax and spend administration has spent year after year passing burdensome and unnecessary laws that make it harder for businesses to succeed. Now, they are insulting the very American manufacturing that makes our country so great by not allowing you to put a “Made in USA” label on your American designed, engineered and manufactured flashlights. This makes no sense.
Here in Florida, we would be proud to have the “Made in USA” label stamped on your flashlights and help you succeed with less taxes and regulations to hold your business down.
Unlike Governor Brown, I have spent the past six years working every day to cut taxes, reduce burdensome regulations and create an environment where any job creator – start-ups, small businesses and global corporations – can grow and succeed. We’ve cut taxes by more than $6.7 billion, have no state income tax and no sales tax on manufacturing equipment. Our hard work to help businesses succeed is paying off – since December 2010, Florida businesses have created more than 1.37 million jobs and more than 1,000,000 people have moved to Florida because of our great schools, friendly business climate and beautiful weather. It is no surprise that while California continues to see population decreases, Florida is the third largest state and fourth fastest growing state in the nation.
Given our great success in Florida, I’m sure you can understand why I have visited California to encourage businesses to grow and prosper in the Sunshine State. I’d love to meet with you to discuss the future of Mag Instrument Inc. and the incredible opportunities that await your business in Florida. Quite frankly, I think Mag Instrument would have more success in Florida.
I look forward to hearing from you and bringing your all-American operation to Florida where you’ll be able to proudly add a “Made in USA” label to the quality products you produce.
Sincerely,
Rick Scott
Governor
Gov. Scott Attends Grand Opening of Walmart e-Commerce Fulfillment Center in Davenport
New e-Commerce Fulfillment Center Creates 1,500 Jobs
Governor Rick Scott today attended the grand opening of Walmart’s new e-commerce fulfillment center in Davenport. The new e-commerce fulfillment center is creating 1,500 jobs in the Davenport area.
Governor Scott said, “I was proud to celebrate the grand opening of Walmart’s new e-commerce fulfillment center which is helping to create 1,500 jobs for Florida families. Walmart could have chosen to open this new fulfillment center in any location, yet they know that Florida is the best place for them to grow their business and create new jobs. By cutting taxes and creating the new $85 million Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, we will create even more opportunities for Florida families.”
Senior Vice President of Walmart U.S. eCommerce Supply Chain Nate Faust said, “This campus is just the latest example of Walmart’s commitment to offering customers fast shipping on items they need every day. We’re excited not only about the economic impact our facility has had, and will continue to have, in the community, but also how it will help us empower our customers to shop when and how they want.”
2017-2018 Walmart’s Florida Investments
The positive business climate in Florida has enabled Walmart to create thousands of local jobs, invest millions in infrastructure and test innovative ways to serve its customers. In an effort to continue its growth and investment in the Sunshine State, Walmart recently announced plans for the following investments across Florida this fiscal year (Feb. 1, 2017 through Jan. 31, 2018):
- Open nine new stores across the state, creating more than 800 jobs statewide in stores alone.
- Execute a multi-million-dollar capital investment plan by remodeling more than 40 locations across the state.
- Celebrate the groundbreaking later this year for a new distribution center for perishable goods in the City of Cocoa.
About Walmart in Florida
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online and through their mobile devices. Walmart opened its first store in Florida in 1982. In Florida, Walmart serves customers at 375 retail units and online through Walmart Grocery Pickup, Walmart.com and Jet.com. Walmart employs more than 107,000 associates in Florida. In Florida during FY2017, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation helped local communities with more than $82 million in cash and in-kind contributions to Florida nonprofits, and Walmart donated nearly 45 million pounds of food to local Florida food banks – equivalent to more than 37.5 million meals. Learn more at Walmart.com.
Appointments by Governor Rick Scott for Monday, July 17, 2017
Gov. Scott Appoints Two to Clay County Development Authority
Governor Rick Scott today announced two reappointments to the Clay County Development Authority.
Russell Buck, 56, of Middleburg, is the regional vice president of Vystar Credit Union. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland. Buck is reappointed for a term beginning July 17, 2017, and ending July 1, 2021.
Gregory Clary, 65, of Middleburg, is the president of Clary & Associates. He is reappointed for a term beginning July 17, 2017, and ending July 1, 2021.
Gov. Scott Appoints Gary Pyott to Regulatory
Council of Community Association Managers
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Gary Pyott to the Regulatory Council of Community Association Managers.
Gary Pyott, 58, of Aventura, is the president of Association 1st, LLC. He fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning June 17, 2017, and ending October 31, 2020.
This appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.
Gov. Scott Appoints Alan Landman to District
Board of Trustees, Eastern Florida State College
Governor Rick Scott announced today the reappointment of Alan Landman to the District Board of Trustees of Eastern Florida State College.
Landman, 54, of Indialantic, is an attorney at Alan Landman, P.A. He received his bachelor’s and law degrees from the University of Florida and is reappointed for a term beginning July 17, 2017, and ending on May 31, 2021.
The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Gov. Scott Appoints Two to Governing Board of
Northwest Florida Water Management District
Governor Rick Scott today announced the reappointments of Jerry Pate and Ted Everett to the Governing Board of the Northwest Florida Water Management District.
Pate, 63, of Pensacola, is the owner and chief executive officer of Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation, Inc. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama. Pate is reappointed for a term beginning July 17, 2017, and ending March 1, 2021.
Everett, 57, of Chipley, is the executive director for the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. He received his bachelor’s degree from Augusta State University. Everett is reappointed for a term beginning July 17, 2017 and ending March 1, 2021.
The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Gov. Scott Recognizes Statewide Zika Preparedness Efforts
Governor Rick Scott gave opening remarks at the Florida Department of Health’s (DOH) Zika Preparedness Planning Meeting in Miami. DOH hosted the meeting with county health departments and mosquito control districts from across the state, as well as CDC officials, to discuss ongoing efforts to prepare for and combat the Zika Virus.
Governor Scott said, “While Florida does not have any identified areas with active Zika transmission, DOH, mosquito control districts and community partners across the state have been tirelessly working together to help combat the spread of this disease and keep our state safe. We know that summer means more rain, more mosquitos, and more travel-related cases, and that is why we must continue to take aggressive preparedness actions. It is also important that all Floridians do their part to dump standing water and wear bug spray in order to help fight the spread of Zika. We will continue to remain in contact with our federal and state partners and we remain fully committed to doing everything we can to protect our families and visitors.”
Surgeon General Dr. Celeste Philip said, “We have learned a lot about how to prepare for and respond to the Zika virus over the past year and it is crucial that we continue to work with our state and federal partners to keep protecting our communities. I appreciate Governor Scott for his leadership in this ongoing fight and the county health departments and mosquito control districts that traveled here today to further discuss ways we can combat the Zika virus in Florida.”
Gov. Scott: The State of Florida Honors and Remembers Marine Sgt. Joe Murray and his Fellow Fallen Service Members
Governor Rick Scott today issued a statement regarding the death of Floridian Marine Sgt. Joe Murray, along with fourteen Marines and one Navy Corpsman, following the crash of their U.S. military plane in Mississippi. Governor Scott will honor the memory and sacrifice of Sgt. Murray, who was originally from Jacksonville, by ordering the lowering of flags. The details on the lowering of flags will be announced in the coming days.
Governor Scott said, “Ann and I join Americans across the nation in praying for the families and loved ones of the sixteen U.S. service members who lost their lives in this week’s tragic plane crash, including Marine Sgt. Joe Murray from Jacksonville. Sgt. Murray was well known as a beloved husband, father, son, and man of faith and service. We are heartbroken by this loss. Sgt. Murray and his fellow fallen service members will now be honored and remembered across our country as heroes. We pray that this legacy of heroism will bring Sgt. Murray’s family some comfort during this unimaginably difficult time.
“This tragedy is a stark reminder of the dangers our service members face each day as they selflessly protect our families and our freedom. The State of Florida is proud to be the home of brave heroes of like Sgt. Murray and we will continue to pray for the safety of all our service members at home and abroad.”
