“Gov. Scott Announces $400,000 in Florida Defense Support Task Forces Grants”
WMBB (ABC) – Panama City, FL
July 5, 2017
To view the clip, click HERE.
Governor Rick Scott
Gov. Scott Continues “Honoring Florida Veterans Tour” in Cocoa
Governor Rick Scott continued his four city “Honoring Florida Veterans Tour” in Cocoa and awarded 274 Florida veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Medal for their service to Florida and the nation. The Governor also highlighted funding included in the Fighting for Florida’s Future budget that supports active military, veterans and their families.
Governor Scott said, “I’m proud to honor more American heroes by presenting them with the Veterans Service Medal today on our ‘Honoring Florida Veterans Tour’. These individuals dedicated their lives to protecting the families of our great nation. On behalf of all Floridians, we express our nation’s gratitude.”
The Governor highlighted the following Florida veterans at today’s ceremony in Cocoa:
Captain Donn Weaver
Captain Donn Weaver served in the United States Army Infantry where he earned the National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal and the Expert Infantry Badge. After the Army, he attended graduate school at Florida State University and went on to spend 40 years in foreign service traveling to 104 countries and learning five languages. He returned to Cocoa Beach for retirement where he volunteers with several veteran organizations, including the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center where he served as past president and expansion chairman. He is a Gold Star Father, whose youngest son, Lieutenant Todd Weaver, US Army Airborne Ranger, was killed in combat in Afghanistan in September 2010.
Specialist Sebastian Padilla
Son of a Vietnam veteran, Specialist Sebastian Padilla enlisted in the Army to follow in his father’s footsteps of serving his country. After completing basic training in 2015, he went on to join the Police Academy and graduated in 2016. After graduation, he deployed to Djibouti, Africa to be a part of the Detainee Operations group where he earned the French Desert Commando badge. He currently is in the process of becoming an officer at the Apopka Police Department.
Specialist Marcus Birkenmeyer
Specialist Marcus Birkenmeyer knew from a young age that he wanted to join the military and became a member of the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps in high school. While in college he received an Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps scholarship and paused his studies to enlist in the National Guard in 2014. After returning from training, he decided to continue to pursue his education at Stetson University where he currently studies Business Systems and Analytics with minors in Sports Business and Military Science. He plans to commission into Military Intelligence or Aviation within the Florida National Guard.
Gov. Scott: Florida Jumps Texas to Become 2nd in Airline Passengers
Governor Applauds Federal Aviation Infrastructure Awards
Governor Scott today announced that Florida’s airports rank second in the nation for airline passenger volume according to preliminary data from the Federal Aviation Administration and Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Governor Scott also applauded President Trump and the U.S. Department of Transportation for awarding $10.6 million in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants to eight Florida airports.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce that Florida’s airports have surpassed Texas and are now second in the nation for the most amount of airline passengers. Florida’s airports help welcome millions of visitors, business leaders and families to our state each year, and have a significant impact on supporting job creation and growing our economy. That is why I am proud that we have invested more than $1 billion in state funding in our airports over the past six years.
“I would also like to thank the Trump Administration for awarding federal funding to eight Florida airports so we can continue to grow. I was proud to join President Trump last month at the White House to discuss the future of infrastructure, and it is clear that we have a partner in D.C. that understands the importance of supporting transportation projects in Florida. We will continue to make important investments in our airports so Florida can be first for airline passengers.”
According to the latest statistics available from the Federal Aviation Administration (preliminary 2016), Florida’s airports now handle more enplanements than Texas, placing it second in the nation only to California. Data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics support that claim.
Mike Dew, Florida Department of Transportation Secretary, said, “Florida’s airports are critical to the economy of our state and Governor Scott has demonstrated that by investing over $1 billion in our airport system.”
The Florida airports receiving federal Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants are Daytona Beach International Airport, DeFuniak Springs Airport, Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, Wauchula Municipal Airport, St Pete‐Clearwater International, Jacksonville International, New Smyrna Beach Municipal, and Space Coast Regional. More information on projects and funding amounts can be found HERE and HERE.
The Fighting for Florida’s Future budget signed by Governor Scott last month included more than $263 million for aviation improvements, and since 2011, the State of Florida has invested more than $1 billion in Florida’s airports. Florida airports account for 1.3 million Florida jobs with an annual payroll of $44.5 billion, and support more than $144 billion in annual economic activity. Florida has four large hub airports, more than any other state.
Gov. Scott Kicks Off “Honoring Florida Veterans Tour” in Panama City
Governor Rick Scott today kicked off his four city “Honoring Florida Veterans” tour in Panama City this morning and awarded 49 Florida veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Medal for their service to Florida and the nation. The Governor also highlighted funding included in the Fighting for Florida’s Future budget that supports active military, veterans and their families. The Governor will also be stopping in The Villages, Cocoa and Wauchula during his tour.
Governor Scott said, “This week, we celebrated America’s independence and the freedom that we enjoy because of the brave men and women who have served our country. It is important that we continue to appreciate and honor the members of our Armed Forces not just on holidays, but every day. 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.”
Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis said, “As we celebrated Independence Day this week, we must never forget the service and sacrifice of those who have courageously served our country. It was an honor to join in recognizing these brave men and women.”
The Governor highlighted the following Florida veterans at today’s ceremony in Panama City:
Staff Sergeant William Yaeger Brookes
Staff Sergeant William Brookes enlisted in the Florida Army National Guard in 2002 and later attended Airborne, Air Assault and Pathfinder specialty training schools. During his 15 years of military service, he held multiple positions in the 1-153rd Cavalry Squadron of the 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team including rifleman, machine gunner and team leader. Staff Sergeant Brookes also supported deployments to Afghanistan, Kuwait and Guatemala and was recognized with the Combat Infantry Badge. Following his active duty, Staff Sergeant Brookes continues to serve the state as a Florida Wildlife Commission law enforcement officer.
Sergeant Tyler Smith
Sergeant Tyler Smith began his military career in 2006 as Calvary Scout in the Florida Army National Guard. He has served in many roles and leadership positions including, Cavalry Scout, Cavalry Vehicle Driver, Improved Target Acquisition System (ITAS) Gunner, and Team Leader in A Troop of the 1st Squadron 153rd Cavalry Regiment and his current job as a Florida Army National Guard fleet mechanic. Since enlisting 11 years ago, Sergeant Smith has deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, and New Dawn supporting Operations in Kuwait, Africa and Iraq, and has served in nearly every state activation.
Maxine McIlroy Mann
Maxine McIlroy Mann was born in Wichita, Kansas and joined the World War II women’s branch of the United States Naval Reserve, known as the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) after its founding in 1942. Maxine attended boot camp in Chicago and became a life guard for the Navy. Following her military service, Maxine went to college and became a Certified Flying Instructor. Currently, she resides at Clifford C. Sims State Veterans Home in Panama City where she enjoys spending her time as an artist.
Governor Scott to Kick Off “Honoring Florida Veterans” Tour
MEDIA ADVISORY
This week, to honor our nation’s veterans, Governor Rick Scott will kick off the four city “Honoring Florida Veterans” tour. Tomorrow, July 6 he will visit Panama City and The Villages to honor veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Medal.
This tour will also highlight the Fighting for Florida’s Future budget that includes more than $60 million in total funding to support active military, veterans and their families.
WHEN: 9:00 AM CDT
WHERE: Florida National Guard Armory
3121 North Lisenby Ave.
Panama City, FL 32406
WHEN: 3:00 PM EDT
WHERE: Eisenhower Recreational Center
3560 Buena Vista Blvd
The Villages, FL 32163
*The Governor will also make stops Friday in Cocoa and Wauchula. Details on times and locations will be announced tomorrow. *
Gov. Scott: We Must Not Do Any Business with the Maduro Regime
Governor Scott today announced he will introduce an agenda item to bring before the Trustees of the State Board of Administration in August that would prohibit the State of Florida from doing business with any organization that supports the Maduro regime. More details of the Governor’s proposal will be made available prior to the August 16, 2017 Cabinet Meeting.
Governor Rick Scott said, “During the next meeting of the Florida Cabinet in August, I will bring forward a proposal that will prohibit the State of Florida from doing business with any organization that supports the oppressive Maduro dictatorship. Floridians stand with the people of Venezuela as they fight for their freedom, and as a state, we must not provide any support for Maduro and his thugs.
“On Venezuela Independence Day, we stand in solidarity with the opposition to the brutal Maduro regime, whose crimes against his own people continue daily. In fact, just today, Maduro’s henchmen violently disrupted a meeting of the opposition controlled National Assembly. This is unacceptable behavior that Florida will not tolerate.”
Gov. Scott to Host Swearing-In Ceremony of Jimmy Patronis as Chief Financial Officer
MEDIA ADVISORY
Tomorrow, June 30th, Governor Rick Scott will host the swearing-in ceremony of Jimmy Patronis as Florida’s Chief Financial Officer.
WHAT: Swearing-In Ceremony
WHEN: 9:00 AM
WHERE: Governor’s Office
The Capitol
400 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399
ICYMI: WFTX: Gov. Scott Held Ceremonial Bill Signing for SB 396
“Gov. Scott Held Ceremonial Bill Signing for SB 396”
WFTX-FTM (FOX) – Fort Myers, FL
June 29, 2017
To view the clip, click HERE.
Governor Scott to Attend Groundbreaking for Florida Veteran’s New Home
MEDIA ADVISORY
Tomorrow, June 29th, Governor Rick Scott will attend the groundbreaking ceremony for Florida veteran Master Sergeant George Vera’s new home. Master Sergeant George Vera and his family will be receiving the mortgage-free home from the not-for-profit organization Building Homes for Heroes. Governor Scott’s Fighting for Florida’s Future budget invested $1 million in Building Homes for Heroes.
WHAT: Groundbreaking Ceremony
WHEN: 10:30 AM
WHERE: 4858 Lago Vista Circle
Land O’ Lakes, Florida 34639
Gov. Scott: Florida Continues to Lead Nation’s Largest States in Job Growth
Governor Rick Scott today announced that Florida added jobs at a faster rate than the 10 largest states in the nation over the last year. Florida had the second-fastest annual private-sector job growth rate out of all the states in the nation, behind Utah. For 62 consecutive months, Florida’s private-sector job growth rate, which is 3 percent, has outpaced the nation’s rate, which is 1.8 percent. Since December 2010, Florida businesses have created 1,377,100 private-sector jobs.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce today that Florida led the nation’s largest states in job creation over the past year. We have spent the past six and a half years working to make it easier for businesses to grow in our state, including recently establishing the new $85 million Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to attract more companies to Florida. It is clear that this work has helped Florida’s economy outperform our top competitors and create new opportunities for our families. I took this message on an economic development mission this week, and met with Connecticut and New York business leaders to tell them why they should relocate their operations to Florida. We will continue to do all we can to send a message across the country that Florida is the best place for job creators and families to succeed.”
In the last year, Florida businesses created more jobs in the professional and business services industry, with 52,900 new jobs, and more jobs in the trade, transportation and utilities industry, with 30,900 new jobs, than any other state. The state also had the second-highest over-the-year job gains among all states in both the construction and the manufacturing industries.
Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director Cissy Proctor said, “Florida’s astounding job growth across multiple industries proves that our business-friendly focus is working. We have fostered an environment that sets hardworking Floridians up for success. Our state continues to beat the nation so that Florida families can flourish.”
