Capital Soup

Florida News Straight From the Source

You are here: Home / Archives for Governor Rick Scott

Governor Rick Scott

Gov. Scott Announces ATIO USA to Open Manufacturing Facility in Hendry County

Posted on

Project Will Create 39 New Jobs in Clewiston

Governor Rick Scott today announced that ATIO USA, an aluminum recycling and manufacturing company, will open a new facility in Hendry County. Although Minnesota and Tennessee were both considered for the project, Hendry County was ultimately selected as the best location for ATIO USA’s new facility. The project will create 39 new jobs at an average of more than $42,000 a year and result in a $26 million investment in the local community.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce that ATIO USA has selected Clewiston, Florida over Minnesota and Tennessee as the best location for their new manufacturing facility. Last year we permanently eliminated the sales tax on manufacturing machinery and equipment, and our commitment to making Florida more business friendly is helping our state outcompete other locations for these important jobs wins. Also, with the establishment of the new $85 million Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, we will be able to attract even more businesses to Florida. The creation of 39 new jobs is great news for the families of Hendry County, and I look forward to seeing ATIO USA’s continued success.”
Lucio Medolago, CEO of ATIO USA, LLC said, “We are really happy to make Hendry County the Home of ATIO USA, and look forward to actively supporting this community. The Aluminum recycling factory and refinery, along with a complete metallurgical laboratory, will be located in Clewiston. In addition to manufacturing ‘Green Billets’, we will be able to conduct metallurgical research to develop new materials and new alloys. We will be collaborating with local universities in our research department, and hiring and developing local talent as this plant comes to life. This is just the beginning of a successful operation that is the result of an excellent coordination between Enterprise Florida, the Hendry County EDC, county commission and partners in the community. I would like to thank the State of Florida and Hendry County for welcoming us and for their support in moving this project forward.”
The ATIO project has been a collaborative effort between Enterprise Florida, Hendry County, the Hendry County EDC, Glades County and local partners. ATIO has committed to hiring local talent by partnering with the Hendry County Economic Development Council, local vocational training partners, and CareerSource Southwest Florida.
Mike Grissom, Interim President & CEO, Enterprise Florida, Inc., said, “Florida’s rural communities are the backbone of our state and we are proud that ATIO USA has chosen Hendry County as a location for this facility. Our team has worked hard to ensure that high-tech manufacturers like ATIO USA come to Florida and this is huge win for our state.”
Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “The announcement of ATIO USA’s decision to expand their company in Hendry County is great news to families in Southwest Florida’s rural communities. Florida’s manufacturing industry continues to grow, and we are proud to partner with ATIO USA to bring good jobs to Clewiston.”
Michael Swindle, Hendry County Board of County Commissioners chair, said, “Hendry County is excited to have ATIO USA as a business partner. Their specialized industry will bring greater diversification to Hendry County’s economy and workforce. We look forward to growing with ATIO USA to ensure a brighter future for Hendry County and our residents.”
Brent Kettler, Executive Director, Hendry County EDC, said “I’ve had the pleasure of working directly with the ATIO executive team, and cannot express how promising this project is. The commitment to operate in a rural area, provide living wages, and strong emphasis on infusing modern manufacturing technology that is both environmentally friendly and sustainable, in addition to committing to hire local talent, is a project any community would benefit from.”
ATIO was created to supply high quality aluminum in order to satisfy the increasing demand of manufacturers. ATIO’s Florida-based operation will manufacture parts and additional items for the global automobile industry and OEM suppliers. ATIO USA will use scrap and waste aluminum in addition to primary raw material to manufacture an aluminum alloy known as ‘Green Billets’ for the U.S. and international markets.
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.

Gov. Scott: Northwest Florida Families Should Stay Alert to Flooding, Heavy Rain

Posted on

Governor Rick Scott urged families in Northwest Florida to stay alert to possible flooding caused by heavy rain across the Florida Panhandle and provided the following update.
Governor Scott said, “With heavy rain impacting much of the Florida Panhandle today, families in Northwest Florida should remain alert to local weather updates regarding possible flooding and heavy rainfall. I continue to receive briefings from the Florida Division of Emergency Management (DEM) and monitor Tropical Storm Cindy as it moves toward the central Gulf Coast. Last night, I reached out to emergency management officials, law enforcement and elected officials in affected counties to make sure they have everything they need to be prepared. While Florida is not expected to see major impacts from this storm, flooding could occur and I urge all Floridians and visitors to be cautious and visit FloridaDisaster.org to get a plan and be prepared.”
Affected counties have not reported any unmet needs and every county emergency operations center (EOC) remains in monitoring status. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) and other partnering agencies are monitoring Tropical Storm Cindy and identifying resources if flooding were to occur. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) area district offices are working with local officials to assess the current situation and coordinate operations. FDOT District 3 Operations Centers have been mobilized and are deploying water pumps to assist with potential roadway flooding in western Panhandle counties. DEM remains in constant communication with all county emergency operations centers and will continue to monitor the tropical storm and any potential impacts to the state. Leon County has made sandbag operations available for residents and more information is available HERE. Families and visitors can follow @FLSert on Twitter for updates and visit http://www.floridadisaster.org to get an emergency preparedness plan.

Statement from Governor Scott on Expected Severe Weather in Florida Panhandle

Posted on

Governor Rick Scott today released the following statement regarding severe weather expected to impact the Florida Panhandle this week.
Governor Scott said, “With severe weather including heavy rain and flooding expected across the Florida Panhandle this week, families in Northwest Florida should remain alert to local news and weather updates and make sure they have a plan. I have been monitoring the storm system in the Gulf of Mexico and will continue to receive briefings on possible impacts to our state. Tonight, I will be reaching out to emergency management officials in counties across Northwest Florida to ensure they have everything they need in anticipation of this severe weather system. This is a reminder to all Floridians of the dangerous weather our state faces during hurricane season and the importance of getting a plan to keep your family safe. Visit FloridaDisaster.org today to get a plan and be prepared.”

Statement from Governor Scott on the Death of FHP Sgt. William Trampas Bishop

Posted on

Governor Rick Scott today released the below statement following the heartbreaking death of Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Sergeant William Trampas Bishop last night.
Governor Scott said, “We are heartbroken to learn of the death of 30-year veteran FHP Trooper Sergeant William Trampas Bishop while on duty in Alachua County. Ann and I are praying for Sergeant Bishop’s family and loved ones during this very difficult time. Our thoughts are also with the entire Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and Florida Highway Patrol family as they grieve the loss of Sergeant Bishop. Every day, Florida’s law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to protect and serve Florida families. This terrible loss is a somber reminder of the work our brave law enforcement officers do to keep us safe.”

Governor Rick Scott Signs 13 Bills Into Law

Posted on

Governor Rick Scott today signed the following bills into law:
CS/CS/CS/SB 118 – Criminal History Records – This bill prevents businesses that publish arrest photos from charging a fee to remove them if requested.
CS/SB 90 – Renewable Energy Source Devices – This bill implements the constitutional amendment approved by the voters for a tax exemption on renewable energy devices.
CS/CS/SB 474 – Hospice Care – This bill directs the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Agency for Health Care Administration to adopt national hospice outcome measures.
CS/SB 494 – Compensation of Victims of Wrongful Incarceration – This bill expands the eligibility requirements of the Victims of Wrongful Incarceration Compensation Act.
CS/CS/SB 724 – Estates – This bill revises provisions relating to the elective share of an estate.
CS/SB 1520 – Termination of a Condominium Association – This bill revises requirements for the termination of a condominium association.
CS/SB 1694 – Support for Parental Victims of Child Domestic Violence – This bill allows the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice to coordinate with organizations to enhance resources available to parents who are victims of domestic violence.
CS/CS/SB 1726 – Industrial Hemp Pilot Projects – This bill authorizes the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to oversee the University of Florida and the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in developing industrial hemp pilot projects.
SB 2504 – Collective Bargaining – This bill resolves collective bargaining issues.
SB 2506 – Clerks of the Court – This bill makes changes to the clerks of court budget process to ensure adequate funding.
SB 2508 – Division of State Group Insurance – This bill allows for an audit of dependent eligibility for the state group insurance program and revises pharmacy benefits.
SB 2510 – Public Records/ Dependent Eligibility Verification Services – This bill creates a public records exemption for information collected when determining a dependent’s eligibility for the state group insurance program.
SB 2514 – Health Care – This bill conforms health care statutes to the funding policies used in the General Appropriations Act.
To view the transmittal letters, click HERE.

JMI Applauds Governor Scott and the Legislature for Championing School Choice

Posted on

 Statement from The James Madison Institute

Florida Governor Rick Scott’s signing of the omnibus education bill is a win for Florida students, parents, and teachers. Florida continues to lead the nation in school choice efforts and to serve as a model for other states that strive to give parents and students the choice of different educational styles and curricula that meet each child’s unique needs.
“For 30 years, The James Madison Institute has been on the front lines of the battle of ideas and principles in Florida. We thank Governor Rick Scott, Senate President Joe Negron, and House Speaker Richard Corcoran for their support of this legislation. They have been steadfast in their efforts to match students with educational opportunities that provide the greatest chance for success in life, and this commitment is reflected in legislation that expands school choice for economically-disadvantaged students and those with unique abilities, while providing more digital education access and allowing successful charter schools to open new schools in areas with chronically failing public schools.”

– Dr. J. Robert McClure, President and CEO, The James Madison Institute

“Education choice is an idea that ought to unite liberals and conservatives because it acknowledges that students are diverse and that they are often ill-served by one-size-fits-all schooling policies that fail to account for each child’s unique learning needs.  We commend the legislators in both parties who voted to expand student options in 2017, and we hope legislators will work together in 2018 to move us even closer to the goal of universal education choice for all Florida students.”

– William Mattox, Director of JMI’s Marshall Center for Educational Options

Gov. Scott: Connecticut Leaders Out of Touch with Business

Posted on

Governor Rick Scott today announced he will be leading an economic development mission to Connecticut next week to share why businesses in Connecticut should consider moving their operations to Florida. This follows the recent establishment of the $85 million Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, which will help provide even more reasons for businesses to invest in Florida.
Governor Scott said, “By working with the Florida Legislature, over the past six and a half years we have cut more than $6.7 billion in taxes, reduced 4,800 burdensome regulations and made important investments to help create opportunities across Florida for future generations. With more than 1.35 million new jobs, an unemployment rate at a nearly 10-year low and a job growth rate that has exceeded the nation’s for more than five consecutive years, there is no better place to grow a business than Florida. Meanwhile, Connecticut leaders are out of touch with business. Governor Malloy’s administration has been trying, and failing, to tackle a budget deficit with an overwhelming collection of increased taxes and fees. Their job growth rate continues to lag far behind Florida and the nation, and Connecticut has lost more adjusted gross income and people to Florida than any other state in the nation.
“The business environment in Connecticut simply cannot compete with everything Florida has to offer. That is why I am leading an economic development mission to Connecticut to share this message firsthand with job creators and site selectors next week. With the recent establishment of the $85 million Florida Job Growth Grant Fund that the Legislature overwhelmingly passed last week, we have the important resources our state needs to encourage more businesses to choose Florida as the best destination to grow and create jobs. I look forward to meeting with Connecticut business leaders to explain how additional public infrastructure and individual job training through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund will help create new opportunities for them to grow in the Sunshine State.”