Governor Rick Scott visited the Brauser Maimonides Academy and the Orlando Torah Academy to highlight the more than $654,000 in security funding for Jewish Day Schools included in the Fighting for Florida’s Future budget. This investment follows recent threats against Jewish schools and communities across the country. Funding will be used 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, “The State of Florida has absolutely zero tolerance for the recent hateful and anti-Semitic threats against our Jewish communities. I am proud that the Fighting for Florida’s Future budget I signed last week includes more than $654,000 in security funding for Jewish Day Schools. We want to make sure our students stay safe and focused on what is most important- getting a great education, and I appreciate the Florida Legislature for taking quick action to come together and fight for this important funding. We will continue to work closely with the members of Florida’s Jewish community and our partners in the state and federal government to do all we can to help keep all of our students and families safe.”
Senate President Joe Negron said, “We will not accept the recent threats against our Jewish community or any attempt to make our hardworking teachers and students fearful in their own schools. This investment in security funding for our Jewish Day Schools shows that we remain fully dedicated to protecting the free exercise of religion in our communities. The right of a free people to practice any religion, or no religion, must be protected in our state. I am incredibly grateful to the Senators and Representatives who supported this funding, and I thank Governor Scott for his partnership.”
House Speaker Richard Corcoran said, “Florida has a history of standing with the Jewish people against acts of violence, hatred, and intolerance. I am proud that we are continuing to build on this commitment by making an important investment in security funding for Jewish Day Schools. I appreciate Governor Scott and my colleagues for supporting this funding as we continue to work together to keep our students safe and focused on achieving their dreams.”
Representative Randy Fine said, “There has recently been a dramatic rise in the threats against Jewish Day Schools and I was proud to join Governor Scott and my fellow Legislative members in taking immediate action to help protect our Jewish communities. This funding will help provide Jewish Day Schools with important security resources and ensure our students, teachers and parents feel safe. I was honored to join Governor Scott today in recognizing this crucial investment today.”
Governor Rick Scott
Appointments by Governor Rick Scott for Monday, June 5, 2017
Governor Scott Appoints Gregory G. Groger to the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court
Governor Rick Scott announced the appointment of Gregory G. Groger to the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court.
Groger, 38, of Land O’Lakes, has served as an Assistant State Attorney for the Sixth Judicial Circuit since 2003. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his law degree from Stetson University College of Law. Groger fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Walter L. Schafer, Jr.
Governor Scott Appoints Judge Eric Roberson to the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Judge Eric Roberson to the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court.
Roberson, 37, of Jacksonville, is currently a county judge for Duval County. He previously worked in private practice, and as an Assistant State Attorney for the Fourth Judicial Circuit. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of North Florida and law degree from the University of Florida. Roberson fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Mark Hulsey III.
Governor Scott Appoints Thomas James Coleman
to the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Thomas James Coleman to the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court.
Coleman, 45, of Fort Lauderdale, has served as an Assistant State Attorney for the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit since 1998. He received his bachelor’s degree from State University of New York at Albany, and his law degree from Saint Thomas University School of Law. Coleman fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Marc H. Gold.
Governor Scott Appoints Darren D. Farfante and Christine
Ann Marlewski to the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointments of Darren D. Farfante and Christine Ann Marlewski to the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court.
Farfante, 46, of Tampa, practices with Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC, and previously served as a trial attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice Tax Division. He received his bachelor’s, master of laws, master of accountancy, and law degree from the University of Florida. Farfante fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Brenda “Tracy” Sheehan.
Marlewski, 40, of Tampa, is an equity shareholder with GrayRobinson P.A. She received her bachelor’s and law degrees from the University of Florida. Marlewski fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge William P. Levens.
Governor Scott Appoints John Henslick to the Governing
Board of Southwest Florida Water Management District
Governor Rick Scott today announced the reappointment of John Henslick to the Governing Board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District.
Henslick, 66, of Myakka City, is the owner and president of Henslick & Associates, LLC. He received his bachelor’s degree from Jacksonville University and his master’s degree from the University of Florida. Henslick is reappointed for a term beginning June 5, 2017, and ending March 1, 2021.
The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Governor Scott Appoints Virginia Johns to Governing
Board of Suwannee River Water Management District
Governor Rick Scott today announced the reappointment of Virginia Johns to the Governing Board of the Suwannee River Water Management District.
Johns, 62, of Gainesville, is the president of John C Hipp Construction Equipment Company. She received her associate’s degree from Santa Fe College and her interior design degree from Bauder College. Johns is reappointed for a term beginning June 5, 2017, and ending March 1, 2021.
The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Governor Scott Appoints Two to Governing
Board of South Florida Water Management District
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointments of Jaime Weisinger and Brandon Tucker to the Governing Board of the South Florida Water Management District.
Weisinger, 46, of Fort Myers, is the director of community and government relations for Lipman Family Farms. He received his bachelor’s degree from Boston University. Weisinger succeeds Mitchel Hutchcraft and is appointed for a term beginning June 5, 2017, and ending March 1, 2021.
Tucker, 42, of Palm City, is the president of The Tucker Group, LLC. He received his bachelor’s degree from Florida State University. Tucker succeeds Kevin Powers and is appointed for a term beginning June 5, 2017 and ending March 1, 2021.
The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Governor Scott Appoints Clifford Newsome to the Calhoun County School Board
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Clifford Newsome to the Calhoun County School Board.
Newsome, 66, of Altha, is the owner and president of North Florida Construction Inc., and North Florida Sod Inc. He is also a member of the Altha Farmers Co-op, the Calhoun County Hazardous Mitigation Committee and the Community Traffic Safety Team. He is appointed to a vacant seat previously held by the late Timothy Glenn Smith, for a term beginning June 5, 2017, and ending November 19, 2018.
Gov. Scott calls special session to fight for students and jobs
Governor Rick Scott today signed the budget for the 2017-18 fiscal year and vetoed $410 million in legislative projects that do not provide a great return for Florida families. Additionally, Governor Scott vetoed the Florida Educational Finance Program (FEFP) funding portions of the budget. Governor Scott is also vetoing HB 5501 which decreased funding to VISIT FLORIDA by over 60 percent. The Governor’s full budget veto list will be released later today.
Governor Scott is calling a special session to discuss the following measures beginning on June 7, 2017 and ending on June 9, 2017 (click here to view the proclamation):
Funding for Florida’s K-12 students through the FEFP: Governor Scott is calling on the Legislature to provide an additional $215 million to K-12 education than previously authorized. This would increase the per student funding by $100.
Florida Job Growth Grant Fund: Governor Scott is proposing to establish the new Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to promote public infrastructure and individual job training which will encourage more businesses to choose Florida as a destination to grow jobs. Governor Scott is calling on the Florida Legislature to fund it at $85 million.
Increase VISIT FLORIDA Funding: Governor Scott has been focused on funding VISIT FLORIDA at $76 million in order to bring more tourists and support for Florida small businesses. The Governor is calling on the legislature to pass legislation that funds VISIT FLORIDA at a total of $76 million and includes comprehensive transparency and accountability measures at the organization.
Governor Scott said, “Florida’s students deserve the very best and we must always do everything possible to provide them with the resources they need to get a great education. It is my goal that a total of $215 million more is allocated to the FEFP which is a $100 per student increase over current year funding during the upcoming legislative session. Our students are the future of our great state and I know Speaker Corcoran is committed to our students, parents and teachers and ensuring Florida offers a world-class education to students at all levels.
“In addition to our common focus on ensuring a world-class education for Florida’s students, Speaker Corcoran understands the importance of ensuring future economic growth for Florida’s economy. Today, I am announcing that I intend to veto HB 5501 relating to Enterprise Florida and VISIT FLORIDA. While I believe very strongly in these programs and their ability to help bring more jobs to Florida, there needs to be a new bill relating to these organizations and how they operate.
“During the special session, I am calling on the Florida Legislature to consider new legislation that funds Visit Florida at $76 million. Additionally, I am proposing to establish the new Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to be funded at $85 million to promote public infrastructure and individual job training which will encourage more businesses to choose Florida as a destination to grow jobs. I have fought for jobs since my very first day in office and I do not intend to stop and this new fund will give our state the tools we need to compete with other states and nations for jobs. Like the Legislature, I strongly believe in transparency, accountability and a strong return on investment for any taxpayer dollars used. There needs to be legislation that allows us to market our state for tourism and grow jobs while maintaining these important principals. I look forward to working with the legislature during the upcoming special session to achieve these important goals for Florida families.”
Speaker Richard Corcoran said, “I am proud to stand with Governor Scott as we fight for continued strong job creation, giving every child a competitive and world class education, ensuring Florida competes as a tourist destination, and faithfully stewarding taxpayer dollars — goals that unify us.
“The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund will create both public infrastructure and job training and put taxpayers in the driver’s seat. All Floridians know that Governor Scott is committed to jobs. His willingness to work with us on this new model for economic development demonstrates that commitment and is greatly appreciated in the House. It’s truly a model for the rest of the nation wrestling with ending corporate welfare. In addition, this special session will secure Florida’s place as the premier tourist destination in America while ensuring that VISIT Florida is completely open, accountable and transparent to the taxpayer.
“The people of Florida should be proud today that you can have leaders with competing opinions and still compromise to meet common goals — government in Florida is working and the biggest winners are all Floridians.”
Gov. Scott, President Negron and Speaker Corcoran to Make Major Announcement
MEDIA ADVISORY
Today, June 2, President of the Florida Senate Joe Negron and Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives Richard Corcoran will join Governor Rick Scott to make a major announcement in Miami.
WHAT: Press Conference
WHEN: 10:00 AM
WHERE: Miami International Airport
Terminal F, Diplomatic Lounge
6500 NW 22nd St.
Miami, FL 33122
Governor Scott Signs Five Bills Into Law
Governor Rick Scott today signed the following bills into law:
CS/CS/HB 101 – Certificates of Nonviable Birth – Known as the “Grieving Families Act,” this bill allows families to request birth certificates for nonviable births.
CS/HB 103 – Public Records – This bill provides a public record exemption for information in nonviable birth records under the “Grieving Families Act.”
CS/CS/CS/HB 107 – Criminal Offenses Involving Tombs and Memorials – This bill provides criminal penalties for acts of disturbing a grave or tomb and allowable exceptions for privately-owned cemeteries.
CS/CS/HB 229 – Health Care Practitioner Licensure – This bill makes clarifying changes to State of Florida’s Impaired Practitioner Program.
CS/CS/CS/HB 865 – Department of Transportation – This bill makes changes to improve the Florida Department of Transportation operations and services, conform state transportation law to federal law and current practices, and increase the financial accountability of the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority.
To view the transmittal letter, click HERE.
Gov. Scott Honors 80 Veterans with Governor’s Veterans Service Medal
Governor Rick Scott today awarded 80 Florida veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Medal for their service to Florida and the nation.
Governor Scott said, “This week, we paid tribute to the fallen heroes of our Armed Forces on Memorial Day. It is so important that we appreciate and honor the service of our Armed Forces not just on holidays, but every day. I’m incredibly proud today to honor these brave men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting the families of our great nation and present them with the Veterans Service Medal.”
The Governor highlighted the following Florida veteran at today’s ceremony:
First Sergeant Daniel Cabrera
First Sergeant Daniel Cabrera enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1984 serving as a cavalry scout and transitioned to the Florida Army National Guard in 1988 as an Observational Helicopter Repairman. First Sergeant Cabrera has served in multiple leadership roles including his current assignment as the First Sergeant Crew Chief of the 1-185th Assault Helicopter Battalion. During his nearly 30 years of service, he has been deployed twice to Iraq and once to Kosovo. His outstanding service has been recognized with several decorations, including three Army Commendation Medals, two National Service Defense Medals, two Humanitarian Service Medals and the Combat Action Badge.
Appointments by Governor Rick Scott for Monday, May 15, 2017
Gov. Scott Appoints Samuel Garrison to District
Board of Trustees, St. Johns River State College
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Samuel Garrison to the District Board of Trustees, St. Johns River State College.
Garrison, 40, of Fleming Island, is an attorney at Kopelousos, Bradley and Garrison, P.A., and previously served as an Assistant State Attorney of the 4th Judicial Circuit of Florida. He received his bachelor’s degree from Samford University and his law degree from the University of Illinois College Of Law. Garrison succeeds Cranford Coleman and is appointed for a term beginning May 15, 2017, and ending May 31, 2018.
The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Gov. Scott Appoints Two to Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority
Governor Rick Scott today announced the reappointments of Dr. Peter A. Wish and John Stafford to the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority.
Wish, of Sarasota, is the president of Gulfcoast Healthstyle Corp. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami and his Ph.D. in psychology from Boston College. Wish is reappointed for a term beginning May 15, 2017, and ending November 17, 2020.
Stafford, of Sarasota, is a former chairman of the board for FCCI Mutual Insurance Company and previously served on the Suncoast Foundation for Handicapped Children. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 15, 2017, and ending November 17, 2020.
Gov. Scott Appoints Two to District Board
of Trustees, Florida State College at Jacksonville
Governor Rick Scott today announced one appointment and one reappointment to the District Board of Trustees, Florida State College at Jacksonville.
David “Hunt” Hawkins, 58, of Jacksonville, is the CEO of Stein Mart, Inc., and previously served as a member of the program advisory council to DECA, Inc. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee and his master’s degree from the University of West Florida. Hawkins succeeds Thomas Bryan and is appointed for a term beginning May 15, 2017, and ending May 31, 2019.
Thomas “Mac” McGehee, Jr., 57, of Jacksonville, is the executive vice president at Mac Papers, Inc., and received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 15, 2017, and ending May 31, 2019.
The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Gov. Scott Appoints Francisco Pines to the Florida Citrus Commission
Governor Rick Scott today announced the reappointment of Francisco Pines to the Florida Citrus Commission.
Pines, 41, of Miami, is the co-owner of Pines Ranch, Inc. and a managing partner at Francisco J. Pines, P.A. He received his bachelor’s degree from Florida International University and his law degree from St. Thomas School of Law. Pines is reappointed for a term beginning May 15, 2017, and ending May 31, 2019.
The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Gov. Scott Appoints Randy Schwartz to the Florida Real Estate Commission
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Randy Schwartz to the Florida Real Estate Commission.
Schwartz, 67, of Winter Springs, is a private practice attorney. He fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning May 15, 2017, and ending October 31, 2020.
This appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.
Appointments by Governor Rick Scott for Wednesday, May 10, 2017
Governor Rick Scott Appoints Donna Elam to
the Florida Commission on Human Relations
Governor Rick Scott today announced the reappointment of Donna Elam to the Florida Commission on Human Relations.
Elam, 65, of Wellington, is the president and chief executive officer for Elam Leadership Institute. She received her bachelor’s degree from York College and her master’s and doctorate degrees from New York University. Elam is reappointed for a term beginning May 10, 2017, and ending September 30, 2020.
The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Governor Rick Scott Appoints Karin Hoffman to
Board of Control for Southern Regional Education
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Karin Hoffman to the Board of Control for Southern Regional Education.
Hoffman, 51, of Lighthouse Point, is the vice president of Sonshine Educational Tours and received her bachelor’s degree from Trinity International University. She succeeds Erik Fresen and is appointed for a term beginning May 10, 2017, and ending June 30, 2020.
Governor Rick Scott Appoints Two to
Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County
Governor Rick Scott today announced two appointments to the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County.
Richard Butler, 59, of Pinellas Park, is the owner of Richard Butler Realty and currently serves as a City Councilman on the Pinellas Park City Council. He attended St. Petersburg College and is appointed to fill a vacant seat for a term beginning May 10, 2017, and ending August 11, 2020.
James Millican, 50, of Pinellas Park, is the District Chief of Lealman Fire District of St. Petersburg. He received his EMT certification from St. Petersburg College and his Firefighter certificate from P-TECH. Chief Millican is appointed to fill a vacant seat for a term beginning May 10, 2017, and ending August 11, 2020.
The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Governor Rick Scott Makes Four Appointments
to West Orange Healthcare District
Governor Rick Scott announced the appointment of one and the reappointment of three to the West Orange Healthcare District.
Maryke Lee, 65, of Windermere, is the dean of mathematics at Valencia College Orlando East Campus. She is reappointed for a term beginning May 10, 2017, and ending September 24, 2020.
Rodney Talbot, 60, of Winter Garden, is the president of Talbot Asset Management. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 10, 2017, and ending September 24, 2020.
Dr. Denise Carter, 56, of Windermere, is a physician at Florida Center for Orthopedics. She is reappointed for a term beginning May 10, 2017, and ending September 24, 2020.
Dr. Peter Taylor, 56, of Windermere, is a cardiologist at Orlando Health Heart Institute Cardiology Group. He fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning May 10, 2017, and ending September 24, 2019.
Governor Scott Appoints Twelve to Judicial Nominating Commissions
Governor Rick Scott today announced six reappointments and six appointments to eight Judicial Nominating Commissions.
First Circuit Judicial Nomination Commission
Robert “Alex” Andrade, 27, of Gulf Breeze, is an attorney with Moore, Hill & Westmoreland, P.A. He succeeds A. Benjamin Gordon and is appointed for a term beginning May 9, 2017, and ending July 1, 2019.
Pamela Langham, 52, of Gulf Breeze, is a sole practitioner with Pamela E. Langham, P.A. She is reappointed for a term beginning May 9, 2017, and ending July 1, 2020.
Wanda Morgan, 51, of Baker, is a sole practitioner. She succeeds R. Todd Harris and is appointed for a term beginning May 9, 2017, and ending July 1, 2020.
Third Circuit Judicial Nomination Commission
James Willingham, Jr., 64, of Jasper, is a sole practitioner. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 9, 2017, and ending July 1, 2020.
Seventh Circuit Judicial Nomination Commission
Katherine Miller, 35, of Daytona Beach, is an attorney with Wright & Casey, P.A. She is reappointed for a term beginning May 9, 2017, and ending July 1, 2020.
Tenth Circuit Judicial Nomination Commission
Richard Straughn, 58, of Winter Haven, is an attorney with Straughn & Turner, P.A. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 9, 2017, and ending July 1, 2020.
Thirteenth Circuit Judicial Nomination Commission
Elba Martin, 44, of Tampa, is an Assistant Attorney General with the office of the Attorney General. She fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning May 9, 2017, and ending July 1, 2019.
Fourteenth Circuit Judicial Nomination Commission
Gregory Wilson, 45, of Panama City, is the owner of Greg Wilson Law, LLC. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 9, 2017, and ending July 1, 2020.
Seventeenth Circuit Judicial Nomination Commission
Kenneth Joyce, 50, of Coral Springs, is a partner with Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith, LLP. He succeeds Belinda Keiser and is appointed for a term beginning May 9, 2017, and ending July 1, 2020.
Christina McKinnon, 42, of Pembroke Pines, is a sole practitioner with the Law Office of Christina A. McKinnon. She succeeds Terrence O’Connor and is appointed for a term beginning May 9, 2017, and ending July 1, 2020.
Twentieth Circuit Judicial Nomination Commission
Carlo Zampogna, 38, of Naples, is a sole practitioner at Zampogna Law. He succeeds Lisa Musial and is appointed for a term beginning May 9, 2017, and ending July 1, 2020
Kathleen Fitzgeorge, 56, of Fort Myers, is an Assistant Public Defender with the Office of the Public Defender for the Twentieth Circuit. She is reappointed for a term beginning May 9, 2017, and ending July 1, 2020.
ICYMI: WTVJ: Gov. Scott Fights for Peace and Democracy for Venezuela
“Gov. Scott Fights for Peace and Democracy for Venezuela”
WTVJ-MIA (NBC) – Miami, FL
May 9, 2017
To view the clip, click HERE.
