Governor Rick Scott visited Boston Whaler to highlight the company’s recent job creation. In 2015, the company completed an 18-month expansion project that led to the creation of more than 120 new jobs. Since the completion of that expansion, Boston Whaler has created more than 160 additional jobs and now employs nearly 750 Floridians. Boston Whaler has been manufacturing boats in Florida since 1988.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud to recognize Boston Whaler’s ongoing success in Florida following the completion of their expansion project two years ago. Their expansion would not have been possible without Enterprise Florida, and now nearly 750 Floridians have great jobs. Boston Whaler is a great example of why Enterprise Florida works: the economic incentives EFI offered helped Boston Whaler invest in our state, and our focus on making Florida business-friendly has led to years of further growth at Boston Whaler. I look forward to seeing their continued success in our state.”
Boston Whaler President Nick Stickler said, “We appreciate Governor Scott for visiting our facility today and for recognizing our hard-working team members. Boston Whaler is proud of the opportunities we have been able to create for Florida families with the support of Enterprise Florida and our local economic development partners. The relationship we have maintained with EFI and their local partners over the years has made a great difference for our company, and we look forward to continuing working together. Boston Whaler is committed to creating the safest, easiest to own, and most exciting boats on the water, and Florida is truly the best place for our team to meet that goal.”
Governor Rick Scott
ICYMI: Cortes Asks Governor Scott to Remove State Attorney
State Representative Bob Cortes releases a statement calling
for State Attorney Aramis Ayala’s removal from office.
In case you missed it, State Representative Bob Cortes issued the statement below following a press conference earlier today at the Capitol:
“I applaud Governor Scott’s executive orders that reassign all 21 of State Attorney Aramis Ayala’s first-degree murder cases to State Attorney Brad King. I appreciate the Governor’s decisive action to pursue justice for the victims of the unspeakable crimes represented by these cases.”
“In light of State Attorney Ayala’s insistence that she will not consider capital punishment in any case, no matter how horrific, I continue to believe justice would best be served by her suspension from office, and I urge Governor Scott to seek her removal.”
About Bob Cortes for State Representative
Bob was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2014. Previously, he served as mayor of Longwood and on the Longwood City Commission beginning in November 2009. In 2012, he was re-elected to a second term. He is a member of the Seminole County Community Traffic Safety Team and a graduate of the Florida League of Cities Institute for Elected Municipal Officials. He is a member of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO). With this organization, Bob has participated in several institutes, including the Newly Elected Leadership Institute, the Redistricting Institute, and the Fiscal Policy Institute hosted by NALEO and the Kellogg School of Business. Bob grew up in New York and Puerto Rico and moved to Central Florida in 1989. He founded Cortes Towing Service, a successful small business now in operation for over two decades. In 2011, he started another venture, Cortrans Shuttle Service, a transportation provider that serves Orlando Sanford International Airport, Orlando International Airport, the Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal, and area attractions. He was recently named one of the 25 Most Influential Hispanics by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando. He and his wife, Virginia, are members of St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Altamonte Springs. They are blessed with three grandchildren.
ON THE WEB: www.bobcortes.com
Paid by Bob Cortes, Republican, for State Representative
Gov. Scott Discusses Economic Impacts of EFI and VISIT FLORIDA
Gov. Scott Discusses Economic Impacts of EFI and VISIT FLORIDA
with Education Leaders and Students in Jacksonville
Governor Rick Scott today hosted a Fighting for Florida Jobs Roundtable with local education leaders, students and job creators at Florida State College at Jacksonville to discuss how economic development programs like Enterprise Florida and VISIT FLORIDA help create job opportunities for Florida graduates.
Governor Rick Scott appoints two to District Board of Trustees, Florida Keys Community College
Governor Rick Scott today announced two appointments to the District Board of Trustees, Florida Keys Community College.
Colonel John Domenech, 62, of Big Pine Key, is a retired senior project manager at Leidos and formerly served as a Colonel in the US Army. He received a master’s degree from the US Army War College and a master’s degree from the University of Florida. Domenech succeeds Michelle Maxwell and is appointed for a term beginning April 3, 2017, and ending May 31, 2020.
Sheldon Suga, 62, of Duck Key, is a VP Managing Director at Hawks Cay Resort in Duck Key and received his bachelor’s degree from Ryerson Polytechnic University. He fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning April 3, 2017, and ending May 31, 2017.
The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Gov. Scott Applauds Senate’s Focus on Jobs; Concerned House is Slashing Jobs Programs
Governor Rick Scott released the below statement on the proposed budgets within the Florida Senate and Florida House. The Florida Senate’s proposed budget includes more than $80 million for Enterprise Florida programs and $76 million for VISIT FLORIDA, while the Florida House’s proposed budget eliminates Enterprise Florida and slashes VISIT FLORIDA’s budget to $25 million.
Governor Scott said, “Over the past few months, Floridians and job creators from across the state have come together in support of important economic development programs like Enterprise Florida and VISIT FLORIDA. I want to thank the Florida Senate for listening to our families and job creators by proposing to fully fund Enterprise Florida and VISIT FLORIDA.
“Unfortunately, at this time, the Florida House has chosen to continue ignoring the Floridians they serve. The House’s decision to severely cut the budget of VISIT FLORIDA is especially shocking when we look at how disastrous this has been in other states. A reduction of tourism marketing means a reduction of visitors and revenue, which increases the tax burden for our families and threatens the jobs of more than 1.4 million Floridians who rely on the tourism industry.
“Over and over again, politicians in the House have failed to understand that Florida is competing for job creation projects against other states and countries across the globe. Eliminating Enterprise Florida means we will not be able to effectively compete for new opportunities. Furthermore, while the House originally claimed that the role of EFI could be relocated to DEO, their proposed budget instead slashes positions within DEO’s Division of Business Development. The individuals in these positions are crucial to ensuring businesses honor their contracts and job creation goals before receiving any economic incentive dollars. Eliminating the majority of these positions puts our taxpayers’ hard-earned money at risk.”
ICYMI: Miami Herald: Gov. Scott: Judge Gorsuch supremely qualified for high court
Following members of the Senate Judiciary Committee forcing the delay of a vote on Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch yesterday, please see the Governor’s op-ed below supporting Judge Gorsuch’s immediate confirmation.
Judge Gorsuch supremely qualified for high court
Miami Herald
Governor Rick Scott
February 6, 2017
…
We should demand better. The men and women who were elected to represent their districts and states have a duty to actually represent them. Working to obstruct progress at any price is why people hate politics and a large part of why voters elected President Trump to make major changes.
…
When Judge Gorsuch was appointed to the Tenth Circuit, the Senate approved him unanimously. No one objected. In business, this sort of appointment is what we would call a no-brainer. He has a solid track record of judicial philosophy and is a federalist who respects state rights.
…
To read the full op-ed, click HERE.
Governor Rick Scott Appoints Two to the Immokalee Water and Sewer District, Collier County
Governor Rick Scott announced today the reappointments of Joseph Brister and Robert Halman to the Immokalee Water and Sewer District, Collier County.
Brister, 51, of Immokalee, is the owner of Brister Funeral Home. He received his associate’s degree from St. Petersburg Junior College. Brister is reappointed for a term beginning March 27, 2017, and ending October 1, 2020.
Halman, 64, of Immokalee, is a community service deputy for the Collier County Sheriff’s Office. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia and his master’s degree from Clemson University. Halman is reappointed for a term beginning March 27, 2017, and ending October 1, 2020.
Governor Rick Scott Honors More Than 240 Veterans with Governor’s Veterans Service Medal
Governor Rick Scott today awarded more than 240 veterans at the Louie C. Wadsworth Armory in Live Oak with the Governor’s Veterans Service Awards for their service to Florida and the nation.
Governor Rick Scott said, “I’m proud to honor some of Florida’s great veterans for their service to our state and country. As a son of a World War II veteran and Navy veteran myself, I recognize the sacrifices our service members make to protect our freedom. We must take every opportunity to honor and thank our American heroes.”
The Governor highlighted the following Florida veterans at today’s ceremony:
Sergeant First Class Thomas Graff
Sergeant First Class Graff joined the United States Army in 2000 and attended Infantry OSUT and Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia. Sergeant First Class Graff was assigned to B Co. 2-325 Airborne Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division and served as a Fire Team Leader during his first deployment to Iraq. In 2004, Sergeant First Class Graff joined the Florida Army National Guard and served a second tour in Iraq as a Convoy Escort Team Leader. Sergeant Graff’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, three Army Commendation Medals, and a Combat Infantry Badge.
Sergeant Major Rob Sweat
Florida native Sergeant Sweat joined the United States Air Force Reserve in 1991 and was assigned to the 919th Special Operations Squadron. In 1994, he transferred to the Florida Army National Guard. Sergeant Major Sweat’s service includes two deployments to Iraq and assignments to the 417th Signal Battalion, 269th Engineer Company, 927th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion and 83rd Troop Command. His awards and decorations include two Bronze Star Medals, a Meritorious Service Medal, and three Army Achievement Medals.
Staff Sergeant John E. “Jack” Scott
Staff Sergeant Scott was drafted in the United States Army in 1942 and attended basic training at Camp Grant in Illinois. During his active duty, he served in New Guinea, Luzon and the Philippines as a front line infantry aid in the 32nd Infantry Division before being honorably discharged in 1945. Staff Sergeant Scott has been recognized with an Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with three Bronze Stars and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Star.
T5 Corporal Robert F. Dutton
Corporal Robert Dutton was drafted into the United States Army in 1943 and assigned to the 141st Ordnance MM Co. of the 7th Army during World War II. Corporal Dutton traveled through France, Germany and Austria under orders to retrieve equipment from the front line as battles moved to the next locations. In 1945, he and members of his unit were wounded from entering into a building rigged with bombs and was honorably discharged later that year. Corporal Dutton has received the Purple Heart, two Battle Stars, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and the Good Conduct Medal for service. A few years ago, he was also recognized with the Frances Knight of the Legion of Honor by the French government in a ceremony to recognize those servicemen who fought in France during World War II.
Gov. Scott: Florida Businesses Created Nearly 54,000 Jobs in 2017
Governor Rick Scott announced that Florida businesses created 53,800 private-sector jobs in the first two months of 2017, bringing the total number of new jobs added since December 2010 to 1,346,200. Governor Scott made the announcement at Bealls, Inc. in Bradenton. The retailer, which is headquartered in Florida, has created more than 300 jobs across the state over the past two years and employs more than 8,500 Floridians.
Governor Rick Scott said, “I am proud to announce that Florida’s private-sector businesses have created nearly 54,000 new jobs in 2017. Over the past six years, we have been relentless in our efforts to make Florida the most business-friendly state in the nation because a job is the most important thing to a family. It is incredibly disheartening that politicians in the Florida House have voted to jeopardize programs that create opportunities for our families, visitors, military members and job creators. However, we will continue to fight for important economic development tools like Enterprise Florida and VISIT FLORIDA and the critical impact they have on supporting our growing economy.”
For the 59th consecutive month, Florida’s annual job growth rate of 3.3 percent is exceeding the nation’s rate of 1.8 percent. In the last year, 239,800 new jobs were created by businesses across the state. Florida’s unemployment rate remained low at 5 percent in February, while the labor force participation rate climbed to 59.8 percent. Florida’s labor force is growing at a rate of 3.1 percent over the year while the U.S. labor force is growing at a rate of 0.7 percent over the year.
Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “Florida’s labor force is climbing more than four times faster than the nation’s and our labor force participation rate has risen over-the-year for eight consecutive months. This proves that Floridians are confident in their ability to land a good job here in Florida.”
Other positive economic indicators include:
- Private-sector industries gaining the most jobs over-the-year in February were:
- Professional and business services with 43,300 new jobs;
- Trade, transportation and utilities with 42,000 new jobs;
- Education and health services with 40,500 new jobs;
- Leisure and hospitality with 40,300 new jobs; and
- Construction with 34,700 new jobs.
- Florida job postings showed 235,950 openings in February 2017.
- In February, Florida’s 24 regional workforce boards reported 29,574 Floridians, including 1,413 veterans, were placed in jobs.
To view the February 2017 employment data visit www.floridajobs.org/labor-market-information/labor-market-information-press-releases/monthly-press-releases.
Governor Rick Scott Directs Flags at Half-Staff in Memory of Captain Frederick Dellecker
On March 14, 2017, Captain Frederick Dellecker of Daytona Beach, Florida, lost his life during a United States Air Force training exercise. As a mark of respect for Air Force Captain Frederick Dellecker, Governor Rick Scott issued a proclamation to direct the flags of the United States and the State of Florida to be flown at half-staff at the City Hall in Daytona Beach, Florida, the County Courthouse in Volusia County, Florida, and at the State Capitol in Tallahassee, Florida, from sunrise to sunset on Friday, March 24, 2017. To view the proclamation, see below or click HERE.
IN MEMORY OF CAPTAIN FREDERICK “DREW” DELLECKER
WHEREAS, Captain Frederick “Drew” Dellecker, United States Air Force, tragically lost his life in an air crash during a training exercise near Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico on March 14, 2017; and
WHEREAS, Captain Frederick “Drew” Dellecker was a resident of Daytona Beach, Florida; and
WHEREAS, Captain Frederick “Drew” Dellecker won an appointment to attend the United States Air Force Academy upon graduating from Seabreeze High School in 2009. He volunteered to serve his country in a time of conflict and graduated from the Air Force Academy in May 2013 with a pilot assignment; and
WHEREAS, Captain Frederick “Drew” Dellecker served honorably in 318th Special Operations Squadron, 27th Special Operations Wing; and
WHEREAS, Captain Frederick “Drew” Dellecker distinguished himself by earning his flight’s Lieutenant of the Quarter Award in 2017; and the Air Force Commendation Medal, Posthumous; and
WHEREAS, Captain Frederick “Drew” Dellecker will be remembered for his humor, love of nature, compassion for animals, and his appreciation for music as playing the trumpet was a special passion in his life; and
WHEREAS, Captain Frederick “Drew” Dellecker gave the last full measure of devotion in service to our Country; and
WHEREAS, the memory of Captain Frederick “Drew” Dellecker should be honored by all those whose freedom he gave his life to protect.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Rick Scott, Governor of the State of Florida, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me by 4 U.S.C. § 7(m), as amended on June 29, 2007, and the laws and Constitution of the State of Florida, do hereby proclaim and direct as follows:
- All State and National flags shall be flown at half-staff at the County Courthouse of Volusia County, Florida, and at the City Hall of Daytona Beach, Florida, on March 24, 2017, in honor of Captain Frederick “Drew” Dellecker.
- The State and National flags at the Capitol in Tallahassee, Florida, shall also be flown at half-staff on March 24, 2017, in honor of Captain Frederick “Drew” Dellecker.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto
set my hand and caused the Great Seal of
the State of Florida to be affixed, at
Tallahassee, the Capital, this 23rd day of
March 2017.
