Governor Rick Scott announced today the appointment of Ronald Lieberman to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation.
Lieberman, 70, of Ocala, is the president of Steel Structures of Florida, Inc. He succeeds Leonard Tylka and is appointed for a term beginning March 23, 2017, and ending November 13, 2020.
This appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.
Governor Rick Scott
ICYMI: WFLA: Governor Scott Proclaimed National Guard Day in Florida
“Governor Scott Proclaimed National Guard Day in Florida”
WFLA-TB (NBC) – Tampa Bay, FL
March 21, 2017
To view the clip, click HERE.
Governor Scott to Lead Trade and Development Mission to Argentina Next Month
Governor Rick Scott will lead a delegation of many small and mid-sized businesses on an export trade mission to Buenos Aires, Argentina from April 23-27, 2017. The mission is coordinated by the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires with support from key business organizations and government entities in Argentina.
Governor Scott said, “Florida is the gateway to Latin America and with more than 60,000 exporting businesses, Enterprise Florida provides the platform for growing Florida companies to take their products to expanding markets worldwide. We look forward to expanding our trade relationship with Argentina and growing Florida’s business presence in Latin America.”
Argentina is the 21st largest economy in the world and the 3rd largest in Latin America. The country is Florida’s fourth-largest export destination with an estimated $3.3 billion worth of exports last year.
“This mission will increase opportunities for the small businesses traveling with us,” said Manny Mencia, Senior Vice President of International Trade & Development for Enterprise Florida. “Since the election of President Mauricio Macri, Argentina has rebuilt its relationship with the U.S. The Argentina market will offer excellent opportunities for Florida companies in the years to come, and this mission will allow them to connect with new partners and clients looking to purchase U.S. products and services.”
Florida companies seeking to participate can still register and access all mission networking events, airport transfers in country when traveling on official mission flights, and ground transportation to mission events.
The deadline for Delegate registration is April 1st.
To register, please contact Jorge Riano at [email protected].
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.
Governor Scott Issues Proclamation for National Guard Day
Also Awarded Florida Veterans with the Veterans Service Medal
Governor Rick Scott today proclaimed March 21, 2017 as National Guard Day in Florida. He also awarded more than 50 Florida veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Medal during Florida National Guard Day at the State Capitol. To view the proclamation, see below or click HERE.
Governor Rick Scott said, “I am proud to dedicate today to the brave members of Florida’s National Guard. These men and women stand ready to serve our country and respond to the needs of our communities during natural disasters and emergencies. The State of Florida is forever grateful to these heroes and their families who make countless sacrifices in defense of our freedom.”
FLORIDA NATIONAL GUARD DAY
WHEREAS, as the military arm of the Governor and the people of the State of Florida in times of crisis or emergency, the Florida National Guard stands ready to immediately respond to a call from the Governor; and
WHEREAS, the Florida National Guard traces its lineage back 450 years to 1565 when the first muster of a civilian militia took place in St. Augustine, making Florida’s Militia the oldest in the nation; and
WHEREAS, today’s Florida National Guard stands strong with approximately 12,000 highly trained and skilled men and women who serve as Soldiers and Airmen in today’s modern Guard; and
WHEREAS, the men and women of the Florida National Guard and their families willingly make sacrifices during times of hurricanes, fires, floods, and other natural disasters, serving domestically and around the world in contingency operations; and
WHEREAS, more than 20,000 men and women of the Florida National Guard have answered the call to federal active duty, without reservation, following the attack on our nation September 11, 2001, and have served with distinction and honor during Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn, and continue to serve in Operation Noble Eagle, Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, Operation Inherent Resolve, and Operation Observant Compass, which continue to take these dedicated Guardsmen far from their families and friends while they ensure we are safe at home; and
WHEREAS, the employers of our Guardsmen and their families have made significant sacrifices to conduct their businesses during the absence of our Guardsmen, while still providing jobs for the members of the Guard when they return home; and
WHEREAS, the men and women of the Florida National Guard remain involved in hundreds of community service projects across our state each day and contribute to local programs that add value to our nation and our state;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Rick Scott, Governor of the State of Florida, do hereby extend greetings and best wishes to all observing March 21, 2017, as Florida National Guard Day and call on all Floridians to honor the significant contributions and consistent readiness of the Florida National Guard and to gratefully acknowledge the faithful service of its dedicated soldiers and airmen.
IN WITNESS 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 15th day of March, in the year two thousand seventeen.
Cortes applauds Ayala removal from Markeith Loyd case, continues to call for suspension
State Representative Bob Cortes commends Governor Scott for removing State
Attorney Ayala from the case, but her actions today call for a suspension.
State Representative Bob Cortes applauded Governor Rick Scott’s decision to remove State Attorney Aramis Ayala from the Markeith Loyd case, but continues to call for her suspension. In a letter to the Governor last week, in addition to asking Scott to suspend Ayala, Cortes asked the Governor to review all pending death penalty cases in the Ninth Circuit and reassign her cases to other state attorneys. The move came after Ayala announced last week that she would not seek the death penalty in the case of Markeith Loyd or any other case.
“It was entirely appropriate for the Governor to remove Ayala from this case, and it remains so given the lack of cooperation we have seen from her today,” said Cortes. I continue to believe strongly that State Attorney Ayala’s disregard for Markeith Loyd’s victims demonstrates the irreparable harm she could do to justice in the Ninth Circuit and warrants her removal from office. If she continues to follow through with her promise to not hear current death penalty cases, including six pending cases, justice may be thwarted for additional victims of heinous crimes. I appreciate the Governor’s swift response thus far. I am confident he will continue to act within the scope of Florida law to ensure that justice is done for Markeith Loyd’s victims and everyone in the Ninth Circuit.”
Governor Scott to Attend the Groundbreaking of OneWeb Satellites’ New Manufacturing Facility
Tomorrow, March 16, Governor Rick Scott will attend the groundbreaking of OneWeb Satellites’ new manufacturing facility at Space Florida’s Exploration Park.
WHAT: Groundbreaking Ceremony
WHEN: 2:00 PM
WHERE: Space Florida’s Exploration Park
505 Odyssey Way
Merritt Island, FL 32953
Governor Rick Scott Awards Major John Leroy Haynes with Governor’s Medal of Merit
Also awarded 41 veterans with the Governor’s Service Medal
During a meeting of the Florida Cabinet today, Governor Rick Scott recognized Major John Leroy Haynes with the Governor’s Medal of Merit. Major Haynes served in the U.S. Marines during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Governor Scott also awarded 41 Florida veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Medal.
Governor Rick Scott said, “I’d like to thank Major Haynes for his decades of brave and selfless devotion to serving our country, state, and community. I’m honored to present him with the Medal of Merit today to recognize his lifelong service and positive impact on the lives of veterans.”
Colonel Glenn Sutphin, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, said, “Major Haynes possesses every attribute that members of the military strive for; he is the epitome of the American military member. Not only has he defended his country in three wars, but he continues to advocate for his fellow veterans through public service.”
About Major John Leroy Haynes
Major John Leroy Haynes is a decorated veteran, serving 30 years in the United States Marines during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. His military decorations include the Silver Star Medal, the Purple Heart Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Cross of Gallantry. Following his active duty, Major Haynes served as State Commandant of the Maryland Marine Corps League. He has also served as a service officer for the Veterans Administration and the American Legion and is Chairman Emeritus of Florida Veterans Foundation.
Governor Rick Scott Recognizes James Stage with Young Entrepreneur Award
During a meeting of the Florida Cabinet today, Governor Rick Scott recognized 23-year-old James Stage, CEO of Queralyze, with the Governor’s Young Entrepreneur Award. Queralyze is an education platform software company designed to help students improve research and writing skills.
Governor Rick Scott said, “I’m proud to recognize James with the Young Entrepreneur Award today. His innovative approach to education is helping students achieve their goals and better prepare them for a career. I look forward to seeing Queralyze continue to succeed in Florida.”
James Stage, CEO of Queralyze, said “I’m honored to be recognized by Governor Scott with the Young Entrepreneur Award today. Queralyze is making a difference in the education process for students and teachers. It’s great to see the growth and success of Queralyze since its founding in 2014, and I’m excited to continue expanding so we can help more students succeed.”
For more information about Queralyze, visit www.queralyze.com.
Gov. Scott and Florida Cabinet Issue Resolution Recognizing Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day
During a meeting of the Florida Cabinet today, Governor Rick Scott and the Cabinet of the State of Florida issued a resolution recognizing March 30, 2017 as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day.
Governor Rick Scott said, “We must take every opportunity to recognize the brave men and women who served in our armed forces and defended our country. Florida is committed to being the most military and veteran friendly state in the nation and we must give back to those who sacrificed for our freedom.”
Colonel Glenn Sutphin, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, said, “Our country’s brave Vietnam Veterans stepped up to defend our country during a time where military service was underappreciated. Our troops kept faith and proudly served our great country. In Florida, we proudly welcomed them home 50 years ago and continue to honor their service today.”
WHEREAS, throughout our history, courageous men and women have donned the uniform of our Armed Forces and built a noble tradition of faithful and dedicated service; and
WHEREAS, the United States Department of Defense is commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War to thank and honor veterans of that war on behalf of a grateful nation; and
WHEREAS, more than 58,000 service members, including more than 1,900 from Florida, made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War, and 1,617 remain missing in action, including 56 from Florida; and
WHEREAS, the families and friends of missing service members continue to endure uncertainty concerning the fate of their loved ones who remain unaccounted for; and
WHEREAS, the State of Florida is home to more than 506,000 Vietnam-era veterans; and
WHEREAS, the Sunshine State honors its Vietnam Veterans with the Florida Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Tallahassee, Vietnam War Veteran license plate, and high school diplomas for draftees unable to complete their education; and
WHEREAS, we can never fully repay our debt of gratitude to those historic men and women who served, were wounded, or even died in battle, and this presents the opportunity for the people of the Sunshine State to honor and thank our Vietnam Veterans for their service to our country.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Governor and Cabinet of the State of Florida do hereby recognize March 30, 2017 as
WELCOME HOME VIETNAM VETERANS DAY
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governor and Cabinet of the State of Florida encourage citizens to participate in local Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day activities honoring the men and women who have stood watch over America.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF the Governor and Cabinet of the State of Florida have hereunto subscribed their names and have caused the Official Seal of the State of Florida to be hereunto affixed in the City of Tallahassee on this 14th day of March 2017.
RICK SCOTT
GOVERNOR
PAM BONDI
ATTORNEY GENERAL
JEFF ATWATER
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
ADAM. H. PUTNAM
COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE
Governor Scott Signs SB 280 – Sentencing for Capital Felonies into Law
Governor Rick Scott today signed the following bill into law.
SB 280 – Sentencing for Capital Felonies – The bill amends Florida’s death penalty sentencing process to require a jury’s recommendation of a sentence of death to be unanimous.
To view a copy of the transmittal letter, click HERE.
