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ICYMI: Miami Herald: Gov. Scott: Judge Gorsuch supremely qualified for high court

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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
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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.
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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.
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To read the full op-ed, click HERE.

ICYMI: Florida Politics: “Officials use Orlando man, attempted insurance fraud, as example of abuse”

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“Officials use Orlando man, attempted insurance fraud, as example of abuse”
Florida Politics
Story by Les Neuhaus
March 22, 2017
Click HERE to read the full story
Orange County and state officials are making an example of a man who attempted to collect a bogus insurance claim on his car after reporting it stolen, accusing him of arson and insurance fraud.
Michael Abrams, 43, is now held on $50,000 bond in an Orange County detention facility, a statement said Wednesday.
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He stands accused of devising a plan to have his 2016 Toyota Camry stolen and destroyed so that he could collect an insurance payout totaling $10,000, the statement continues.
“More often than not, acts of arson are committed in order to collect insurance payouts or to cover up a larger crime,” said Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater. “To concoct the plan that he did is an elaborate act of fraud — one that undoubtedly drives up the cost of insurance for every Floridian. I’m proud of our investigative team for getting to the truth and putting this man behind bars where he belongs.”
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In early December 2016, a crew from the Orange County Fire Rescue (OCFR) department responded to a vehicular fire. The car had previously reported stolen from New York state by Abrams.
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Suspicious, a supervisor with OCFR reached out to the Florida State Fire Marshall’s Office to investigate the cause and origin of the fire and that’s when Abrams’ story didn’t add up.
After being questioned by investigators, he admitted paying another man $300 to destroy his car while he simultaneously reported it stolen.
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ICYMI: Pensacola News Journal: Guest View: Visit Florida puts Pandhandle gems on map

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Guest View: Visit Florida puts Pandhandle gems on map
Pensacola News-Journal
Op-ed: Commissioner Adam Putnam
March 22, 2017
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Last year, more than 112 million visitors came to Florida and spent $109 billion during their time in the Sunshine State. These dollars are spent at hotels, restaurants and attractions, among other Florida businesses, where more than 1.4 million Floridians are employed. This record was, in part, achieved by the reputation of our white, sandy beaches, family-friendly attractions and warm hospitality. But many of Florida’s destinations would have remained unknown without the advertising and promotions by the state’s tourism agency, Visit Florida, under the focused leadership of Governor Rick Scott.
Visit Florida has helped put the gems of Northwest Florida on the radar of curious tourists looking for lesser known places to explore and enjoy while recharging their batteries during their annual vacation. Places like the Perdido River Paddling Trail and Pensacola Beach Boardwalk don’t always come to mind when families are brainstorming where to go. These destinations are highlighted as go-to places by Visit Florida’s promotions, along with many other special, yet lesser known parts of Florida.
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Northwest Florida has been dealt a number of blows in recent years. Tourism took a dive during the Great Recession, and then the BP oil spill threatened to damage the natural beauty this area is so well known for. But, recently, the courts directed BP to contribute $300 million toward economic development in Northwest Florida and another $1.4 billion more over the next 14 years.
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Tourism, agriculture and the military have long-anchored the Northwest Florida economy. We shouldn’t stop promoting the Emerald Coast – and just assume families will continue to come. We need to toot our own horn loudly and proudly about what Florida has to offer.
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Adam Putnam is Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture.