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New UNF Poll Shows Andrew Gillum Leading Ron DeSantis in 2018 Governor’s Race

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Sen. Bill Nelson Narrowly Leading Over Gov. Rick Scott in 2018 Senate Election

The Public Opinion Research Lab at the University of North Florida has a new poll of likely voters that reveals Andrew Gillum in the lead for the upcoming gubernatorial election in Florida, with Ron DeSantis close behind and Sen. Bill Nelson with a slight lead over Gov. Rick Scott in the upcoming Senate election for the state of Florida. [Read more…] about New UNF Poll Shows Andrew Gillum Leading Ron DeSantis in 2018 Governor’s Race

Gov. Scott Appoints Three to the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court

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Today, Governor Rick Scott announced three appointments to the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court.

Judge Dawn V. Denaro, 51, of Miami, is a county judge for Miami-Dade County, and previously served as an Assistant State Attorney for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit. She received her bachelor’s degree from Tulane University and her law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Denaro fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Jerald Bagley.

Judge Andrea Ricker Wolfson, 45, of Miami Beach, is a county judge for Miami-Dade County, and previously served as an Assistant State Attorney/Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame, her master’s degree from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, and her law degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law. Wolfson fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Antonio Marin.

Judge Renatha Francis, 40, of Miami, is a county judge for Miami-Dade County. She previously practiced with Shutts & Bowen, LLP, and served as an attorney for the First District Court of Appeal. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of the West Indies and her law degree from Florida Coastal Law School. Francis fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Sarah Zabel.

Gov. Scott Attends Roundtable with Puerto Rico Lt. Gov. Rivera-Marin to Offer Assistance and Guidance 

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Today, Governor Rick Scott attended a roundtable hosted by Puerto Rico Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State Luis Rivera-Marin, where he offered assistance and guidance on their ongoing recovery from Hurricane Maria. At the roundtable, Gov. Scott was joined by Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Wes Maul and Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director Cissy Proctor, as well as Puerto Rico business leaders.

Governor Scott said, “Hurricane season begins this week, and while we are always working to make sure Florida is prepared, we are also working to help our neighbors in Puerto Rico. At Governor Ricardo Rosselló’s request, I am proud to be in Puerto Rico for the sixth time since Hurricane Maria’s devastating impact to continue working with him and Lieutenant Governor Luis Rivera-Marin to offer assistance and guidance on their ongoing recovery. We will keep fighting to help our friends in Puerto Rico rebuild, recover and be ready for this year’s hurricane season.” 

To view the video, CLICK HERE.

Actions taken by Governor Scott following Hurricane Maria:

·        On September 28th, at the request of Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló, Governor Scott traveled to San Juan, Puerto Rico to help coordinate response and recovery efforts following Hurricane Maria.

·        On October 5th, the Governor entered into a host-state agreement with FEMA – Florida is the only state willing to enter into this type of agreement to help families displaced by Hurricane Maria.

·        On October 11th, Governor Scott met with Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen, Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture Congressman Mike Conaway, Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security Congressman Michael McCaul, and Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón.

·        On October 30th, the Governor’s office sent a letter to the Office of Management and Budget. See the letter HERE.

·        On November 3rd, Governor Scott led a delegation of Florida utility providers to Puerto Rico at the invitation of Governor Ricardo Rosselló.

·        On November 9th, the Governor activated the State Emergency Response Team to assist families displaced by Hurricane Maria. See the Governor’s press release HERE.

·        On November 15th, the Governor sent a letter to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Paul Ryan urging them to support Florida’s efforts to support those displaced from Puerto Rico by Hurricane Maria. See the Governor’s letter HERE.

·        On December 21st, Governor Scott spoke with Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón regarding Puerto Rico’s recovery from Hurricane Maria.

·        On December 22nd, Governor Scott spoke with U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen regarding recovery efforts for Florida and Puerto Rico.

·        On January 3rd, Governor Scott sent a letter to the United States Senate Committee on Appropriations urging the Senate to immediately pass a significant Hurricane Irma and Maria disaster relief package. See the Governor’s letter HERE.

·        On January 11th, Governor Scott spoke with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Brock Long regarding the FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program and the importance of continued communication between federal, state and local partners as families continue to recover from Hurricane Maria.

·        On January 12th, Governor Scott met with Governor Ricardo Rosselló and joined him for a Puerto Rico recovery town hall meeting to discuss ongoing relief efforts.

·        On January 24th, Governor Scott, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, California Governor Jerry Brown and Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló issued a joint letter urging the U.S. Senate to improve and expeditiously pass supplemental disaster funding, and for Congress to send the bill to the President. See the letter HERE.

·        On February 5th, Governor Scott visited Puerto Rico with Governor Ricardo Rosselló to assist with ongoing Hurricane Maria recovery efforts.

·        On February 7th, Governor Scott spoke with FEMA Administrator Brock Long regarding Governor Scott’s recent trip to Puerto Rico.

·        On February 7th, Governor Scott announced a new partnership to connect families displaced by Hurricane Maria with jobs in Florida. See the announcement HERE.

·        On March 5th, Governor Scott traveled to Puerto Rico to meet with Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón and attend the Puerto Rico State of the State Address.

·        On April 18th, Governor Scott met with Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón in Washington D.C. to discuss how Florida is working to help Puerto Rican evacuees in the state.

·        On April 18th, Governor Scott also spoke with FEMA Administrator Brock Long to discuss the FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program and the importance of keeping the FEMA case managers the Governor previously requested on the ground across the state.

·        On May 18th, Governor Scott announced that Florida Department of Education Commissioner Pam Stewart would travel to Puerto Rico on May 20th to meet with Puerto Rico Department of Education Secretary Dr. Julie Keleher and offer continued guidance and support. See the Governor’s announcement HERE.

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING… Florida Job Growth Grant Fund Recipients Highlight Initiative’s Impact on Economy

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Yesterday, Governor Rick Scott announced nearly $10 million in awards for six Florida Job Growth Grant Fund projects. The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, established by Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature last year, provides $85 million for improving public infrastructure and enhancing workforce training in Florida. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has received more than 246 proposals requesting more than $866 million in funding. Yesterday’s announcement reflects a total of nearly $70 million in funding awarded to 27 communities across the state to promote infrastructure and job training since 2017.

Here’s what this round of grantees are saying:

Dr. Jim Richey, President of Eastern Florida State College said, “We’re very grateful to Gov. Scott for his efforts to provide the grant. It will play a significant role in helping us educate and train a new generation of high-tech workers for business and industry in Florida, and for companies launching a new era of human spaceflight from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. We look forward to working closely with Daytona State College to ensure the initiative is a success.”

Bobby Steele, Chairman of the Baker County Board of Commissioners said, “We would like to thank the Governor and his team for their continued support of economic development throughout the state; and more specifically for their support of economic development here in Baker County. Woodstock Industrial Park is a premier development opportunity that will bring industry and investment to Baker County; creating opportunities for good jobs for our entire region. This investment in Baker County is a large step forward in advancing Baker County as a preferred location for new business.”

Joe Pickens, President of St. Johns River State College said, “St. Johns River State College appreciates the funding received from the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund and is honored to be one of the recipients. The grant will support the establishment of a new Engineering-Advanced Manufacturing program that was designed in partnership with our regional businesses to help meet their demand for a trained and skilled workforce to support the production and automation needed in today’s advanced manufacturing environments. This initiative demonstrates our strategic commitment to build sustainable, high skilled/high wage opportunities for the citizens and businesses of Northeast Florida, further diversifying our local and state economy.”

Dr. Lawrence Barrett, President of Florida Gateway College said, “Florida Gateway College embraces Governor Scott’s support of economic development and job growth opportunities in the Lake City, Columbia County area. We look forward to working with our industry partners in pursuing this outstanding workforce initiative.”

Ken Doherty, Chairman of the Charlotte County Commission said, “Florida Job Growth Fund grants are awarded to a limited number of applicants. This grant shows that Gov. Scott and his team are believers in the economic potential of Charlotte County. We are proud of our strong working relationships with the state and sincerely appreciate being selected for a grant of this magnitude.”

Kevin E. Hyde, Interim President of Florida State College at Jacksonville said, “We are grateful for this grant and our partners who allow us to further our workforce development initiatives in these key areas of opportunity. Many thanks to Governor Scott, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and Enterprise Florida for entrusting us with this award to build more students’ learning and employment opportunities and come closer to closing the talent gap in the manufacturing and logistics industries.”

For more information about the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, visitwww.FloridaJobs.org/JobGrowth.

Gov. Scott: Nearly $10 Million in New Florida Job Growth Grant Fund Projects to Propel Florida’s Thriving Economy

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Today, Governor Rick Scott announced nearly $10 million in awards for six Florida Job Growth Grant Fund projects. The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, established by Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature last year, provides $85 million for improving public infrastructure and enhancing workforce training in Florida. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has received more than 246 proposals requesting more than $866 million in funding. Today’s announcement reflects a total of nearly $70 million in funding awarded to 27 communities across the state to promote infrastructure and job training since 2017.

[Read more…] about Gov. Scott: Nearly $10 Million in New Florida Job Growth Grant Fund Projects to Propel Florida’s Thriving Economy

Coalition Response to Proposed Gun Legislation Packages

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The Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence and League of Women Voters of Florida appreciate that Gov. Rick Scott and state legislators are addressing gun reform in the wake of another massacre in our state.
However, we have serious concerns regarding their proposals and offer to meet with Gov. Scott and incoming Senate President Bill Galvano to discuss better ways to move toward meaningful gun safety measures.
  • We do not support a three-day waiting period before someone can purchase a semiautomatic assault rifle. 
  • We do not believe raising the age for buying a semiautomatic assault rifle from 18 to 21 years of age goes far enough.
These two courses of action do not address our goal — and students’ pleas — of banning the sale of semiautomatic assault weapons and high-capacity magazines in Florida. And it’s important to remember that in many mass shootings committed with these killing machines — Aurora, San Bernardino, Pulse, Las Vegas, Sutherland Springs — the murderers were well over the age of 21.
“While we applaud our lawmakers for addressing the need for policy changes in the wake of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, we believe the proposals do not go far enough,” said Patricia Brigham, Co-Chair of the Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence and 1st Vice President of the League of Women Voters of Florida. “Raising the age limit to 21 to purchase a rifle in Florida does not address the main problem: semiautomatic assault weapons. Many recent mass shooters were over the age of 21 when they wreaked havoc, death, and destruction. The Pulse shooter was 29. The Las Vegas shooter was 64. The list goes on. The fact is we need a ban on semiautomatic assault weapons and large-capacity magazines. Anything less is woefully inadequate.”
“We heard many proposals today from the Governor and legislative leaders that they strongly felt would address school safety in Florida,” said Andy Pelosi, Executive Director of the Campaign to Keep Guns Off Campus and Co-Chair of the Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence. “However, the common denominator in mass shootings was noticeably absent — taking large-capacity magazines and assault weapons off our streets.”
Joe Saunders, Senior Political Director of Equality Florida, takes issue with the Governor’s assertion that gun safety advocates are calling for a mass takeaway of 2nd Amendment rights for all Americans. “That is a gross misrepresentation of the students from Parkland, survivors of Pulse, and this Coalition,” he said. “The vast majority of Americans believe if you’re purchasing a firearm you should be subject to a background check, without exception, and the vast majority believe assault rifles have no place in the hands of civilians. These packages are incomplete until those common sense policies are included.”
Forensic psychiatrist Dr. Julie Kessel added, “We need more mental health services available to those in distress, and I applaud that intervention. However, projecting blame onto those with mental illness will have no meaningful impact on mass shootings. People with serious mental illness are far more likely to be the victim of violence rather than the cause of it.”
In addition to calls for enacting a ban on semiautomatic assault weapons in Florida, the Coalition has the following reaction to proposals heard today:
  • We ask that our Legislature expand the scope of background checks to include private sales.
  • We support removing weapons from domestic violence abusers and banning those with restraining orders from purchasing a firearm.
  • We are strongly opposed to any arming of teachers. They do not have the tactical training to respond to an active shooter, nor should they be expected to undergo such training. We applaud Gov. Scott for taking this position as well.
“The Florida PTA believes the safest day-to-day school climate to be gun-free. Only actively trained law enforcement officers should be allowed to carry guns on our school campuses. Our sole purpose should be to educate our youth,” said Angie Gallo, Legislation Chair of the Florida PTA.
The Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence was created by the League of Women Voters of Florida after the Pulse shooting to promote smart gun legislation. It has grown to include more than 120 local, state, and national organizations and includes such diverse groups as the Hispanic Federation, Florida PTA, Equality Florida, the Interfaith Council of Central Florida, Anti-Defamation League, and Doctors for America.

Gov. Scott Appoints Five to Construction Industry Licensing Board

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Yesterday, Governor Rick Scott announced the reappointment of one and the appointment of four to the Construction Industry Licensing Board.

Robert Maphis, 48, of Windermere, is the vice president and chief operating officer of The Collage Companies. He is reappointed for a term beginning February 22, 2018, and ending October 31, 2021.

Scott Thomason, 48, of Fort White, is the owner of HomePro Plus. He succeeds Jacqueline Watts and is appointed for a term beginning February 22, 2018, and ending October 31, 2020.

Donald Cesarone, 58, of Sunrise, is the vice president of the commercial division for Van Kirk and Sons, Inc. He fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning February 22, 2018, and ending October 31, 2019.

Edward McCullers, 57, of Estero, is the owner of McCullers Construction Services. He succeeds Albert Korelishn and is appointed for a term beginning February 22, 2018, and ending October 31, 2021.

Brian Donovan, 50, of Crystal River, is a teacher for Citrus County Schools. He fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning February 22, 2018, and ending October 31, 2020.

These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

Governor Scott Visits Utility Workers in Puerto Rico

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Today, Governor Rick Scott traveled to Puerto Rico to offer guidance and assistance regarding ongoing Hurricane Maria recovery efforts. Governor Scott met with Governor Ricardo Rosselló, emergency management officials and visited with utility workers from Florida in Puerto Rico to thank them for their continued efforts. For more information on what the state is doing to support Puerto Rico, click HERE.

Gov. Scott Reappoints Two to South Florida Regional Planning Council

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Today, Governor Rick Scott announced the reappointment of two to the South Florida Regional Planning Council.

Sandra Walters, of Sugarloaf Key, is the president and CEO of SWC, Inc . She is reappointed for a term beginning February 1, 2018, and ending October 1, 2018.

Patricia Asseff, of Hollywood, is the owner of Asseff Realty, LLC. She is reappointed for a term beginning February 1, 2018, and ending October 1, 2019.

These appointments are subject to Senate confirmation.