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Gov. Scott Announces Three Appointments and Five Reappointments to Multiple State Colleges

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Today, Governor Rick Scott announced three appointments and five reappointments to multiple state colleges.

Northwest Florida State College District Board of Trustees 

Craig Barker, 49, of Destin, is an independent business consultant. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his master’s degree from the University of West Florida. Barker is reappointed for a term beginning February 1, 2018 and ending May 31, 2021.

The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate. 

State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota District Board of Trustees

Bob Wyatt, 57, of Osprey, is the president of Investor Protector, Inc. He received his bachelor’s degree from Southern Methodist University. Wyatt is reappointed for a term beginning February 1, 2018 and ending May 31, 2021.

Ed Bailey, 42, of Palmetto, is the finance manager of Sarasota Ford. He is also a realtor with Leslie Wells Realty. Bailey is reappointed for a term beginning February 1, 2018 and ending May 31, 2021.

The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate. 

Florida Gateway College District Board of Trustees

David Crawford, 57, of Macclenny, is the director of auxiliary services and former principal for the Baker County Public School District. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of North Florida. Crawford is appointed to fill a vacant seat for a term beginning February 1, 2018 and ending May 31, 2021.

The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

Indian River State College District Board of Trustees

Tony George, 55, of Stuart, is a partner at Fox Wackeen Law Firm. He received his bachelor’s and juris doctorate degrees from the University of Florida. George is reappointed for a term beginning February 1, 2018 and ending May 31, 2019. 

The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

St. Johns River State College District Board of Trustees

Brian Keith, 61, of Palatka, is the owner and facility manager of Newcastle Shipyards, LLC. Keith received his bachelor’s degree from Vincennes University. He is reappointed for a term beginning February 1, 2018 and ending May 31, 2021.

The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate. 

Pasco-Hernando State College District Board of Trustees

Ray Gadd Jr., 60, of Land ‘o’ Lakes, is the deputy superintendent of Pasco County Schools. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of South Florida. Gadd succeeds Ed Blommel, and is appointed for a term beginning February 1, 2018 and ending May 31, 2019.

David Garcia, 67, of Spring Hill, is the lead pastor at Grace World Outreach Church. He received his bachelor’s degree from the International Seminary, his master’s in Theology, and his Doctor of Ministry in theology from Life Christian University. Garcia succeeds Morris Porton and is appointed for a term beginning February 1, 2018 and ending May 31, 2019.

The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

Gov. Scott: Miami Area Ranks Third in State Job Creation

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MIAMI, Fla. — Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that the Miami area added 24,900 new private-sector jobs in the last year, the third-highest number of jobs among all Florida metro areas. The unemployment rate in Miami remained at 4.6 percent in November, down 0.4 percentage point from a year ago. Statewide, Florida businesses created 13,900 new jobs in November and the unemployment rate remained at 3.6 percent, the lowest rate in more than a decade. Since December 2010, Florida businesses have created 1,465,800 new private-sector jobs.

Governor Scott said, “Miami added nearly 25,000 new jobs over the year, further proof that our economy is continuing to thrive across the state. During the upcoming legislative session, we will keep working to cut taxes and create an environment where the private sector can grow.”

The industries with the highest growth over the year in Miami were trade, transportation and utilities with 10,900 new jobs and education and health services with 4,000 new jobs. The area continued to rank third among the state’s metro areas with 29,951 openings, and once again offered the third-highest number of high-skill, high-wage STEM jobs with 7,016 openings.

 In the last year, 199,000 people entered Florida’s labor force, a growth of 2.0 percent. This rate is nearly three times the national labor force growth rate of only 0.7 percent. In November, 16,990 Floridians were placed in jobs by CareerSource South Florida and the state’s other 23 local workforce boards. 

 To view the November 2017 employment data visit www.floridajobs.org/labor-market-information/labor-market-information-press-releases/monthly-press-releases.

Gov. Scott: Tampa Area Ranks Second in State Job Creation

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TAMPA, Fla. — Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that the Tampa area added 28,400 new private-sector jobs in the last year, continuing to create the second-highest number of jobs among all Florida metro areas. The Tampa area also continues to rank first in the state in demand for high-skill, high-wage STEM occupations with 14,839 openings in November. Tampa’s unemployment rate dropped to 3.6 percent, down 1.0 percentage point from one year ago. Statewide, Florida businesses created 13,900 new jobs in November and the unemployment rate remained at 3.6 percent, the lowest rate in more than a decade. Since December 2010, Florida businesses have created 1,465,800 new private-sector jobs.

 Governor Scott said, “It is great news that the Tampa Bay area, like the rest of the state, continues to have strong economic growth with more than 28,000 new jobs created over the year. It is clear that Tampa Bay continues to be a great place for businesses to grow and create jobs.”

The industries with the highest growth over the year in Tampa were:

  • Professional and business services with 5,900 new jobs;
  • Construction with 5,300 new jobs; and
  • Other services with 5,200 new jobs.

The Tampa area remained first among the state metro areas in job demand in November with 44,792 openings.

In the last year, 199,000 people entered Florida’s labor force, a growth of 2.0 percent. This rate is nearly three times the national labor force growth rate of only 0.7 percent. In November, 16,990 Floridians were placed in jobs by CareerSource Tampa Bay and the state’s other 23 local workforce boards. 

To view the November 2017 employment data visit www.floridajobs.org/labor-market-information/labor-market-information-press-releases/monthly-press-releases.

Gov. Scott: Orlando Area Continues to Lead State with Most Jobs Created in the Last Year

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ORLANDO, Fla. — Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that the Orlando area had the highest job creation in the state, adding 39,500 new private-sector jobs in the last year for the fourth month in a row. The unemployment rate in Orlando was 3.5 percent, down 0.9 percentage point from one year ago. Statewide, Florida businesses created 13,900 new jobs in November and the unemployment rate remained at 3.6 percent, the lowest rate in more than a decade. Since December 2010, Florida businesses have created 1,465,800 new private-sector jobs. 

Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce that Orlando led the state with the most jobs created this past year, adding more than 39,000 new jobs for families. We are proud to see job creators continue to grow in Central Florida and look forward to another great year of more opportunities being created so families can succeed in Florida.”

Orlando led the state in job growth over the year in the following industries:

  • Professional and business services with 10,200 new jobs;
  • Financial activities with 5,600 new jobs; and
  • Manufacturing with 5,100 new jobs.

In November, the Orlando area remained second among state metro areas in job demand with 37,783 job openings. Orlando also remained the second-highest metro area in demand for high-skill, high-wage STEM occupations with 11,033 openings.

In the last year, 199,000 people entered Florida’s labor force, a growth of 2.0 percent. This rate is nearly three times the national labor force growth rate of only 0.7 percent. In November, 16,990 Floridians were placed in jobs by CareerSource Central Florida and the state’s other 23 local workforce boards. 

To view the November 2017 employment data visit www.floridajobs.org/labor-market-information/labor-market-information-press-releases/monthly-press-releases.

Gov. Scott: Florida Businesses Created Nearly 14,000 Private-Sector Jobs in November

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Gov. Scott: Florida Businesses Created Nearly 14,000 Private-Sector Jobs in November

Unemployment Rate Remains at 10-Year Low of 3.6 Percent

NAPLES, Fla. — Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that Florida businesses created nearly 14,000 private-sector jobs across the state in November. The state’s unemployment rate also remained at a 10-year low of 3.6 percent. Since December 2010, Florida businesses have created 1,465,800 jobs. Florida’s annual job growth rate of 2.5 percent continues to exceed the nation’s rate of 1.6 percent.

 Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce that Florida’s unemployment rate is at a 10-year low and that nearly 14,000 jobs were created for families across the state last month. As we near the end of the year, it is important to reflect on how far our state has come and how we must continue to fight every day to build on this success. Over the past seven years, we have turned around Florida’s economy which has allowed us to make record investments in education, transportation and environmental protection. I look forward to kicking off 2018 by working to continue cutting taxes, supporting job creation and education opportunities, and doing all we can to help secure Florida’s future for every family. Florida is a national leader in job creation and the rest of the nation should follow our lead.”

As of November, Florida’s unemployment rate had dropped 7.1 percentage points since December 2010, faster than the national decline of 5.2 percentage points. In the last year, 199,000 people entered Florida’s labor force, a growth of 2.0 percent, which is nearly three times the national labor force growth rate of only 0.7 percent.

Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “Florida is ending the year on a good economic note as the unemployment rate remains at a 10-year low of 3.6 percent and businesses continue to recover from Hurricane Irma. More people are entering the labor force and jobs are being created in diverse industries. The Sunshine State remains the best place for families to live the American Dream.”

Other positive economic indicators include:

  • Private-sector industries gaining the most jobs over-the-year were:
    • Construction with 41,800 new jobs;
    • Professional and business services with 41,000 new jobs;
    • Trade, transportation and utilities with 33,500 new jobs;
    • Financial activities with 15,500 new jobs; and
    • Education and health services with 15,200 new jobs.
  • Florida job postings showed 254,611 openings in November 2017.
  • In November, Florida’s 24 regional workforce boards reported 16,990 Floridians, including 944 veterans, were placed in jobs.

To view the November 2017 employment data visit www.floridajobs.org/labor-market-information/labor-market-information-press-releases/monthly-press-releases.

Gov. Scott Announces 23 Appointments to Multiple State Boards

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced 15 reappointments and eight appointments to multiple state boards.

Indian River State College District Board of Trustees

Vicki Davis, 65, of Stuart, is the supervisor of elections for Martin County. She is reappointed for a term beginning December 21, 2017, and ending May 31, 2021.

 Sandy Krischke, 44, of Fort Pierce, is the founder and president of Independence Classical Academy, Inc, and the President of K2 Strategies, LLC. She is reappointed for a term beginning December 21, 2017, and ending May 31, 2021.

These appointments are subject to Senate confirmation.

Polk State College District Board of Trustees

Cindy Hartley-Ross, 58, of Lakeland, is the president of Organization Management LLC. She currently serves as a member of the Florida Commission on the Status of Women. Hartley-Ross is reappointed for a term beginning December 21, 2017, and ending May 31, 2021.

This appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.

Northwest Florida State College District Board of Trustees 

Brian Pennington, 51, of Shalimar, is the retired President of the TYBRIN Division of Jacobs Engineering. He is reappointed for a term beginning December 21, 2017, and ending May 31, 2019.

 Shane Abbott, 42, of Defuniak Springs, is the co-owner of the Prescription Place of Defuniak Springs and Niceville, Florida. He is reappointed for a term beginning December 21, 2017, and ending May 31, 2021.

 These appointments are subject to Senate confirmation.

North Florida Community College District Board of Trustees

David Howell, 69, of Jasper, is a retired soil scientist with the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service. He is reappointed for a term beginning December 21, 2017, and ending May 31, 2021. 

Ricky Lyons, 59, of Mayo, is the retired clerk of court for Lafayette county. He is reappointed for a term beginning December 21, 2017, and ending May 31, 2021. 

Mike Williams, 59, of Madison, is a financial advisor with the Park Avenue Securities LLC. He is reappointed for a term beginning December 21, 2017, and ending May 31, 2021.

These appointments are subject to Senate confirmation. 

Board of Accountancy

Michelle Maingot, 47, of Tampa, is a certified public accountant and partner at Ernst Young, LLP. She fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning December 21, 2017, and ending October 31, 2021. 

Steven Platau, 60, of Tampa, is a professor at the University of Tampa. He succeeds Eric Robinson and is appointed for a term beginning December 21, 2017, and ending October 31, 2021. 

Tracy  Keegan, 52, of Naples, is the executive vice president and chief financial officer of Atlantic Coast Bank. She is reappointed for a term beginning December 21, 2017, and ending October 31, 2021.

These appointments are subject to Senate confirmation. 

Board of Respiratory Care

Janelle Hom, 31, of Orlando, is the executive director of the American Lung Association of the Southeast, Inc. She fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning December 21, 2017, and ending October 31, 2021

This appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.

 Florida Real Estate Commission

 Guy Sanchez, Jr., 52, of Orlando, is the vice president and managing broker of Watson Realty Corp., Southwest Orlando Office. He succeeds Claude Boring and is appointed for a term beginning December 21, 2017, and ending October 31, 2021.

Richard Fryer, 71, of Lake Mary, is the president of the Institute of Florida Real Estate Careers, Inc. He is reappointed for a term beginning December 21, 2017, and ending October 31, 2021.

These appointments are subject to Senate confirmation.

Halifax Hospital Medical Center Board of Commissioners

Glenn Ritchey, 77, of Daytona Beach, is the president of Southeast Automotive Management. He is reappointed for a term beginning December 21, 2017, and ending May 23, 2020.

Tom McCall, 46, of Ormond Beach, is the chief operating officer and chief financial officer of ICI Homes, Inc. He is reappointed for a term beginning December 21, 2017, and ending May 23, 2021.

Harold Goodemote, 58, of Daytona Beach, is the vice president of Coleman Goodemote Construction. He is reappointed for a term beginning December 21, 2017, and ending May 23, 2021.

Collier County Housing Authority

Rebecca Vaccariello, 43, of Naples, is an attorney with Gallagher Lutgert, LLP. She is reappointed for a term beginning December 21, 2017, and ending November 7, 2021.

Jay Roth, 48, of Naples, is the manager at Lutgert Insurance. He fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning December 21, 2017, and ending October 27, 2019.

Florida Commission on Human Relations 

Jay Pichard, 50, of Tallahassee, is the owner of Remedy Staffing. He is reappointed for a term beginning December 21, 2017, and ending September 30, 2020. 

Al McCambry, 57, of Lynn Haven, is the dean of workforce development at Gulf Coast State College. He fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning December 21, 2017, and ending September 30, 2019.

These appointments are subject to Senate confirmation. 

Governor’s Mansion Commission

 Kathleen Kelly, 53, of Thomasville, is a managing partner of Kevin’s Fine Outdoor. She fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning December 21, 2017, and ending September 30, 2021.

Mary Mica, 32, of Tallahassee, is the owner of Mary Mica Designs, LLC. She succeeds Marla Glover and is appointed for a term beginning December 21, 2017, and ending September 30, 2020. 

These appointments are subject to Senate confirmation.

Gov. Scott Reappoints Two to Florida Prepaid College Board

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced the reappointments of Ambassador John Rood and Adria Starkey to the Florida Prepaid College Board.

 Ambassador John Rood, 62, of Jacksonville, is the chairman of the Vestcor Companies, Inc. He previously served as the United States Ambassador to the Commonwealth of the Bahamas from 2004 to 2007. Rood received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Montana. He is reappointed for a term beginning December 21, 2017, and ending June 30, 2020. 

Adria Starkey, 62, of Naples, is the Collier County president of FineMark National Bank & Trust. She received her bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Florida. Starkey is reappointed for a term beginning December 21, 2017, and ending June 30, 2019.

The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

Gov. Scott Reappoints Cesar Alvarez to Florida International University Board of Trustees

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced the reappointment of Cesar Alvarez to the Florida International University Board of Trustees. 

Alvarez, 70, of Miami, is the senior chairman of Greenberg Traurig Law Firm. He received his bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and juris doctor from the University of Florida. Alvarez is reappointed for a term beginning December 21, 2017, and ending January 6, 2023.

The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

Gov. Scott Announces Danfoss to Create 120 New Jobs in Leon County

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NAPLES, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that manufacturer Danfoss Turbocor Compressors will be building a new facility in Tallahassee and will add 120 new jobs. The new facility will expand the company’s existing footprint within Innovation Park in Tallahassee, which includes the engineering and manufacturing operations of Danfoss and its brand-new Application Development Center that opened earlier this year.

Governor Scott said, “I’m proud to announce that Danfoss will be building a new facility and creating 120 new jobs for families in Leon County. Florida manufacturers like Danfoss help create job opportunities across our state, and we permanently eliminated the sales tax on manufacturing machinery and equipment last year to make it easier for these businesses to continue growing in Florida.” 

The new jobs will include full-time research and development positions within advanced manufacturing. Construction is expected to begin in early 2018 and is expected to be completed in 2019. Danfoss is the pioneer of oil-free, magnetic bearing, variable speed technology and manufacturer of high-efficiency electronic components, controls, compressors, and variable frequency drives for air-conditioning, heating, and refrigeration systems.

Ricardo Schneider, president, Danfoss Turbocor Compressors, said, “The investment in this new facility signifies Danfoss’ commitment to bringing new, innovative technologies to the market, and to partnering with our customers to engineer high-efficiency, reliable, environmentally-responsible solutions. In Tallahassee, we have the tremendous opportunity to collaborate with world-class researchers in aerodynamics, power electronics, and magnetic technologies at Florida State University. We are excited and proud to grow our capabilities here and further build on the success and potential of our relationship with great local partners like FSU.”                    

Danfoss Danfoss engineers technologies that enable the world of tomorrow to do more with less. It meets the growing need for infrastructure, food supply, energy efficiency and climate-friendly solutions. Its products and services are used in areas such as refrigeration, air conditioning, heating, motor control and mobile machinery. The company is also active in the field of renewable energy as well as district heating infrastructure for cities and urban communities. Its innovative engineering dates back to 1933 and today Danfoss is a world-leader, employing more than 25,000 employees and serving customers in more than 100 countries. Read more about Danfoss at www.danfoss.com

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.

Leon County Office of Economic Vitality is an economic development model that ensures accountability, transparency, citizen engagement and professional management of economic development projects. The Office of Economic Vitality aims to develop programs and initiatives while simultaneously leveraging ideas, innovations and intellectual capital through the continuous coordination of the community’s economic development partners.

Gov. Rick Scott: Congress Must Pass Hurricane Disaster Relief Funding

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NAPLES, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott issued the below statement urging Congress to pass a disaster relief funding package which includes critical funding for local school districts enrolling students displaced from Puerto Rico, supports key infrastructure projects, and provides relief for citrus and agriculture in Florida.

Governor Scott said, “For more than three months, Floridians have been fighting to recover from the horrible destruction of Hurricane Irma, especially those in Florida’s citrus industry. Now, while we continue to recover from Hurricane Irma, we are also lending a helping hand to our neighbors from Puerto Rico who have been displaced by Hurricane Maria and are now coming to Florida.

“The much-needed disaster relief funding recently proposed by the U.S. House of Representatives is encouraging. For months, I have been urging the federal government to assist Florida’s recovery and I am glad to see that they have listened to our requests and included it in their proposal. The recovery funding would aid Florida citrus growers, help our school districts educate displaced students from Puerto Rico, and assist to repair Florida infrastructure. Now, Congress must vote and pass a bill immediately.

“Congress also needs to make it clear that the funding included in their package for infrastructure projects should go toward the needed critical repairs to the federal Herbert Hoover Dike surrounding Lake Okeechobee. As Hurricane Irma was bearing down on our state, we were forced to evacuate communities surrounding the lake due to safety concerns identified by the Army Corps of Engineers. The lake reached dangerous levels, and Florida cannot go through another hurricane season without exploring all avenues of federal funding to fix the dike. For the first time, we secured $50 million in state funding to help expedite these federal repairs this year, and it is imperative that Congress acts on this federal project now.” 

Action taken by Governor Scott to urge federal disaster relief:

  • 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 6th, Governor Scott spoke with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue.
  • On October 11th, Governor Scott traveled to Washington D.C. joined by Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam to meet with members of the Florida congressional delegation to discuss Hurricane Irma and Florida’s citrus industry.
  • 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 11th , November 13th and November 17th, the Governor spoke with White House Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney.
  • On October 30th, the Governor’s office sent a letter Office of Management and Budget. See the letter HERE.
  • 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 Ryan urging them to support Florida’s recovery following Hurricane Irma, Florida’s efforts to support those displaced from Puerto Rico by Hurricane Maria and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ongoing repairs to the Herbert Hoover Dike. See the Governor’s letter HERE.
  • On November 28th, Governor Scott spoke with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson.
  • On December 15th, the Governor spoke to House Speaker Paul Ryan urging immediate action to help Florida citrus growers.
  • On December 19th, the Governor spoke with Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Senator John Hoeven.
  • On December 19th, the Governor spoke with Congressman Vern Buchanan regarding citrus relief.
  • On December 20th, Governor Scott spoke with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue.