Capital Soup

Florida News Straight From the Source

You are here: Home / Archives for Rick Scott

Rick Scott

Gov. Scott: Tax Cuts Will Boost Economy and Benefit Florida Citrus

Posted on

NAPLES, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott made the following statement regarding the United States House of Representatives passing tax cuts. The Governor is applauding the House for also including Representative Vern Buchanan’s Emergency Citrus Disease Relief Act to help Florida citrus growers.

Governor Scott said, “It is great news that Washington is following Florida’s lead by cutting taxes for families. In Florida, we have cut taxes more than 80 times saving families over $7.5 billion, and today is an important step to return money back to Americans. It is also great news that the U.S. House of Representatives included Congressman Vern Buchanan’s proposal for tax relief for Florida’s citrus growers. Hurricane Irma decimated this iconic Florida industry and I have continued to advocate for months for funding to help Florida’s citrus industry fully recover. I look forward to the Senate’s passage of tax relief.”

GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT’S SCHEDULE FOR MONDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2017

Posted on

GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT’S SCHEDULE FOR MONDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2017

9:30-10:30am             STAFF AND CALL TIME (VIA PHONE)

1:15pm                       “FREEDOM FOR VENEZUELA” ROUNDTABLE

Location:         Universidad Rafael Belloso Chacin

Address:          2550 NW 100th Avenue

                        Doral, FL 33172

LT. GOVERNOR LOPEZ-CANTERA’S SCHEDULE FOR MONDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2017 

9:00am                        STAFF AND CALL TIME

Florida League of Cities Resolution Praises Governor for Leadership, Assistance Throughout Irma

Posted on

Resolution also commends Florida Division of
Emergency Management for ongoing efforts

The Florida League of Cities Board of Directors today announced a resolution thanking Gov. Rick Scott, his executive team, and the Florida Division of Emergency Management for their tireless efforts and dedication leading Florida through preparations, response, and recovery associated with Hurricane Irma.
The resolution recognizes Gov. Scott for his steady guidance throughout Irma, including constant updates to Florida residents and consistent communication with municipal leaders in order to keep their communities safe.
Governor Rick Scott said, “I appreciate the Florida League of Cities for this resolution. Our first responders, volunteers and emergency management professionals are the ones who deserve all of the credit for the preparations, response and ongoing recovery from Hurricane Irma.”
The League of Cities also commended the governor for the plans and actions he executed to assist Florida residents with evacuation and preparedness efforts throughout Irma. For example, Gov. Scott worked with the Florida Department of Transportation to suspend tolls across the state to make it easier for residents to evacuate and emergency responders to get to locations where they were needed.
The Florida League of Cities acknowledged how accessible both the governor and the Division of Emergency Management were for expediting discussions, solutions, and advice to help local government officials meet the needs for their cities. The League specifically praised recently departed DEM Director Bryan Koon, who left that position after Irma had passed, for his efforts.

Gov. Scott: Florida Stands Ready to Help Puerto Rico Following Hurricane Maria

Posted on

Gov. Scott: Florida Stands Ready to Help Puerto Rico Following Hurricane Maria

Asks Florida State Colleges and Universities to Offer In-State Tuition to Students from Puerto Rico

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott reaffirmed Florida’s commitment to supporting Puerto Rico following the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria. The Governor has notified the Florida National Guard and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) to be on standby for deployment following an official request for assistance from Puerto Rico, and the Florida National Guard is already actively assisting Puerto Rico with organizing and submitting relief requests. Governor Scott is asking Florida state colleges and universities to allow students displaced by the storm in Puerto Rico to be offered in-state tuition. Governor Scott also spoke with FEMA Administrator Brock Long today and with Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello before the storm made landfall last week to let them know that Florida stands ready to assist in any way possible throughout the recovery process.

 Governor Scott said, “The heartbreak that our friends in Puerto Rico are enduring following this devastating storm is unimaginable and our prayers are with every family who calls this beautiful island their home. This morning, I spoke with Brock Long to let him know that Florida stands ready to assist Puerto Rico in any way we can. Today, I directed the Florida National Guard and FWC to be prepared for deployment as soon as we receive a formal request for assistance from Puerto Rico. I am also asking all Florida state colleges and universities to offer in-state tuition to any student who was displaced from their home in Puerto Rico to make sure we are doing everything we can to help these families. 

“We know how important it is to share resources with our friends and neighbors during these times, and I was able to speak with Governor Rossello last week to tell him that Florida will provide whatever resources are needed to help families in Puerto Rico rebuild. Last week, I also had the opportunity to meet with Puerto Rican evacuees at Florida International University’s shelter and I was moved by their stories of strength and their determination to quickly return to and repair their homes. Their resilience after this tragedy is an inspiration to us all and Florida is proud to stand with Puerto Rico during this challenging time.”

GOV. SCOTT TO PROPOSE MAJOR LEGISLATION AND $50 MILLION INVESTMENT TO COMBAT OPIOID ABUSE

Posted on

BRADENTON, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that during the upcoming legislative session, he will propose major legislation and more than $50 million as part of his 2018-2019 recommended budget to combat opioid abuse in Florida.

The proposed legislation will include:

  • Placing a three-day limit on prescribed opioids, unless strict conditions are met for a seven-day supply;
  • Requiring all healthcare professionals that prescribe or dispense medication to participate in the Florida Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, a statewide database that monitors controlled substance prescriptions; and
  • Additional reforms to fight unlicensed pain management clinics, require continuing education courses on responsibly prescribing opioids, and create new opportunities for federal grant funding.

The proposed investment of more than $50 million will include funding for:

  • Substance abuse treatment;
  • Counseling and recovery services; and
  • The Florida Violent Crime and Drug Control Council.

Governor Scott said, “We made a commitment here in Florida to do everything possible to support our communities and fight the national opioid epidemic, and while we have taken major steps to fight this crisis, more must be done. Today, I am proud to announce that I will propose major legislation during the upcoming legislative session and more than $50 million in my recommended budget to combat opioid abuse in our state. 

“As I travel the state, I have met many families who are dealing with the heartache of drug addiction. Growing up, my own family dealt with the struggle of substance abuse and I know firsthand how this painful issue causes families to worry and pray for help and healing. As states across the country continue to fight this national epidemic, we must make sure Florida is doing our part to help vulnerable individuals and keep our families safe.

“These proposals will make a major impact on limiting the chance of drug addiction, reducing the ability for dangerous drugs to spread in our communities, giving vulnerable Floridians the support they need, and ensuring our hardworking law enforcement officers have the resources to protect Floridians. I look forward to working with President Negron, Speaker Corcoran and the entire Legislature to pass this impactful legislation and major investment. I would also like to thank Attorney General Pam Bondi for her focus on this issue and her commitment to keeping our families safe. We will continue to work closely with our federal, state and local partners throughout this fight.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi said, “We are in the midst of a national opioid crisis claiming lives in Florida, and we must do everything we can to stop drug abuse and save lives. I want to thank Governor Scott for proposing these legislative initiatives that will help stop addiction before it begins. It will take an all-hands-on-deck strategy, not only in Florida, but nationwide to address this crisis destroying American families.”

Senate President Joe Negron said, “The Senate is committed to working with our partners across the state to combat opioid abuse, and I appreciate Governor Scott’s leadership on this serious issue. The Senate looks forward to working with Governor Scott and our colleagues in the Florida House as we continue to do all we can to protect Florida communities from this national epidemic.”

House Speaker Richard Corcoran said, “The State of Florida is fully dedicated to protecting our families and communities from the national opioid epidemic. I look forward to continuing to work together with Governor Scott and my fellow Legislators to ensure our families, healthcare professionals and law enforcement officers have all the resources they need in this fight.” 

Representative Jim Boyd, “I was proud to join Governor Scott today to announce these important proposals to combat opioid abuse across our state. We will continue to work to protect every family in Florida.”

More details on the Governor’s proposed legislation and funding to combat opioid abuse will be made available in the coming weeks.

GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT’S SCHEDULE FOR TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2017

Posted on

GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT’S SCHEDULE

FOR

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2017

 9:30am                       MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING FIGHT AGAINST OPIOID ABUSE

Location:         Bradenton Police Department

Address:          100 10th Street West

Bradenton, FL 34205

3:00pm                       MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING FIGHT AGAINST OPIOID ABUSE

Location:         Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office

Address:          3228 Gun Club Road

West Palm Beach, FL 33406

LT. GOVERNOR LOPEZ-CANTERA’S SCHEDULE

FOR

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2017

11:00am                     STAFF AND CALL TIME

Gov. Scott: Nursing Home Should Explain Why They Didn’t Call 911

Posted on

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott made the following statement regarding the Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills, where 11 people lost their lives in the wake of Hurricane Irma due to the facility’s inaction to call 911 or evacuate their patients to one of Florida’s largest hospitals located directly across the street.

Governor Scott said, “It’s an absolute shame that this facility continues to not take any responsibility for the deaths of 11 people. This nursing home is directly across the street from a hospital, making their failure to evacuate or call 911 in a timely manner completely inexplicable and inexcusable.  

“Any health care professional that thinks calling an elected official’s cell phone instead of 911 when people are in need should not be allowed to have any access to patients. Because of their inexplicable failure, I have taken aggressive action to suspend their license and remove them from the state’s Medicaid program. Every child knows that when there is imminent danger, 911 is the number to call. Yet, trained health staff at this facility didn’t even do that. No one has offered an explanation for why the nursing home allowed these patients to perish, why they failed to call 911 until it was too late or why they failed to evacuate patients in danger to the hospital directly across the street.

“Thus far, the owners and operators of this facility have offered no explanation or defense for the deaths of these patients in their care, other than to say they left messages on my personal cell phone. The nursing home administrators placed four separate calls to my cell phone, like hundreds of others did during the storm. In each instance, the calls were promptly returned by state officials, and the voicemails were immediately deleted so the voicemail box had room for more incoming messages. In none of these calls did the staff indicate that any of their patients were in danger. I gave my cell phone number out as a courtesy to any group during the hurricane that needed access to state resources. It’s a ridiculous and irrational suggestion that my personal cell phone is somehow a substitute for 911. 

“There were over 100 nursing homes that reportedly lost power during Hurricane Irma, but this is the only facility that allowed patients to die. I fully expect that those responsible for these senseless deaths will be brought to justice, and a criminal investigation is well underway by the Hollywood Police Department with the help of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Nothing can hide the fact that this health care facility failed to do their basic duty to protect life and the state will aggressively continue to hold this facility accountable.”

As the Governor’s Office has said, the voicemails were immediately deleted once the information was collected by staff and transmitted to the appropriate agency for handling, which is in accordance with Florida’s public record law and record retention policy. Each call was quickly returned. The information collected from the voicemails was released to the public last week along with more than 150 pages of documentation, including emails, notes, call log information and other relevant records (available HERE).

GOV. SCOTT EXPEDITING DELIVERY OF TARPS TO PATCH ROOFS OF HOMES DAMAGED BY IRMA

Posted on

MIAMI, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott directed the Florida Division of Emergency Management (DEM) to expedite the delivery of more than 10,000 tarps to communities across the state so that homeowners can patch roofs damaged by Hurricane Irma. To date, more than 100,000 tarps have been distributed throughout Florida. Following destructive storms like Hurricane Irma, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) activate Operation Blue Roof which provides a temporary covering of blue plastic sheeting at no cost to homeowners in eligible counties until permanent repairs can be made. The action ordered by Governor Scott today aims to mitigate and prevent additional water and rain damage to homes impacted by Hurricane Irma until the federal Operation Blue Roof program is fully operational.

Governor Scott said, “Throughout our state, many families are still displaced from their homes due to damage caused by Hurricane Irma. As we all work to help Florida recover, we must do everything possible to protect families and help them return to their homes. Today, I have directed the Florida Division of Emergency Management to take every action to expedite the delivery of tarps to impacted communities so homeowners can patch their roofs, preventing further damage to their property and allowing them to return home. Across the state, more than 100,000 tarps have already been distributed and today, an additional 6,000 tarps will be arriving in the Keys. Florida is expediting the delivery of these tarps until the federal Blue Roof program is operational.” 

Governor Scott Thanks Law Enforcement and First Responders in Miami

Posted on

MIAMI, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott visited the Miami Police Department to thank first responders and law enforcement for their commitment to Florida families. Last week, Governor Scott announced that Florida’s law enforcement officers, first responders and utility workers will be able to enjoy license-free freshwater and saltwater fishing through June 30, 2018 and offered a free day-pass to all Florida State Parks through October 2018 by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT’S SCHEDULE FOR MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2017 

Posted on

GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT’S SCHEDULE

FOR

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2017 

9:15am                       TOUR OF HURRICANE IRMA IMPACTS IN THE FLORIDA KEYS

Location:         Blue Gill Lane

                        Cudjoe Key, FL 33042

10:30am                     MEETING WITH LOCAL OFFICIALS ON HURRICANE IRMA RESPONSE AND RECOVERY

Location:         Marathon City Hall

Address:          9806 Overseas Highway

                        Marathon, FL 33050 

3:00pm                       FIRST RESPONDERS APPRECIATION EVENT

Location:         Miami Police College Auditorium

Address:          350 Northwest 2nd Avenue

                        Miami, FL 33128

 

LT. GOVERNOR LOPEZ-CANTERA’S SCHEDULE

FOR

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2017

1:00-5:00pm              TOUR OF HURRICANE IRMA IMPACTS IN COLLIER COUNTY

Location:         Ochopee, FL