IMMOKALEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott visited utility linemen in Collier County to thank them for their work restoring power to Florida homes and businesses. This week, Governor Scott announced that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will accept official utility workers’ identification in lieu of a Florida freshwater or saltwater fishing license through June 30, 2018, and that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is offering free day-passes to Florida State Parks that can be used on an unlimited basis until October 2018 for all utility workers.
Rick Scott
Governor Scott Discusses Hurricane Irma Recovery Efforts in the Florida Keys
MARATHON, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott visited Monroe County to discuss Hurricane Irma recovery efforts with state and local officials and thank first responders, law enforcement and utility workers for their commitment to Florida families. Since Hurricane Irma moved through the state, Governor Scott has visited communities in the Florida Keys, Southwest Florida and Northeast Florida to tour local impacts, thank law enforcement and first responders and discuss recovery efforts with local leaders.
Governor Scott also announced that the license-free freshwater and saltwater fishing offer made to Florida’s law enforcement and first responders to include utility workers. Read more HERE.
GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT’S SCHEDULE FOR FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2017
9:10am CALL WITH U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT SECRETARY BEN CARSON REGARDING HURRICANE IRMA RECOVERY
9:30am VISIT TO MIAMI-DADE COUNTY SHELTER TO MEET WITH PUERTO RICO EVACUEES
Location: Florida International University – Parking Garage 6
Address: 11099 SW 10th Street
Miami, FL 33199
10:35-10:50am STAFF AND CALL TIME (VIA PHONE)
12:45pm MEETING WITH STATE AND LOCAL OFFICIALS REGARDING HURRICANE IRMA RECOVERY IN THE FLORIDA KEYS
Location: Marathon City Hall
Address: 9806 Overseas Highway
Marathon, FL 33050
*NOTE: The Governor will tour local impacts of Hurricane Irma following the meeting. Media can meet at the Marathon City Hall to follow the tour.
4:30-5:00pm STAFF AND CALL TIME (VIA PHONE)
LT. GOVERNOR CARLOS LOPEZ-CANTERA’S SCHEDULE
FOR
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2017
9:30am STAFF AND CALL TIME
3:00-4:00pm STAFF AND CALL TIME
Gov. Scott Thanks Law Enforcement and First Responders in Seminole County
SANFORD, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott visited the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office Professional Development Center to thank local law enforcement, emergency management officials and first responders for their commitment to Florida families before, during and after Hurricane Irma. The Governor also announced that Florida’s law enforcement officers and first responders will be able to enjoy license-free freshwater and saltwater fishing beginning today through June 30, 2018.
Since Hurricane Irma moved through the state, Governor Scott has visited communities in the Florida Keys, Southwest Florida and Northeast Florida to thank law enforcement and first responders and discuss recovery efforts with local leaders. See updated statewide Hurricane Irma response and recovery efforts HERE.
Gov. Scott Appoints Thomas Bryan to University of North Florida Board of Trustees
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced the appointment of Thomas Bryan to the University of North Florida Board of Trustees.
Bryan, 50, of Jacksonville, is a Partner at Terra Capital Holdings, Inc. He previously served as a trustee on the District Board of Trustees, Florida State College at Jacksonville. Bryan received his bachelor’s degree from Jacksonville University. He succeeds Joy Korman, and is appointed for a term beginning January 1, 2018, and ending January 1, 2023. This early appointment will ensure Bryan is fully acclimated and able to assist in the University of North Florida’s Presidential search and selection process early next spring.
The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Gov. Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi: Debris Removal Stalemate Unacceptable
NAPLES, Fla. – After hearing several complaints from county administrators, city mayors and other local elected officials about debris removal contractors not performing their duties to remove debris in accordance with their pre-storm contracts, Governor Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi released the following statement. Governor Scott is calling on debris removal companies from Florida and across the country who are willing to help at a fair price to contact the Florida Department of Transportation HERE.
Governor Scott said, “I have been speaking regularly with city and county leaders to make sure our communities have the resources they need to prepare, respond and recover from this massive storm. One of our top focuses has been on making sure debris from the storm is quickly cleared so families can get back to their homes, power can be turned on, and communities can rebuild. This week, I have heard from many local communities from across the state that believe they are being price gouged by debris removal contractors. Many mayors have told me there are companies not following contracts by removing debris.
“We will not tolerate any attempt by businesses to take advantage of our communities during their time of need, especially in the wake of a natural disaster like Hurricane Irma. I want to thank Attorney General Pam Bondi for her tireless work on behalf of Floridians and appreciate her ensuring that our taxpayers are protected.
“Today, I am also asking debris removal companies in Florida and across the country who can provide services to our counties in need at a fair price to contact the Florida Department of Transportation so FDOT can immediately connect these businesses with counties in need. We will continue to do all we can to help ensure communities get cleaned up.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi said, “These contractors should honor their promises to Floridians and do their jobs when they are needed most. Exploiting this crisis at taxpayer expense is outrageous and will not be tolerated. I will work closely with the Governor, cities and counties to ensure contracts are honored and communities restored. Regardless of whether something is unlawful, this is a morality issue impacting fellow Floridians in a time of need.”
Gov. Scott Congratulates Orlando International Airport for Top Ranking in North America
SANFORD, Fla. – Governor Rick Scott congratulated Orlando International Airport for receiving the top ranking for consumer satisfaction among mega airports by J.D. Power’s 2017 North America Airport Satisfaction Study.
Governor Scott said, “Florida is proud to be home to North America’s top airport for customer satisfaction. We’ve made significant investments to improve Orlando International so it can continue to provide jobs and economic opportunities for Central Florida families. Florida’s growing economy continues to allow us to prioritize investments so Florida can be home to some of the world’s best transportation infrastructure.”
Governor Scott has lead significant state investments in Orlando International Airport related to enhancing the airport experience:
- $198.4 million for the South terminal complex construction;
- $28.3 million in the main terminal ticket lobby expansion, renovations and improvements;
- $2.7 million invested for the Federal Inspection Station expansion and renovations, including four new gates for large international aircraft; and
- $275,000 for the reconfiguration and improvements of the east and west TSA checkpoints.
Orlando International airport has more than 43 million annual passengers, making it the second busiest airport in Florida and 13th busiest in the U.S. With the state’s most domestic routes and non-stop service to 57 international destinations, MCO provides global access for business and leisure interests. Orlando International Airport generates $31 billion in direct and indirect revenue for the regional economy.
Gov. Scott Announces License-Free Freshwater and Saltwater Fishing for Florida Law Enforcement and First Responders
SANFORD, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that Florida’s law enforcement officers and first responders will be able to enjoy license-free freshwater and saltwater fishing beginning today through June 30, 2018. This is in recognition of their lifesaving work preparing and responding to Hurricane Irma. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will accept official first responder identification in lieu of a Florida fishing license during this period. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is also offering free day-passes to Florida State Parks that can be used on an unlimited basis until October 2018 for all law enforcement officers, first responders and utility workers.
Governor Scott said, “Before and after Hurricane Irma, Florida’s brave law enforcement officers and first responders have been tirelessly working around the clock to meet the needs of our families and communities. Even as their own families were evacuating or working to begin the recovery process, they have been putting their own lives on the line to keep our state safe. We owe these brave heroes a debt of gratitude, and I am proud to announce this license-free fishing opportunity as a gesture of appreciation and recognition for their service to our state.”
Brian Yablonski, FWC Chairman, said, “These true heroes of hurricane response efforts will be able to enjoy Florida’s world class freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities without buying a fishing license. It is our hope this small token of appreciation will give these dedicated men and women an opportunity to get a break from stressful recovery work so they can relax and enjoy good times fishing with family and friends.”
Gov. Scott to Thank Law Enforcement and First Responders in Seminole County
SANFORD, Fla. – Today, September 21st, Governor Rick Scott will visit the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office Professional Development Center to thank local law enforcement, emergency management officials and first responders for their commitment to Florida families before, during and after Hurricane Irma.
WHAT: Hurricane Irma First Responder Appreciation Event
WHEN: 3:00 PM
WHERE: Seminole County Sheriff’s Office Professional Development Center
2772 Depot Avenue
Sanford, FL 32773
Gov. Scott Visits Hurricane Irma Shelter and Discusses Recovery Efforts in Monroe County
MARATHON, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Acting Secretary Elaine Duke and American Red Cross CEO Gail McGovern visited Florida families and volunteers at a Hurricane Irma shelter in Monroe County. Governor Scott and Acting Secretary Duke also met with state and local officials to discuss ongoing Hurricane Irma response and recovery efforts in the Florida Keys.
Since Hurricane Irma impacted our state, Governor Scott has visited communities in the Florida Keys, Southwest Florida and Northeast Florida to discuss response and recovery efforts with local leaders and thank first responders and volunteers. See updated statewide Hurricane Irma response and recovery efforts HERE.