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Gov. Rick Scott Statement on Shooting of Highlands County Sheriff’s Deputy

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Governor Rick Scott made the following statement today regarding last night’s shooting in Highlands County that took the life of Highlands County Sheriff’s Deputy William Gentry.

Governor Scott said, “Each day, Florida’s brave men and women in law enforcement selflessly place the safety of others above their own. Today, my wife, Ann, and I join all Floridians in mourning the loss of another Florida hero, Deputy William Gentry, whose life has now been senselessly taken. Last night, I spoke with Highlands County Sheriff Paul Blackman and committed all available state resources they may need. We will not stand for anyone who hurts our law enforcement. I ask for all Floridians to pray for Deputy Gentry’s family and loved ones, the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office and all of our courageous law enforcement who go above and beyond every day to keep us safe.”

Gov. Rick Scott Statement on Shooting of Gilchrist County Deputy Sheriffs

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Governor Rick Scott made the following statement this evening regarding this afternoon’s shooting in Gilchrist County that resulted in the loss of two Gilchrist County Deputy Sheriffs.

Governor Rick Scott said, “My wife, Ann, and I are heartbroken by the loss of two law enforcement officers in Trenton. I have spoken with the Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office and committed all available state resources they may need. I have also been briefed by FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen who has officers on the scene. It is true evil for anyone to hurt a law enforcement officer, and in Florida, we have zero tolerance for violence, especially against the police. Tonight, I ask every Floridian to honor these law enforcement officers, their brothers and sisters in uniform and their families. May God bless those who work to keep our communities safe.”

Gov. Scott Convenes Florida Leaders to Work on Solutions to Keep Students Safe

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Following the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland last week, Governor Scott said that he would be quickly organizing meetings with state and local leaders to discuss ways to keep Florida students safe, including school safety improvements and keeping guns away from individuals struggling with mental illness. Tomorrow, February 20th, Governor Scott has organized state and local leaders to meet for workshops at the Florida Department of Education (DOE), the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) and the Florida Sheriffs Association. These groups will consist of members of law enforcement, school administrators, teachers, mental health experts, and state agency leadership. Governor Scott will be attending these workshops throughout the day and will hold a roundtable to discuss their findings at the end of the day.

All meetings will be open to the media and address the following:

  • The education workshop will focus on school safety improvements and updating school security protocols and emergency plans.
  • The mental health and child welfare workshop will focus on ways to expand mental health services for Floridians, especially students, and improve coordination between state, local and private behavioral health partners.
  • The law enforcement workshop will focus on ensuring individuals struggling from mental illness do not have access to guns and potential safety improvements for firearm policies.

Governor Scott said, “I have spent the last week in Parkland talking to members of the community, students and families of the victims who are suffering following this horrific shooting. While there are only three weeks left of the legislative session, we must make changes to keep students safe.  A tragedy like what occurred in Broward County must never happen again and swift action is needed now. I am bringing local and state leaders together to find solutions on how to prevent violence in our schools and keep guns out of the hands of mentally ill individuals. This is an urgent matter that we must address quickly.”

These meetings are not open to the public, but will be live-streamed by the Florida Channel at thefloridachannel.org. A website will be provided to submit public input.

WHAT: Workshop with education officials

WHEN: 10:00AM -12:00PM; 2:00PM – 4:00PM

WHERE: Florida Department of Education
325 W Gaines St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399

WHAT: Workshop with child welfare advocates and behavioral health leaders

WHEN: 9:00AM -11:00AM; 2:00PM – 4:00PM

WHERE: Florida Department of Children and Families
1317 Winewood Blvd.
Tallahassee, FL 32399

WHAT: Workshop with Florida’s law enforcement community

WHEN: 10:00AM -12:00PM; 2:00PM – 4:00PM

WHERE: Florida Sheriffs Association
2617 Mahan Dr.
Tallahassee, FL 32308

WHAT: Roundtable with Governor Scott and leadership members from workshop groups

WHEN: 5:30PM

WHERE: Florida State Capitol
Governor’s Large Conference Room
400 S Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399

NOTE: The Florida Channel will be live-streaming the meetings at thefloridachannel.org

Gov. Scott Issues Updates on State Response to Marjory Douglas High School Shooting

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Following the tragic shooting at Marjory Douglas High School in Parkland yesterday, Governor Scott has continued to be briefed by law enforcement and emergency management officials and has remained in communication with state leaders to ensure all state resources are made available. The Governor has also spoken with President Trump, the Department of Homeland Security and local school officials. Governor Scott remains in Broward County and additional details regarding the Governor’s schedule will be made available throughout the day. Governor Scott also announced that he will be organizing meetings with state and local leaders in Tallahassee next week to discuss ways to keep Florida students safe, including school safety improvements and keeping guns away from individuals struggling with mental illness. For more information, click HERE.

Information on the State of Florida’s response:

Florida Department of Education

  • The Department of Education has offered to send crisis management teams to Broward County. These individuals have extensive experience in crisis situations and stand ready to coordinate with Broward County’s crisis management teams to provide any additional community support.
  • Grief counseling is available today, Thursday, February 15, 2018, at a number of locations in Broward County for anyone needing support following the tragic events at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School: http://bit.ly/2o7sIkw
  • Broward College is offering students counseling and 24-hour crisis support. To schedule an appointment or speak to a mental health professional, students should call 954-424-6916.
  • The Florida Department of Education has communicated with the Florida Association of School Psychologists, and their health care professionals, which are on standby to assist, and with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Association, a branch of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which have offered virtual and in-person support.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement

  • Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) agents are assisting Broward County Sheriff’s Office with the investigation and FDLE analysts are gathering information.
  • Florida’s See Something Say Something number is activated to accept calls for information regarding the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. Anyone who has information, please call 1-855-FLA-SAFE.

Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

  • Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) provided perimeter support and is assisting law enforcement with the ongoing investigation.
  • The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles will be deploying two Florida Licensing on Wheels (FLOW) Mobile units to provide credentialing services to those impacted from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. In addition, impacted customers will be offered priority service in all DHSMV credentialing offices. Obtaining a Florida credential (DL or ID) will invalidate any previously-issued credential.

Florida Department of Children and Families

  • The Florida Department of Children and Families’ (DCF) local managing entity, Broward Behavioral Health Coalition, has community providers, including Henderson Behavioral Health, offering grief and crisis counseling services to students, families, and school personnel. Currently there are eight counselors available at four sites designated by Broward County Public Schools.

Florida Department of Health

  • The Department of Health has been in contact with our partners at the Florida Emergency Mortuary Operation Response System (FEMORS) and stand ready to assist Broward County’s medical examiner.
  • OneBlood has responded to meet the current blood needs of the Parkland area hospitals, however OneBlood is requesting that those who are able donate O negative in order to replenish supply. Find donation locations here: https://www.oneblood.org/donate-now/
  • DOH continues to monitor the situation and stands ready to assist in any way.

Volunteer Efforts

  • The Salvation Amy is supporting with meals and water at the Family Assistance Center established by the Broward Emergency Operations Center.
  • American Red Cross staff, including Disaster Mental Health, Disaster Health Services, Disaster Client Services as well as management and logistics support, are on scene at the Family Assistance Center. Emergency Response Vehicles (ERV) have also been deployed.
  • Approximately 45 American Red Cross volunteers have responded in support of the families and first responders.
  • Volunteer Florida is supporting partner agencies responding to the event and will continue to coordinate with their local and state partners regarding potential unmet needs.

Florida Office of the Attorney General

  • Attorney General Pam Bondi, her director of victim services and approximately a dozen advocates are on the scene helping victims and their families with counseling services and funeral, burial and medical expenses.
  • Victims of the attack in need of assistance can contact the office toll-free at 1(800) 226-6667 or use the following contact form: http://myfloridalegal.com/Contact.nsf/Contact?OpenForm&Section=Crime_Victim_Services.

Sen. Daphne Campbell calls for assault weapons ban in Florida

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State Senator Daphne Campbell on Thursday issued the following statement:

“The tragedy at Stoneman Douglas High School deeply trouble me. The time for a “having a conversation” is now. We must take substantive action to ensure that acts of violence like this never happen again. I call on Governor Scott and my colleagues in the House and Senate to support legislation banning the sale of assault weapons (SB 196/H219 in our state.

“Mass shooting like: Aurora, Sandy Hook, Pulse, Las Vegas and Sutherland TX all have one thing in common and that an assault weapon was used to kill a large number of innocent citizens in a short period of time.  It baffles me that a teenager in our state can walk into a gun store and purchase a machine of death without a mental evaluation, or a waiting period, before walking out of the store with a gun.

“How many Floridians must die before we take action? Now must be different, now is the time that we must buck the gun lobby and enact common sense solutions that will protect our children, our cities, and our state. No Floridian should be able to possess a weapon that was developed for use on a battlefield.

“Let’s end these senseless killing in our state, let’s make Florida a safer place for our children and neighbors. We have the power to make a difference. Let’s start now.”

Statement by Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam

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In response to requests, please see the statement attributable to Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam:

“I mourn, along with the rest of the country, for those who lost their lives at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High and their loved ones, and out of respect for their families and those suffering as a result of this tragedy, I’m working with bill sponsors to postpone consideration of the legislative proposal related to the licensing process.

“While the shooter would not have even been eligible for a concealed weapon license and clearly had a troubled past that indicated serious mental health issues, the focus now should be on mental health and how we protect our children.

“All of us have an obligation to notify authorities when we see the behavior that this killer exhibited online and in school.”

Statement on Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Shooting

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As Floridians continue to grapple with the massacres at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando and the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, our state is mourning yet another mass shooting, this time at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Broward County. At least 17 people have died, while many others have been injured. Our thoughts are with the Parkland community and those families forever impacted by today’s unspeakable tragedy.
The shooter, now in custody, was reportedly a former student who apparently chose an AR-15 semi-automatic assault rifle to use as his weapon. These types of weapons have been used in mass shootings again and again, including Aurora, Colorado; Newtown, Connecticut; San Bernardino, California; Orlando, Florida; Sutherland Springs, Texas; and Las Vegas, Nevada. Right now, the Florida Legislature has before it legislation to ban military-style assault weapons and high capacity magazines but has failed to act.
This shooting is further proof that semiautomatic weapons do not belong in the hands of civilians. They are weapons of mass destruction. The Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence and the League of Women Voters of Florida call upon our Legislature currently in Session to hear and pass the ban on assault weapons — HB 219 and SB 196.
Our hearts break for the young lives that were ripped away in a senseless and all-too-common act of brutality. The Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence is committed to fighting for smart, responsible gun legislation. The federal government will not change these laws; the state of Florida can and should protect its citizens, and most importantly its children.

MEMORANDUM: Flags at Half-Staff to Honor Victims of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Shooting

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MEMORANDUM

TO: Tom Berger
Director of Real Estate Management and Development

FROM: Governor Rick Scott

DATE: February 14, 2018

RE: Flags at Half-Staff to Honor Victims of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Shooting

In honor and remembrance of the victims of the senseless violence committed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, on February 14, 2018, I hereby direct the flags of the United States and the State of Florida to be flown at half-staff at all local and state buildings, installations, and grounds throughout the State of Florida.  The flags shall be lowered immediately and remain at half-staff until sunset on Monday, February 19, 2018.

Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Statement on the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Shooting

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Attorney General Pam Bondi today issued the following statement regarding the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School:

“Praying for everyone involved in today’s shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. I am on the way with my victim advocates and we will be available in full force to help all victims and their families with any services they need.”

Dennis Baxley Statement on Shooting in Las Vegas

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Senator Dennis Baxley this morning released the following statement regarding the shooting in Las Vegas:
“Last night’s shooting in Las Vegas is an unspeakable tragedy. My heart is broken for the victims, their families, and the thousands who witnessed this evil act. They are all in my prayers. As always, the first responders were outstanding, and I’m so grateful for their heroic service.”