ORLANDO, Fla. – Today, Senator Rick Scott delivered the keynote speech at the Florida Association of Counties Annual Conference and was awarded the Legislative Excellence Award for his commitment to serving Florida’s counties. Following the event, Senator Rick Scott announced endorsements from 115 County Commissioners representing nearly 90% of counties from across the Sunshine State. Since his time as Governor, Senator Rick Scott has been committed to working with local leaders across Florida to ensure they have what they need to best serve their communities.

Senator Rick Scott said, “It’s an honor to receive endorsements from so many local leaders across the Sunshine State. I have worked with many of these County Commissioners since I was Governor to ensure that Florida’s local governments have the necessary support to serve the many diverse needs of their communities. Whether it’s public safety, emergency services, or maintaining Florida’s beautiful public lands, these leaders are responsible for so many services that affect the everyday lives of Floridians.

“As Senator, I will always serve as their voice and advocate for Florida’s counties in Washington. From disaster funding to protecting Florida’s environment, fighting for Florida’s local communities has been one of my top priorities in Washington and I will continue to do so when I’m re-elected.”

Senator Rick Scott is fighting in Washington to build up the economy, rein in reckless spending from politicians and ensure that the federal government remains a partner to Florida’s state and local governments. Below outlines actions he is taking in the U.S. Senate. He is:

• Meeting regularly with local government leaders across the state to discuss how the federal government can best help local governments. His Senate Office was recently awarded the best constituent services in all of Congress.
• Fighting to ensure local communities have what they need to prepare for and respond to natural disasters. He is:
  • Fighting to pass the Federal Disaster Responsibility Act to provide emergency relief for natural disasters and authorize tax cuts for disaster losses.
  • Urging FEMA to reverse their decision to take away premium discounts from National Flood Insurance Program policy holders in Lee County.
  • Fighting to pass the Hurricane Tax Relief Act that would provide tax relief to Floridians who suffered property damage and loss due to Hurricanes Ian, Nicole, and Fiona.
• Working to make the National Flood Insurance Program transparent and fair for Floridians and has:
  • Introduced the Flood Insurance Affordability Act to require FEMA to offer Floridians an option to pay their flood insurance premiums monthly instead of a larger lump sum once a year.
  • Introduced the Flood Insurance Transparency Act to reform the National Flood Insurance Program and ensure that the public understands how rates are set.
  • Introducing legislation to offer tax relief to Americans who buy flood insurance, whether through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer.
• Fighting to protect Florida’s natural resources so Floridians can enjoy them for years to come.
• Fighting tax increases and to pass his constitutional amendment that would require a 2/3 majority vote for any legislation that raises taxes or fees on the American people. He got this done as Governor of Florida and won’t stop fighting to get this done for all Americans.
• Focused on building up the American economy and not relying on foreign adversaries. That includes building supply chains that rely on American workers and allies, terminating any trade deal that takes away American jobs and encouraging everyone to stop buying products from Communist China.

Tampa Bay/Central Region

Hernando County Commissioner Brian Hawkins said, “Senator Rick Scott fights every day to make Florida the best state in the country to live, work, and raise a family. As Governor, he cut taxes and regulations so Florida businesses could create jobs. In the Senate, he’s working to hold Joe Biden and the Democrats accountable for the mess they’ve created – open borders, high inflation, and reckless spending. We’ve seen firsthand here in Hernando County the results of Senator Scott’s leadership. We are proud to have him representing us and fighting for sanity in Washington, and I’m happy to endorse him for re-election.”

Hardee County Commissioner Renee Wyatt said, “Every day is a battle, Senator Rick Scott continues the fight to keep making Florida the best state in the country to live, work, and raise a family. I am proud to endorse Senator Rick Scott for re-election. Since his time as Governor, Senator Scott has always answered the call for Hardee County. In the Senate, he’s fighting back against the Democrats’ radical agenda that has sent prices soaring for Florida families. We need to keep Senator Scott up in Washington because he will ALWAYS put Floridians first. I look forward to continuing to work with him when he’s re-elected in November.”

Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano said, “It is my honor to endorse Senator Rick Scott for re-election. Whether as Florida’s Governor or Senator, Rick Scott always answers the call. Democrats in Washington are destroying our country thanks to their radical tax-and-spend agenda that has caused the inflation hurting so many Florida families. Senator Scott is in Washington working every day to hold Joe Biden and Democrats accountable for their reckless spending. Pasco County is better off because of Senator Scott’s leadership. I look forward to continuing our work together when he’s re-elected.”

Additional endorsements from the Tampa Bay/Central region:

• Citrus Commissioner Holly Davis
• Pinellas Commissioners Brian Scott, Chris Latvala, and Dave Eggers
• Pasco Commissioner Kathryn Starkey
• Hillsborough Commissioners Joshua Wostal and Ken Hagan
• Polk Commissioners George Lindsey III and Neil Combee
• Manatee Commissioners Amanda Ballard and Mike Rahn
• Hardee Commissioner Sandra Meeks
• Sarasota Commissioners Mark Smith, Neil Rainford, Joe Neunder, Mike Moran, and Ron Cutsinger

Miami Region

Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera said, “It is always a pleasure to welcome Senator Scott to Miami-Dade County! From visiting our seniors in Hialeah to touring YoGusto’s facility in Medley, our county is thankful for his leadership!”

Miami-Dade Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermudez said, “I’m proud to endorse Senator Rick Scott’s re-election campaign. Senator Scott will always be an advocate for freedom and fight back against any attempts to impose Democrats’ socialist policies on Floridians. Senator Scott understands the importance of free markets and limited government. I support him wholeheartedly and look forward to continuing to work alongside him when he’s re-elected.”

Additional endorsements from the Miami region:

• Miami-Dade Commissioners Rene Garcia, Anthony Rodriguez, Roberto Gonzalez, and Raquel Regalado
• Monroe Commissioners Michelle Lincoln and Jim Scholl

West Palm Beach Region

Palm Beach County Commissioner Michael Barnett said, “Floridians in Palm Beach County are better off thanks to Senator Rick Scott’s leadership. As governor, he turned Florida’s economy around by lowering taxes, cutting regulations, and investing in Florida’s infrastructure. Now as Senator, he’s up in Washington fighting back against Democrats’ socialist agenda that, if enacted, would wreak havoc on millions of Floridians. Senator Scott has my endorsement and I look forward to continuing to work with him.”

Okeechobee County Commissioner Terry Burroughs said, “Since his time as governor, Rick Scott has been a principled leader who fights every day to make Florida the best state to live, work, and raise a family. He’s a champion for lower taxes, border security, and less government spending. I am proud to endorse Senator Scott for re-election to the U.S. Senate and look forward to continuing our work together when he’s re-elected.”

Additional endorsements from the West Palm Beach region:

• Palm Beach Commissioner Sara Baxter
• Okeechobee Commissioner David Hazellief
• St. Lucie Commissioner Cathy Townsend
• Martin Commissioners Doug Smith, Edward Ciampi, and Stacey Hetherington

Orlando Region 

Seminole County Commissioner Amy Lockhart said, “As our governor, we could always count on Rick Scott’s strong leadership, and as our Senator, he continues to stand strong for Floridians! We need to keep Senator Scott working for us in Washington.”

Additional endorsements from the Orlando region:

• Sumter Commissioner Donald Wiley
• Marion Commissioners Michelle Stone, Craig Curry, Matt McClain
• Lake Commissioners Sean Parks, Kirby Smith, Leslie Campione, and Josh Blake
• Orange Commissioner Christine Moore
• Brevard Commissioners John Tobia and Jason Steele
• Osceola Commissioner Ricky Booth

Jacksonville Region

St. Johns County Commissioner Krista Joseph said, “Rick Scott’s tenure as both governor and senator have been a beacon of progress for Duval County. I know firsthand how much Senator Scott cares about Floridians. When my son died serving our country, Senator Scott called me personally to offer his condolences. His tireless efforts and effective collaboration with local leaders have led to substantial improvements in our community. We need six more years of Rick Scott!”

Additional endorsements from the Jacksonville region:

• Nassau Commissioners John Martin and Klynt Farmer
• Putnam Commissioners Larry Harvey and Leota Wilkinson
• Baker Commissioner Jimmy Anderson
• Clay Commissioners Jim Renninger and Mike Cella
• Bradford Commissioner Chris Dougherty
• Hamilton Commissioner Richie McCoy
• Suwannee Commissioners Don Hale Jr and Travis Land
• Gilchrist Commissioners Darrell Smith and Tommy Langford
• Lafayette Commissioner Anthony Adams
• Union County Commissioner Donna Jackson
• Dixie Commissioner Mark Hatch
• Levy Commissioner John Meeks

Fort Myers-Naples Region

Charlotte County Commissioner Bill Truex said, “Senator Rick Scott’s dedication to our county’s well being is unmatched. After the devastation of Hurricane Ian, the Senator made himself available 24/7 and was crucial in getting the federal government involved in rebuilding our community. After Hurricane Irma, while he was Governor, he called my cell phone on several occasions to check in and assisted in connecting me with Sam’s Club officials to get much needed supplies. We owe Senator Scott, and he is no doubt who we need in the Senate fighting for Florida and Charlotte County.”

Hendry County Commissioner Ramon Iglesias said, “It is a privilege to offer my endorsement for Senator Rick Scott’s re-election to the U.S. Senate. Senator Scott has consistently supported and represented the interests of Hendry County with dedication. With a robust background in business, Senator Scott possesses the expertise required to make financially responsible decisions that will steer our nation towards prosperity.

“His unwavering support for the agricultural industry underscores his commitment to safeguarding our domestic food supply, ensuring its sustainability for the citizens of the United States. Having had the opportunity to collaborate with Senator Scott both in public office and in private endeavors, I have experienced firsthand his steadfast dedication to the people of Florida and our nation. It is with great pride that I offer my endorsement to Senator Scott’s re-election campaign.”

Lee County Commissioner Kevin Ruane said, “No one fights harder for Florida and for Lee County than Senator Rick Scott. From disaster recovery to small businesses support, to job creation; he is always there to assist 24/7. Any time we have an issue with a federal agency, we know Senator Scott will answer our call and advocate for us!”

Additional endorsements from the Fort Myers-Naples Region:

• Collier Commissioners Chris Hall, Dan Kowal, Bill McDaniel, and Burt Saunders
• Lee Commissioners Ray Sandelli and Mike Greenwell
• Charlotte Commissioners Ken Doherty and Joe Tiseo
• Glades Commissioner Jerry “Gator” Sapp
• Hendry Commissioners Karson Turner and Mitchell Wills
• DeSoto Commissioners Jerod Gross, Elton Langford, J.C. Deriso, and Steven Hickox
• Highlands Commissioners Kevin Roberts, Don Elwell, Scott Kirouac, Arlene Tuck, and Christopher Campbell

Pensacola-Panama City Region

Escambia County Commissioner Mike Kohler said, “As Governor and now as Senator, Rick Scott has a proven track record of addressing local needs through effective collaboration and hard work. Anytime we need him, he’s there. His ongoing commitment to our county’s success makes him the best choice for re-election to the Senate.”

Okaloosa County Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel said, “Senator Rick Scott’s proactive efforts and dedication have significantly benefited our community. He understands business and what Okaloosa County needs to continue to grow and thrive. His continued service in the Senate is vital for sustaining the positive changes we’ve seen during his tenure.”

Santa Rosa County Commissioner Sam Parker said, “Senator Scott’s focus on local issues and his ability to deliver results have greatly improved our county. The panhandle needs a steady conservative at the helm, and we have that in Rick. His re-election will ensure that our community continues to thrive under his experienced leadership.”

Additional endorsements from the Pensacola-Panama City Region:

• Santa Rosa Commissioner Colten Wright
• Okaloosa Commissioners Paul Mixon, Trey Goodwin, and Mel Ponder
• Walton Commissioner Brad Drake
• Holmes Commissioner Clint Erickson
• Washington Commissioners Tray Hawkins and David Corbin
• Bay Commissioners Tommy Hamm, William “Bill” Dozier, and Clair Pease
• Jackson Commissioner Jim Peacock
• Calhoun Commissioner Gene Bailey
• Gulf Commissioners David Rich, Jack Husband, Phillip McCroan
• Liberty Commissioner Hannah Causseaux
• Franklin Commissioner Ricky Jones
• Wakulla Commissioner Ralph Thomas
• Jefferson Commissioner Ben White
• Madison Commissioner Alston Kelley
• Taylor Commissioner Michael Newman

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