Gov. Scott Says Florida Should Focus On Strengths

If Florida wants to move ahead, there needs to be some cheerleading for the state's assests, Gov. Rick Scott told Sarasota business leaders today.

Scott met with local business and community leaders this morning at the Greater Chamber of Commerce to discuss ways to help employers improve our state’s economy and to create more jobs. This was the second day of Scott in Sarasota, following a .

The business round table discussion included leaders of the Sarasota Tomorrow initiative and began with remarks from Governor Scott about the “Jobs Bill” just passed in the State Legislature.

The focus of the session was an open discussion with employers about issues and concerns facing our businesses. He also toured . in Sarasota where he elaborated on his vision.

Scott said the state needs to focus on Florida's best, The Bradenton Herald reported:

"Florida, he said, needs to continue concentration in tourism and agriculture, two sectors largely considered Florida's best.

"The only thing we can do is mess that up," the governor said.

The key will be making it easier for light manufacturing, the boating industry and the medical research segment to expand and relocate here.

To accomplish that, the state needs to keep its focus on low taxes, education and deflated regulations, Scott said.

A bill he plans to sign today will erase hundreds of the 1,100 regulations now on the state's books.

"Part of it is we have to tell our story," he said. "We don't brag enough. I lived in Texas for a short time and there, you were bragging about the place after two days. We have all these good things going on in our state. We need to tell people why they should be here."

Local business leaders pleaded with Scott to sign the $5 million state allocation for the , an item he vetoed last year."

Area employers participating in Chamber meeting represented industries including manufacturing, banking and finance, technology, real estate and professional and business services.

Scott was also asked about the pension crises that the City of Sarasota faces, The Herald-Tribune wrote:

"The governor noted that he pushed to have state employees contribute 3 percent of their salaries to pension costs, calling the pension issue “an unbelievable crisis.”

“Nobody wants to have the conversation,” Scott said. “We’re going to have it at some point. There’s a day of reckoning.”

Local Chamber President Steve Queior said, “our county lost tens of thousands of jobs, as did Manatee, over the last five years. As we start to get those Floridians back to work, it is great to speak directly with Gov. Scott about strengthening our economy. As what could be called the state’s 'CEO,' his support for our current and new businesses are critical and much appreciated.” 

Scott also emphasized that his job was all about “quality education for our kids, the opportunity to get a job and not increasing the cost of living for Floridians”.