Governor Rick Scott has kicked off his statewide “Let’s Keep Florida Beautiful” tour to highlight efforts to protect Florida’s environment and natural treasures. Governor Scott will propose important new environmental policies for the 2015 legislative session and also highlight record investments in Florida’s environment during his first term. New proposals to keep Florida beautiful include a $1 billion investment in Florida’s waters, with $500 million in funding for alternative water supply and another $500 million for springs restoration. The “Let’s Keep Florida Beautiful” plan also commits to continued efforts for Everglades restoration, including new water treatment areas and water storage capabilities, and allowing the Department of Environmental Protection to issue tougher penalties for polluters and bad actors.
Governor Rick Scott said, “Florida’s natural beauty is a big reason why this is the best state in the country to call home. Our natural resources are the foundation of our economy – they drive tourism, housing, business, and agriculture – and they deserve our long-term commitment. We’ve made record investments in Florida’s environment, but there’s more work to be done. With a $1 billion investment in Florida’s waters, an ongoing commitment to the everglades, and tougher penalties for bad actors, we’ll ensure that Florida’s treasures are protected for generations to come.”
The “Let’s Keep Florida Beautiful” tour starts tomorrow on the Treasure Coast and will include stops in Boca Raton, Jacksonville, Miami, Naples, Orlando, Tampa and West Palm Beach.
Governor Scott’s “Let’s Keep Florida Beautiful” plan also includes:
- Hitting polluters and bad actors with tougher penalties
- Investing $1 billion in Florida’s waters
- Continuing efforts to restore the Everglades
- Commitment to protect the Keys and Apalachicola Bay
- Creating a position within the Governor’s Office to work with stakeholders and focus on moving water south
- Advancing the C-43 and C-44 projects for South Florida’s estuaries
- Forming a new Indian River Estuary Program
- Committing $150 million to preserving sensitive lands, agriculture, and parks
- Creating a $2 million grant so Florida’s State Park System can win its fourth national gold medal
- Establishing transparency for water projects through a science-based grant process
- Targeting key ecosystems with defined goals for environmental success