Florida’s economy continues to gain steam thanks to policies that limit taxes and regulation and promote job creation and growth, Gov. Rick Scott told local business and community leaders at an economic development reception held May 12 at THE PLAYERS’ Stadium Village.
Scott welcomed guests to THE PLAYERS and stressed that Florida’s economy continues to provide a strong incentives for businesses and residents to relocate to the Sunshine State.
“We are growing way faster than the rest of the country,” said Scott, noting that he had recently returned from trips to California and Louisiana as part of his administration’s efforts to encourage businesses there to come to Florida.
“They keep raising taxes and passing more regulations and we’re doing the exact opposite,” he said. “Florida is on a roll.”
Carl Blow of the St. Johns County Industrial Development Authority noted the economic impact of THE PLAYERS Championship.
“TPC is very important to Northeast Florida,” he said. “In 2015, over 300 local charities received a total of $8.1 million in grants from THE PLAYERS – and since 1977, TPC has provided over $75 million to Northeast Florida.”
County Commissioner Jeb Smith – who joked that he is often mistaken for Scott – said St. Johns County has benefited from Scott’s leadership and now boasts the second-lowest unemployment rate in the state at 3.5 percent. With a strong agricultural base in the southwest part of the county, the tourism draw of St. Augustine and golfing events like THE PLAYERS in Ponte Vedra, Smith said, St. Johns County has a diversified economic base that has attracted businesses such as Advanced Disposal and D.R. Horton.
“As a business owner, I want to thank you,” Smith told Gov. Scott. “You have proven that a conservative approach to government is a template for success.”
