On Tuesday morning, March 7, Florida House Speaker Richard Corcoran and Florida Senate President Joe Negron convened their chambers to begin the 2017 Florida Legislative Session.
As is the custom on the opening day of the session, Governor Rick Scott delivered his annual State of the State Address. The governor commended the resiliency of Floridians in light of the tragedies of the past year: the gruesome attack at Pulse Nightclub, two hurricanes, the fight against the Zika virus and the shooting at the Ft. Lauderdale airport. While remembering these, he also recognized that "Floridians are strong. Floridians are selfless. Floridians are fighters."
Governor Scott also discussed his priorities for the upcoming lawmaking season, including economic growth and public safety.