Remarks by Gov. Jeb Bush Regarding Today's Attack on Our Country: State of Emergency Declared in FL

State of Florida's official web site ^ | Sept. 10, 2001 | FL Gov. Jeb Bush

[summer]

Remarks Made by Governor Jeb Bush Regarding Today's Attack on Our Country: State of Emergency Declared in FL

It is with a heavy heart that I address the people of the great state of Florida this afternoon.

Today our country was attacked - and perhaps many thousands of our countrymen lost - in a terroorist offensive against multiple targets in two of America's most beautiful cities.

The aim of the terrorists is clear: to hurt - and to humble - America. They have indeed hurt us, but they will never humble us.

They will never humble us because Americans have always risen to the occasion when our liberty has been threatened and when liberty must be defended. America's leadership, strength and history will lead us not only to survive this terrorist attack but also to remember why we are the greatest country on the face of the earth.

Here in Florida, we weep with our countrymen across the country who have lost loved ones today. Many have family members in New York and our nation's capital. I have tried to contact Governor Pataki and Mayor Guiliani to offer any assistance that we can.

But we are also taking action. Today I signed an Executive Order declaring a State of Emergency in the State of Florida. This a preemptive action to ensure we are prepared for any eventuality.

My executive order implements our State Comprehensive Emergency Action Plan. It appoints Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Tim Moore as Incident Commander Craig Fugate as State Coordinating Officer for Disaster Relief. I will introduce Commissioner Moore shortly who will speak on specific security measures being taken to protect our people.

Nevertheless, based on the information as we know it - and barring any developments to the contrary - the State of Florida will be open for business tomorrow morning. This includes The Capitol and all state universities and community colleges. The best way to defeat terrorism is to get back to work serving our people and our state. I encourage Floridians to contact their local governments for further information.

I also ask three things of every Floridian. First, if you have an American flag, fly it. I have directed state buildings to fly our star-spangled banner at half-mast, our traditional public display of sorrow and loss. But I also ask those Floridians who have flags to fly them. Even at half-mast, no flag in the world flies more proudly.

Second, I ask every Floridian seeking information or opportunities to help victims to contact their local blood center as well as their local Red Cross chapter.

Local blood centers are able to assist in the relief of critical blood shortages in New York and Washington, DC. Within 48 hours the Red Cross will be able to provide information on the welfare of immediate family members.

Third, I ask every Floridian who has ever prayed, to pray tonight. Pray for the victims of this cowardly attack and their loved ones. Pray for the missing, and their loved ones holding vigil between hope and despair. Pray for the emergency workers. I'm standing in Florida's Emergency Operations Center, and I know well the quality and the professionalism of those drawn to this profession. They are well-trained for these types of devastating situations, but they still need our prayers.

America is a great nation. Its greatness is revealed most clearly in times of crisis, in times when we are challenged. We must not despair in this present challenge; we must be strong. # # #

[summer]

Here's what Gov. Jeb Bush wants us to do here in Florida:

"I also ask three things of every Floridian.

First, if you have an American flag, fly it. I have directed state buildings to fly our star-spangled banner at half-mast, our traditional public display of sorrow and loss. But I also ask those Floridians who have flags to fly them. Even at half-mast, no flag in the world flies more proudly.

Second, I ask every Floridian seeking information or opportunities to help victims to contact their local blood center as well as their local Red Cross chapter.

Third, I ask every Floridian who has ever prayed, to pray tonight...."

God bless FL Gov. Jeb Bush...

[summer]

BTTT

[glock rocks]

they will never humble us

amen.

[summer]

Our gov seems to always get it right. The first time. Every time.

[GUIDO]

Thanks for posting this, it is good to see that PRAYING runs in the family....GOD BLESS AMERICA

[onyx]

He's a good man. Re-elect Governor Bush!

[summer]

Thanks so much for your posts.

Right now, there's no place I'd rather be than whichever state has Gov. Jeb Bush as its governor. Seriously.

I'm so glad we've got him right here in Florida.

[Lady GOP]

Today I signed an Executive Order declaring a State of Emergency in the State of Florida. This a preemptive action to ensure we are prepared for any eventuality.

What exactly does this mean for the people of Fla..?

[summer]

For the people of Florida, I am guessing it simply means that should it become necessary for our govenor to take any action to protect the people of Florida, Gov. Bush has already legally granted himself the power to do so -- and, has the necessary resources and people in place, ready to go. In short, NO waiting around by THIS governor.

Right now, in Florida, it is pretty much life as usual -- except that: (1) American flags ARE flying EVERYWHERE; (2) people ARE lining up to give blood, and (3) the churches and other houses of worship have ADDED more masses and other religious services.

It seems to me that MANY Floridians -- besides me -- actually DO read Gov. Bush's messages on this state's official web site, located at www.myflorida.com

[summer]

Hi Clemenza,

These emergency phone numbers are now posted on FL's official web site, at www.myflorida.com

I was wondering: Do you usually post on that FL Freepers board? If so, maybe you will want to post these numbers for FL people.

Thanks, summer :)



IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS from FL's official web site:

www.myflorida.com

Florida Volunteer and Donation Hotline 1-888-993-1023

America's Red Cross: 1-800-HELP-NOW

America's Blood Centers: 1-888-BLOOD-NOW

Blood Donations: 1-800-GIVE-LIFE

Salvation Army: 1-800-SAL-ARMY

United Way of New York Web Site (accepting donations): www.uwnyc.org

To report price gouging in the State of Florida: 1-800-357-4723

To report bogus charity groups in the State of Florida: 1-800-HELP FLA

[Clemenza]

Go Jeb!

BTW: The Jeb haters in Broward and Palm Beach have been keeping their mouths shut, for a change. Then again, I haven't listend to Randy Rhodes lately (Obnoxious transplanted NY lefty who has become the voice of Broward radio).

[summer]

Hi onyx,

I don't know if you are in FL -- but, you seem hip to the fact that Jeb Bush, our fabulous FL gov, is ALWAYS on the ball!

FYI, from www.myflorida.com:

------------------------------------------------

Governor Bush Orders Security Measures

Capitol Building to be evacuated and security increased at state agencies

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, September 11, 2001

Contact:

Kati Baur

(850) 933-2302

TALLAHASSEE At the recommendation of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and in light of this morning's terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, Governor Bush has ordered the Capitol Building in Tallahassee to be evacuated and security increased at every state agency.

It is to be emphasized that these are security precautions only, and are not in response to any specific threat anywhere in Florida.

“At this time of national tragedy, we must come together as the great people that we are,” said Governor Bush. “We are a great nation because we have faced adversity and overcome it. We must not lose faith; instead, we must now show strength.”

At the request of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, anyone with information concerning these attacks should call 1-800-342-0820.

[summer]

In reply to your post #8 -- I think, now, that the reason he did what he did was because it allowed him to prevent any Greyhound buses from leaving the state. He grounded everyone from hopping on a bus and crossing the state line.

Then: all this news came out about the flight schools down here in FL.

So -- this is a total guess on my part, but I think Gov. Bush evoked his emergency powers to keep here any people connected with this attack who may have been in FL, or was training at that flight school over in Daytona.

Just my guess, and nothing more.

[summer]

Re your post on another thread:

Bingo...I am a NYC school teacher...I work in a neighborhood called Carroll Gardens and our kids come mostly from the Red Hook or Gowanus projects...as the lone open Republican on the staff ....

---------------------

When you are ready to move to FL to teach, please note that Gov. Jeb Bush signed a new law, requiring these local school districts to accept ALL of your years of teaching experience when they figure your salary on their salary scale.

If you want more info about this new law, which went into effect in July 2001, you can click on my screen name and read my editorial called:

"The Jeb Bush Nobody Knows -- Part 3"

[summer]

Also, here is the web site you can visit when you're ready to find your new teaching position in FL:

www.teachinflorida.com

:)

[summer]

PS The state's web site has a great section on education, with a ton of information. Click on "education" in the sidebar when you visit:

www.myflorida.com

[summer]

Clemenza, thank you for your post. I am guessing you are so efficient that you already posted those phone numbers on the board for FL voters. Am I correct? Best, summer :)

[summer]

Hey, everyone!

If anyone is interested in keeping up with Gov. Jeb Bush's on-going work as governor, you can receive his electronic weekly newsletter, published by the governor's office, by visiting:

www.myflorida.com/subscribe

[summer]

My post #18 was also for you, if you're interersted! :)

[LarryLied]

Democrats and other liberals were all over the net (even here on FR) for declaring a State of Emergency. Lol and behold, some of those who rammed the WTC were living and training in Del Ray Beach and other Florida communities. I hope those simpering left wing bastards in Boca Raton, Randi Rhodes and the staff of the Palm Beach Post learned something. But I doubt it.

They won't give him any credit for trying to protect them. They will wail and cry that Jeb allowed the terrorists to train here.