Florida Republican Sen. Rick Scott congratulated Alachua County for its new sheriff, Emery Gainey, during a speech at Thursday’s 21st Annual Ronald Reagan Black Tie and Blue Jeans BBQ hosted by the Republican Party of Alachua County.
During his tenure as governor, Scott appointed Gainey to sit as sheriff in Marion County, and he said Gainey would serve the people well. Scott said he hopes Gainey wins when he runs to keep the post in 2024.
Scott reminded guests of his time as governor, noting that more people moved away from the state of Florida in 2010 than moved to it. The state government also had a deficit, but Scott said legislators worked hard and balanced the budget for the following eight years.
Scott then focused on Washington D.C.
“It’s completely dysfunctional,” Scott said. “Nothing is working right now. I’ve been up there five years; I’ve not voted on one bill that had any accountability.”
He compared the county now to when former President Donald Trump left office. Scott said the county had the best economy in decades, no border crisis and no war.
He said President Joe Biden’s administration is out of control and that if the border isn’t secured and better people elected, America will face similar attacks to what happened in Israel over the past weekend.
Scott predicted 2024 would be great for Republican candidates because Democratic messages are bad for families.
“If we do well here, we will win all across the state,” Scott said. “And we can. We’ve got a better message.”
Following Scott, Republican South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem spoke on her path to that office and the needs of children today. She also encouraged guests to let offenses pass by and to say ‘yes’ to every opportunity.
Rep. Kat Cammack also spoke. She agreed with Scott about the dysfunction in Washington D.C. and also said the Republican Party needs to elect Jim Jordon, R-Ohio, as the next speaker of the house.
Locally, Cammack said Republicans have the opportunity to show the impact of their ideals.
“There is an opportunity here in the bluest of blue counties in Florida to talk to people,” Cammack said. “I think we have an opportunity to show what we are capable of.”
State Sen. Keith Perry also spoke, along with four candidates for office. Two were running for seats on the High Springs City Commission—Andrew Miller and Steve Tapanes —along with Raemi Eagle-Glenn running to be a state representative for District 22, and Jenn Garrett, who filed on Tuesday to run for the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners in District 3.
Finally, a report on Black Tie, Blue Jeans. Thank you so much for giving us information on these important issues.
“I’ve been up their . . . ” I would wager he meant the pronoun, not the possessive.
Loved the way Scott blamed the Trump inflation economy on President Biden and the current Republican legislative dysfunction on the Democrats. Way to spin, Rick! We thought you were pretty bad as governor, but now as senator you are surpassing your gubernatorial record for stupidity and lies. Congratulations.
Unbelievable, Trump Derangement Syndrome is still infecting citizens, from teens to old ladies in the DAR meetings.. If you can’t see the real truth about an issue blame it on Trump with Trump Derangement Syndrome- get a life.