Politics
Gov. DeSantis pushes spox Bryan Griffin to lead VISIT FLORIDA
Another trusted lieutenant of Gov. Ron DeSantis looks to be poised to move on to a significant appointed position.
As the Governor spoke at Alligator Alcatraz, he made personnel news by email, announcing he is recommending Bryan Griffin to be the next VISIT FLORIDA President and CEO, where Griffin “will oversee the organization’s mission to market the state of Florida to visitors nationally and internationally.”
“Bryan has led the charge in communicating the message of the Free State of Florida for the past three years from my office,” DeSantis said. “I am confident that he is the best candidate for this role, and that he will well-articulate the case for visitors from across the nation and the globe to visit Florida. He has been an invaluable member of our team in the Executive Office, and we will greatly miss his presence and service from the Capitol.”
Griffin, a native of Tampa, is excited about the new role.
“I sincerely thank Governor DeSantis for the opportunity to step into this new role and lead the effort to communicate our state’s many nation-leading, desirable characteristics to the world. Tourism is a critical part of the Florida economy and instrumental to Florida’s continued low tax burden,” Griffin said.
He went on to describe how he would handle the role.
“I look forward to working closely with the board, our local partners, the tourism industry, and the VISIT staff to promote the shared values and unique features of the Free State of Florida, including our world-class amenities, unmatched natural and historical sites, and our commitment to public safety and order for all who visit. I hold tremendous respect for the state, regional, and local partnerships that embody VISIT Florida and will work hard to enhance and grow them.”
Other key players expressed approval for the hire.
“Bryan Griffin’s leadership experience, commitment to public service and deep understanding of Florida’s strengths make him well-positioned to lead VISIT FLORIDA into this next chapter,” said Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “As Florida continues to break records in tourism, attracting visitors from across the nation and around the world, Bryan’s strategic vision and drive will be essential in sustaining and expanding that momentum.”
“Throughout his time with Governor DeSantis, Bryan has been a passionate advocate for Florida’s hospitality and tourism industry, and I look forward to continuing the strong partnership between our organizations,” added Carol Dover, President & CEO of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and VISIT FLORIDA Board Executive Committee Member.
“In addition to his proven expertise in government, policy, advocacy, and communications, Bryan brings firsthand experience as a hospitality business owner — giving him a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities our industry faces. That real-world perspective makes him exceptionally well-suited to attract visitors and champion the growth of Florida’s tourism economy.”
Florida tourism continues to surge, with 143 million visitors in 2024, which is a 1.7% increase year over year.
The appointment continues a recent trend of DeSantis advisors filling new roles.
Anastasios Kamoutsas, who was a deputy chief of staff to the Governor, was appointed to be Commissioner of Education earlier this Summer, as his predecessor, Manny Diaz, assumed the presidency of the University of West Florida.
Former Chief of Staff James Uthmeier was appointed to be Attorney General as well, filling a vacancy left by Ashley Moody, who was appointed by DeSantis to fill the unexpired term of Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
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The horrific shooting in Australia that claimed at least 16 lives during a Hanukkah celebration has prompted an expression of sympathy from Florida lawmakers.
The Florida Jewish Legislative Caucus issued a statement of condemnation of the violence during the Jewish observance on Sydney’s Bondi Beach. The Caucus published its statement Sunday afternoon.
“The Florida Legislative Jewish Caucus unequivocally condemns the horrific and senseless killing that occurred during Hanukkah in Australia. An act of violence against Jews celebrating their faith is an attack not only on a single community, but on the fundamental values of freedom, religious liberty, and human dignity,” the Florida Legislative Caucus said in a news release.
“We stand in unwavering solidarity with our Jewish brothers and sisters in Australia, with the victims’ families, and with Jewish communities around the world who are once again forced to confront hatred simply for being who they are. The State of Florida’s Jewish legislators join in mourning, remembrance, and resolve.”
The Florida LegislativeJewish Caucus has a dozen members from the House of Representatives and two State Senators.
Hundreds of people had gathered Sunday at the beach for an event to celebrate the first day of Hanukkah, when gunmen opened fire. At least 38 others were injured in the attack.
New South Wales Health Minister Ryan Park said the death toll had risen from 12 to 16 overnight, including a 12-year-old child. Three other children are being treated in hospital, he said.
“This is absolutely horrendous for the community broadly, but particularly the Jewish community. … What we saw last night was the worst of humanity, but at the same time, the very best of humanity,” Park said.
The massacre at one of Australia’s most popular beaches followed a wave of antisemitic attacks that have roiled the country over the past year, although the authorities didn’t suggest those and Sunday’s shooting were connected. It is the deadliest shooting in almost three decades in a country with strict gun control laws.
One gunman was fatally shot by police and the second was arrested and in critical condition, authorities said. Police said one gunman was known to security services, but there was no specific threat.
At least 29 people were confirmed wounded, including two police officers, said Mal Lanyon, police commissioner for New South Wales state, where Sydney is located.
“This attack was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community,” New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said.
The violence erupted at the end of a summer day when thousands had flocked to Bondi Beach, including hundreds gathered for the Chanukah by the Sea event celebrating the start of the eight-day Hanukkah festival.
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Material from The Associated Press was used in this report with permission.
Behavioral health officials have a list of precautions for Floridians to deal with anxieities heading into Christmas and New Year’s Day.
While the holidays can bring a lot of comfort and joy, the can also be a stressful time and Florida’s health management entities are providing some helpful tips to deal with yuletide anxiety.
There are seven behavioral health managing entities in the state and all of them are aware that stress heading into Christmas and New Year’s Day can seem overwhelming at times. They’re advising balance may be one of the key elements in dealing with the holidays.
“The holidays are a time of joy, but they can also be a time of stress, sadness and triggering situations,” said Natalie Kelly, CEO of the Florida Association of Managing Entities. “Florida’s behavioral health Managing Entities remind Floridians that behavioral health services are available, even to those who are uninsured or underinsured.”
The state’s behavioral health professionals are also providing a list of tips to help come to grips with any holiday tension including:
— Get plenty of exercise. Exercising boosts your mood and combats depression.
— Limit alcohol intake. Alcohol is a depressant that can cause feelings of anxiety, sadness and depression.
— Set healthy boundaries and don’t overextend yourself. Setting realistic expectations can help reduce stress.
— Seek the help of a counselor for mental health needs. If you feel overwhelmed or the need to get help to address your feelings, contact a counselor.
— Call 2-1-1 if needed to connect with resources in your community.
— Call 9-8-8 if you or a loved one is having suicidal thoughts.
A mental-health treatment network has been established in the state for providers who deliver services to residents needing help. Those services extend to parents and children, veterans and the homeless.
Providers serve patients for not only mental health needs, but substance use, housing, transportation and employment help. Those managing entities are often overseen by community organizations and administrators and are accountable to state and federal funds.
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