Gov. Scott talks job growth at stop in Bonita Springs

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. Private companies in Southwest Florida created 6,500 jobs in the month of January, Gov. Rick Scott said Monday morning.

Gov. Scott touted Florida’s positive areas of job growth at a stop at Herc Rentals Inc., an equipment rental establishment at 27500 Riverview Center Blvd. No. 100.

The governor also took aim at state lawmakers’ efforts to kill Enterprise Florida, an incentive program designed to grow businesses. Herc is adding more than 120 new jobs to its corporate headquarters, according to a press release — a development that wouldn’t have been possible without Enterprise Florida, Scott said.

Part of the bill that received Florida House approval last week would eliminate tax incentives for film and TV companies, drawing criticism from Southwest Florida producers.

“The sales tax exemptions represent many thousands of dollars to our company, so it will have a negative effect on us,” said Dave Beaty, a producer for Lee County-based Dreamtime Entertainment. “It will probably result in companies down-scaling.”

State Rep. Dane Eagle contends that Enterprise Florida unfairly funnels public money into private hands.

“I have tremendous respect for Governor Scott; however, I do not believe government should be taking your tax dollars and giving them to private corporations,” Eagle said. “Instead, we should be cutting taxes and creating the best regulatory environment that attracts new businesses and benefits all businesses equally.”

Lee County officials are optimistic that growing employment numbers will help bolster the economy.

“We appreciate the interest and the investment by the State of Florida for our community, which results in additional jobs and helps strengthen the diversification of our economy,” Lee County commissioner Larry Kiker said.

Scott said he’ll remain vigilant in helping generate new jobs and boost the state’s economy.

Watch Scott’s speech here: