Dear Fellow Floridian:
One of my favorite pastimes is playing and watching sports,
particularly baseball. Anyone who has ever played a sport knows the
dedication and time required to succeed. But athletics is more than just
a test of physical strength. It helps develop courage, encourages the
development of new skills and builds character and perseverance.
On Tuesday, I joined Gov. Scott, Attorney General Bondi and law
enforcement professionals from across the Tallahassee area to pass
the torch for those who live each day with perseverance and resolve.
Those who participate in the Special Olympics know the meaning of
perseverance more than most.
Perseverance
gives you the strength to pick yourself up when the going gets tough and
continue on even though the odds may be against you.
I was also honored to recognize another group of Floridians, those
families with autistic children, who know firsthand about the
importance of perseverance. On Monday, I presented a resolution to
Autism Speaks recognizing April 2, 2012, as World Autism Awareness Day
in Florida. Florida’s Old Capitol was illuminated with blue lights in
celebration. Events such as these help raise awareness for early
diagnosis, intervention and support for families affected by autism.
This week we came together to celebrate those whose passion and love
for life burns stronger each day. We all should strive to live each day
to the fullest and emulate these men, women and children.
Jeff Atwater
Chief Financial Officer
State of Florida
Celebrating Our Beautiful State, La Florida
Monday marked the 499th anniversary of the discovery of Florida by the
Spanish. On April 2, 1513, Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon had his first
recorded landing on the Florida coast. This marked the beginning of nearly 230
years of Spanish rule. Our beautiful state, named “La Florida” in honor of
Pascua florida, or “feast of the flowers,” has experienced periods of both great
success and times of adversity. No matter the economic or social climate, we
have survived and thrived through hard work and resolve. Because of this, we are
proud to call ourselves Floridians.
Next year we will be celebrating 500 years since Ponce de Leon’s landing,
commemorating the day with a year-long celebration,
Viva 500. While we remember
our past and look ahead to our future, take some time to think how you can help
ensure a bright future for your family and the state we all call home.
April is Financial Literacy Month
April is Financial Literacy Month, a time to highlight the importance of
financial literacy and teach Floridians how to establish and maintain
healthy financial habits. The time that you invest to learn and implement
the values of thrift and saving is a life investment with great returns.
Visit my website, Your Money Matters, at
http://www.myfloridacfo.com/YMM/ for more information on the steps you
can take towards long-term financial success.
Economic Update: Florida's Bottom Line
Read the quarterly newsletter for the inside track on Florida's financial
health. To provide up-to-date information on Florida’s economy, we have a
companion website featuring the latest data and easy access to our
published editions.