Rick Scott calls for security improvements at Jewish Day Schools

Gov. Rick Scott on Thursday called on law enforcement in Florida to assess the security at religious institutions in Florida, the same day an accused shooter entered a not-guilty plea in federal court to charges he killed 11 at a Pittsburgh synagogue.

He also called on the Florida Legislature to double Jewish Day School security spending to $4 million for this school year.

“Saturday’s attack in Pittsburgh was pure evil, and we must continue to be clear — violence and hatred is not tolerated in Florida,” Scott said.

Scott sent a letter to Florida sheriffs and police chiefs demanding actions.

“I am a strong believer that you, local law enforcement professionals, are best suited to keep your communities safe,” he said.

The governor’s new call to action earned immediate support from Jewish lawmaker Randy Fine, state representative for House District 53. Fine said since the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting, he’s heard heightened concern about safety.

“My synagogue always has a sheriff there for major services,” Fine said. “It’s sad we live in a world where Jews have to be afraid to pray,.”

Scott’s office said the governor secured $2.65 million in security funding specifically for Jewish Day Schools. That was a boost from some $650,000 originally budgeted, according to Fine.

“Over the last few years, we have worked to increase security funding, and the Legislature should take additional action as soon as possible to further our commitment,” Scott said.

“I appreciate the Legislature’s support, and we are deeply appreciative of Florida’s law enforcement community who put their lives at risk every day to keep our communities safe. We will continue to mourn those who were lost on Saturday and will do everything in our power to prevent this kind of evil from harming anyone in Florida.”

As for Scott’s demand that the additional funding come this school year, Fine acknowledged that could be difficult. “We already have a budget,” he said.

But if there’s anyway to provide that extra $2 million in security at Jewish Day Schools this year, Fine said he supports such action.

“If we were able to move some money around without being in session, I would support it that, absolutely,” Fine said.

On Saturday, Scott ordered increased patrols for religious institutions in Florida in the wake of the shooting.

“Immediately following the attack, we acted to help protect everyone’s right to peacefully worship by ordering enhanced patrols from state troopers at religious institutions, but we must do more,” Scott said.

“Today, I am directing additional security enhancements and calling on the Florida Legislature to double security funding for Florida’s Jewish Day Schools this school year.”

Scott right now is running for U.S. Senate against Democratic incumbent Bill Nelson, and Democratic leaders have been courting the Jewish vote in Florida, Nevada and Arizona, according to Israeli news outlet Haaretz. Florida serves as home to 650,000 Jewish voters, the paper reports.

Scott has punched back over issues like the Iran nuclear deal.

As it happens, school security funding provides a subject Scott knows all too well. After the a mass shooting at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in February, the governor signed a $400-million school safety bill including funding for hardening schools.