Jimmy Patronis sees Israel trade mission as keeping with Florida tradition

TEL AVIV – CFO Jimmy Patronis, when asked Sunday night about the trade mission to Israel, framed it as in keeping with tradition.

“This is just continuing to build on what Gov. Jeb Bush and Rick Scott did,” Patronis said.

“Israel is an incredible dear friend to Florida,” Patronis added, “and an economic powerhouse that Florida can build upon.”

Patronis added that “as little things like expanding nonstop flights to Tel Aviv from Miami and Orlando” happen, “you will stimulate interest, investment, familiarity, and comfort.”

Patronis also noted that Florida can learn from how Israel marshals scarce natural resources.

“Israel is like an island,” Patronis said. “Strong logisitical constraints. A lot has to be imported in or developed on site.”

Israel is a “trendsetter” on things like desalinization, Patronis said, having to “make do” because supply chains often aren’t favorable.