Marco Rubio stops in Jacksonville to visit UNF

Marco Rubio

He didn’t advise it to every local media outlet, but U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio hit some Jacksonville stops on Friday.

Florida’s Senior Senator toured a local business, for starters.

“Our small businesses are the driving force behind our economy and communities,” Rubio said.

“Today, I had the opportunity to tour GT AirInject in Jacksonville. They are a family-owned manufacturer of air injection machines, providing an efficient way to improve soil and lawn maintenance for golf courses and athletic fields around the world,” Rubio added.

Rubio also lauded the University of North Florida for closing its Confucius Institute.

In 2018, Rubio spotlighted those at UNF and other schools as cells of Chinese influence. UNF closed its Confucius later that year.

“I hope more schools will follow [this] example and terminate their agreements with the Communist Chinese government,” Rubio continued.

“I also had the distinct honor of meeting with UNF Student Veterans and listening to their stories. I have introduced several pieces of legislation to better serve our veterans re-entering civilian life, including the Supporting Veterans in STEM Careers Act and the VET-OPP Act. Spending time with these student veterans,” Rubio asserted in a provided quote, “I heard other suggestions for continued reforms.”

Rubio has strong Jacksonville ties.

Mayor Lenny Curry has been a consistent ally.

His administration has employed the Senator’s older brother, Mario Rubio, just as the previous administration did.