Scott to recreate Commerce

TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Rick Scott plans to reinstate a Department of Commerce for the state of Florida, 15 years after legislators voted to shutter an entity of the same name.

The move is motivated by a desire for consolidation of development efforts within the state government. Said Scott, “When you don't have one person looking over everything, it makes it more difficult to get things done.”

A one-time secretary of the former Department of Commerce went on to enjoy a lengthy political career in Florida: Jeb Bush, who led the agency under former Gov. Bob Martinez.