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Community Enthusiastically Supports “Bill Signing Ceremony” with Governor

At yesterday’s “Bill Signing Ceremony” of the Statewide Rail Transit Legislation, the community was in strong support. On stage were Governor Charlie Crist, Lieutenant Governor Jeff Kottkamp, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Chairman of the Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission, and the other Commissioners; Volusia County Chairman Frank T. Bruno, Osceola County Commissioner Brandon Arrington, Orange County Mayor Richard T. Crotty, and Seminole County Commissioner Carlton D. Henley, Sr. Plus, joining them were Senator Lee Constantine and former Senator Dan Webster.

This Statewide Rail Transit Legislation Is About Jobs, Jobs, and More Jobs

Governor Crist told the crowd, “We are now one significant step closer to creating a better transportation network, linking rail with our roads, airports and seaports, through the partnership and collaboration of business, community and state leaders.  Residents and visitors will be able to travel from airports to attractions to beaches, using convenient and passenger-friendly rail and transit and spurring economic development.” He went on to say, “In the face of these challenging economic times, these rail projects mean more economic opportunities and more jobs for the people of Florida.  SunRail, Tri-Rail and High Speed Rail will create thousands of jobs and generate millions in revenue while also being cleaner for our environment.” 

Above Left:  Kelley M. Teague and Lenora Lockett from METROPLAN ORLANDO celebrate at “Bill Signing Ceremony.”  Above Right:  Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Chairman of the Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission introduces Platform Speakers at “Bill Signing Ceremony.”  Bottom Left:  Volusia Council Chairman Frank T. Bruno, Orange County Mayor Richard T. Crotty and Jacob V. Stuart, President of the Central Florida Partnership celebrate at “Bill Signing Ceremony.”  Bottom Right:  Alex Martins, Chairman of the Central Florida Partnership, Mayor Dyer and Patricia J. Engfer, Past Chair of the Central Florida Partnership shown at the meeting of the Board of Directors of the Central Florida Partnership minutes before the “Bill Signing Ceremony.”

We Need "Many Hands" In The "Circle of Service"

The Central Florida Partnership is working to champion a multi-model transportation system.  The passage of the Statewide Rail Transit Legislation is an important step in regards to this matter.  The Statewide Rail Transit Legislation will allow for the creation of SunRail, and pave the way for a future statewide rail transportation network that will help the State of Florida better compete on the global stage.  In addition, the Statewide Rail Transit Legislation better “positions” our state to leverage billions of Federal Dollars to build High Speed Rail for Florida.  There’s much work to do, and we need many hands to help with our “common cause.”

Our “Ticket” to High Speed Rail for Florida Is to Support Connect Us

When it comes to High Speed Rail for Florida and how we can advance the Vision for High Speed Rail in America, the Central Florida Partnership is “ready, willing, and able” to help coordinate this regional effort.  Toward this end, working with others, the Central Florida Partnership is proud to support Connect Us, a “statewide-grassroots-effort” created to support High Speed Rail for Florida.  If you want to know more about Connect Us, and what’s happening when it comes to High Speed Rail for Florida, just "click here."

The Central Florida Partnership Is Working To Turn "Ideas To Results"

The Central Florida Partnership was created to be a place where regional leaders could convene, set priorities, address our region’s toughest problems and identify our greatest opportunities.  Serving business, civic and community leaders in Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole and Volusia Counties - the Central Florida Partnership is a business led initiative where we will collaborate, cooperate and coordinate - solving the problems that matter most to the millions of people who live, work, learn and play in the Central Florida Region.

Transit Legislation Is Tangible Evidence That Our Work Is Succeeding

From our first day, the Central Florida Partnership has been about turning "Ideas to Results."  And, when it comes to this important matter, the Statewide Rail Transit Legislation is tangible evidence that our work is succeeding; so, it is with great enthusiasm that I write to acknowledge my sincere appreciation of your continued support of our "shared vision" and "common cause."