Gov. Scott declares emergency in Alachua before Spencer's speech

[DonViejo]

Source: Tampa Bay Times




Controversial white nationalist scheduled to speak Thursday at UF

By Steve Bousquet 1 hour ago

Gov. Rick Scott on Monday declared a state of emergency in Alachua County three days ahead of a scheduled speech at the University of Florida campus in Gainesville by the white nationalist Richard Spencer.

“I find that the threat of a potential emergency is imminent,” Scott said in a seven-page order, using the same emergency powers he employed as Hurricane Irma took aim at the state last month.

The governor’s executive order, Number 17-264, gives state agencies the power to suspend rules and regulations, including for purchasing, travel and personnel actions. Scott also activated his authority as governor to spend surplus money as he deems necessary.

UF spokeswoman Janine Sikes said Scott’s action wiIl make it easier for the state-funded university to seek reimbursement for some security costs.

Read more: http://www.tampabay.com/florida-politics/buzz/2017/10/16/gov-scott-declares-emergency-in-alachua-before-spencers-speech/

[George II]

1. Why spend money on security - just tell him to stay home!

[Cryptoad]

2. "governor to spend surplus money as he deems necessary."

I guess Gov can buy plenty of tiki torches!

[janterry]

3. It will be interesting to see what happens

Gainesville is progressive - but the areas that surround it aren't. I had a friend who used to speak of it like an oasis - and to some degree, it is.

I'm curious to see what will happen. When Trump was coming up to Tallahassee - he got a large crowd. Tally is a lot like g-ville in that it's pretty progressive, but the areas that surround it are certainly not. His crowd came from the areas around Tally (and it was really big

[Phoenix61]

13. I grew up in Gainesville

I used to joke about it being an island of liberals surrounded by a sea of rednecks.

[lagomorph777]

4. McCauliffe should do this for Charlottesville.

Roll out the National Guard and let them protest in a barbed-wire pen, like they do to lefties like us.

[YOHABLO]

6. Why is the UF allowing this to take place?

[riversedge]

8. It is a University-listening to others, even those we

vehemently oppose is part of free speech on campus. There was a link to this site in the OP story.


https://freespeech.ufl.edu/

[socialist_n_TN]

7. The government protecting the Nazis...........

Is this a surprise for anyone?

[rockfordfile]

9. $500,000 for security. That's about what that racist is costing.

[steve2470]

10. UF says no to white nationalist speaker Richard Spencer

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/says-white-nationalist-speaker-richard-spencer/WvDF8nV8esSyptNBFuepSL/

Updated 5:24 p.m Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2017

GAINESVILLE

The University of Florida is refusing to allow white nationalist leader Richard Spencer to speak on campus next month, citing “serious concerns” about safety in the aftermath of a deadly weekend clash in Charlottesville, Va.

In a message to staff Wednesday morning, university President Kent Fuchs said the decision to deny the National Policy Institute’s request to rent space on campus came “after assessing potential risks” with campus, state, local and federal law enforcement officials.

Continued calls “online and in social medial for similar violence in Gainesville such as those decreeing: ‘The Next Battlefield is Florida‘” also played a role in the decision, Fuchs said.

But Cameron Padgett, a Georgia resident coordinating the event with Spencer, told The News Service of Florida they are working with attorneys and plan to file a lawsuit challenging Fuchs’ decision.


Looks like UF cancelled it, which is wonderful.

[TexasBushwhacker]

11. That article is from August, so apparently it's back on n/t

[steve2470]

12. oh derp thanks nt