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Mar 2, 2018, Naples (FL) Daily News: 'We have got to change:' Gov. Rick Scott highlights $500M schoo


Gov. Rick Scott stopped Friday in Naples to meet with local law enforcement and highlight his $500 million plan to address school safety in the wake of one of the deadliest mass shootings in modern U.S. history.


Scott, who unveiled his proposal — which focuses on gun laws, staffing at schools and mental health — last week, said the plan came together after he talked with educators, mental health professionals and law enforcement officials after the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that left 17 dead.

Among the proposals in Scott's plan:

  • mandatory active-shooter training at schools, which must be completed during the first week of each semester in all public schools.

  • "enhanced" criminal penalties for people who make threats to schools, including those made on social media.

"Major investments" are necessary to harden school buildings, including metal detectors, bulletproof glass, steel doors and upgraded locks, said Scott, who made similar announcements detailing his plan this week in cities across the state.


Additionally, he said, "significant investments" in mental health were needed, including mental health counselors at all schools.


A Department of Children and Families employee would be embedded at all sheriff's departments to foster "better coordination" among schools, DCF, Department of Juvenile Justice and law enforcement, Scott said.

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