FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – In a series of three tweets, written in English and Spanish, Gov. Rick Scott said that he has recommended restricting state funds for ports that work with Cuba.
The announcement came in response to Cuban officials who are set to visit Florida ports, including Port Everglades, later this week.
"Our ports are very important to me," Scott said during an event in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, the first legal cargo shipment from Cuba in about 50 years arrived in Fort Lauderdale. It contained charcoal.
Should the governor deliver on the threat, he'd have to ask lawmakers to cut the money from the state's budget.
At the Fort Lauderdale event, which was held at ACR Electronics, Scott also touted a tax cut package that calls on lawmakers to slash $618 million in taxes in the coming year.
Disappointed some FL ports would enter into any agreement with Cuban dictatorship. (1/3)
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) January 25, 2017
I will recommend restricting state funds for ports that work with Cuba in my budget. (2/3)
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) January 25, 2017
We cannot condone Raul Castro’s oppressive behavior. Serious security/human rights concerns. (3/3)
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) January 25, 2017