We have it on good authority that in late July when SunRail officially launches service on its southern leg to Poinciana an unlikely guest of honor will be on hand to officiate.
Drumroll, please: Florida Gov. Rick Scott!
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| SunRail launch in 2014 |
Given that the Florida Department of Transportation is providing a lion share of the funds to operate SunRail, the governor’s presence seems appropriate. But Scott doesn’t exactly have a reputation for supporting passenger-rail alternatives to traffic-clogged highways.
Many remember that in 2011, one of Scott’s first actions as governor was to kill a planned high-speed rail system linking Tampa and Orlando. He turned down $2.4 billion from the federal government for the project. That money went to other states.
Thankfully, though, at the last minute – after much handwringing and begging by Central Florida leaders – Scott approved SunRail and its bare-bones budget that doesn’t include enough money for weekend and late-night service.
Those who attended the SunRail ribbon-cutting in April 2014 might recall that Scott did not attend that event.
Wonder if the fact that Scott is on the verge of announcing his candidacy to unseat U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson at the polls in November has anything to do with his desire to put in some face time at the upcoming SunRail event?
Who knows, maybe we’ll even see Scott on The Rail.
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