Governor To Join Obama In Fort Myers

Crist To Meet With Obama In Town Hall Meeting Tuesday

LABELLE, FL. -- The White House announced today that Florida Governor Charlie Crist will introduce President Barack Obama at a town hall meeting in Fort Myers to discuss the urgent need for a plan to help American families cope with the severe economic downturn and lay the foundation for our long term recovery.

"I look forward to traveling to Ft. Myers tomorrow to talk to Floridians about how we get our nation's economy back on track. Gov. Crist and I have seen firsthand the toll that this economic crisis has taken on the American people, and we agree that we can't allow politics to get in the way of urgent relief for the millions of families and small businesses that need it," said President Barack Obama.

"Florida has taken prudent steps to cut taxes for our people and balance our budget in these increasingly difficult times. Any attempts at federal stimulus must prioritize job creation and targeted tax relief for small business owners. I am eager to welcome President Obama to the Sunshine State as he continues to work hard to reignite the US economy," said Florida Governor Charlie Crist.

Crist Visits The State Fair Today

Governor Charlie Crist today visited the Florida State Fair and applauded the event's importance to Florida's economy statewide.  According to an economic impact study conducted by the University of South Florida Center for Economic Development in 2006, the Florida State Fair Authority creates 1,267 jobs statewide and has an economic impact of $171.4 million in sales and over $43.3 million in wages. Organized under the leadership of Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson, the 2009 Florida State Fair opened Thursday, February 5, and runs through Monday, February 16. Later today, as part of his ongoing focus on strengthening Florida's economy, Governor Crist will visit the Workforce Central Florida center in Orlando.

"I commend Commissioner Bronson for his leadership in showcasing at the Florida State Fair all that Florida has to offer – our climate, our agriculture and our quality of life," Governor Crist said.  "Floridians are some of the most innovative entrepreunuers in our country, and I am committed to increasing our capacity for economic growth and higher-paying jobs for our people.

The Florida State Fair is a Sunshine State tradition in its 105th year. In 1975, the Florida Legislature created the Florida State Fair Authority and designated the annual event in Tampa as the official Florida State Fair. In 1995, the Florida State Legislature put the fairgrounds and the Florida State Fair Authority under the administration of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The Florida State Fair Authority oversees the fair and the fairgrounds buildings and programs throughout the year.

While addressing the Florida State Fair Governor's Luncheon, Governor Crist spoke of his support for the federal stimulus package and plans to discuss the impact to Florida with President Barack Obama in Fort Myers tomorrow.

"I continue to work with my colleagues and members of our Congressional delegation to ensure Florida receives our fair share," Governor Crist said. "We want Florida to be positioned to use the money quickly in ways that jumpstart our economy."