With recent media reports that Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and her Chief Operations Officer (COO) separately visited Florida, state Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis issued a letter to her on Monday providing her and her team with tourism information and visitor pamphlets for future visits.
“The governor’s recent trip to Florida came despite her encouraging Michiganians to not travel out of state,” Patronis’ office noted.
The letter is below.
Dear Governor Whitmer:
With recent media reports that you and your Chief Operations Officer (COO) separately visited Florida, I wanted to take the liberty of providing you and your whole team with materials from Visit Florida, our state’s official marketing board, for future visits. Included in this letter I’ve attached a summary of promotional materials to help plan your next visit.
As both you and your COO now know from personal experience, Florida is safe for travel. With over 5 million Floridians vaccinated, unlike a lot of other states, Florida has largely returned to normal. The fact is Florida had a lower mortality rate than the locked-down state of New York. Indeed, our governor successfully balanced fighting the coronavirus with keeping our small businesses open.
No doubt, many of your fellow Michiganders traveled to the Sunshine State this year – and we proudly welcomed them! Moreover, much like yourself, many of your constituents likely have loved ones in Florida they haven’t visited in some time. I know members of your team are telling you to downplay the recent trips to Florida. Don’t listen to them. Now that you and your COO have personally experienced what the Sunshine State has to offer, I encourage you to share your experiences publicly. More importantly, however, don’t be a stranger!
See you again soon.
Respectfully,
Jimmy Patronis
Chief Financial Officer
Patronis included the following Florida tourism guide pamphlets in his letter to Whitmer:
• Mexico Beach The Unforgettable Coast
• Florida State Parks
• Walt Disney World
• Bok Tower Gardens National Historic Landmark
• Citrus Golf Trail
• Crayola Experience
• Mosi Sky Trail Zip Line
• Clearwater Beach
• SpringsRUs
• Butterfly World
• Pompano Beach Tourist Guide
• Tampa Attractions & Riverwalk Information
• Universal Orlando Resort
• Sea Screamer Snorkel
• Beach Dreams
• The Pensacola Experience
• Pensacola Explorer’s Guide
• Sun RV Resorts
• Visit Sarasota
• Ocean Landings Resort
• Cocoa Beach Area
• New Smyrna Beach Your Dream Getaway
• Visit Florida Visual Guide to Collecting Seashells on Florida Beaches
• Daytona Beach Official Vacation Guide
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