Florida will invest $25 million in bonds to assist Israel after the deadly surprise attack by Hamas over the weekend, state Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis announced Wednesday.
Patronis’ office said in a news release that the purchase will bring the state’s current holdings in Israel bonds to $80 million.
Since 2017, Florida has purchased $190 million in Israel bonds, which have generated about $6.4 million in interest, the news release said.
Solidarity With Israel
The Florida Capitol is being lit nightly in blue and white, while flags have been lowered to half-staff as a sign of solidarity with Israel after the surprise attack Saturday by Hamas.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis directed the lighting and the lowering of flags at state and local facilities through Friday.
Separately, Sen. Lori Berman, D-Boca Raton, and Rep. Katherine Waldron, D-Wellington, filed resolutions (SR 126 and HR 125) supporting Israel’s existence as a sovereign nation and supporting its right to defend itself.
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DeSantis also directed the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to illuminate the Sunshine Skyway Bridge blue and white this week to honor all of those affected by the terrorist attacks in Israel.
“The terrorist attacks carried out on Israel over the past few days are horrific and as Americans and as Floridians, we stand with the people of Israel in this trying time,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “As I previously directed the Department of Management Services to light the Historic Capitol, I’ve directed FDOT to light the Sunshine Skyway Bridge blue and white to show our support for Israel.”
“FDOT stands with Governor DeSantis and his strong support of Israel by this symbolic lighting of Florida’s flagship bridge,” said FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “Illuminating the Sunshine Skyway Bridge with the colors of the Israeli flag conveys our sorrow for the victims and their families of these recent tragic events.”
“There is no question that Pinellas County stands firmly behind the people of Israel as they recover from and fight back against the truly horrific Hamas terrorist attack,” said Senator Nick DiCeglie. “St. Petersburg is home to the Florida Holocaust Museum, and we are all aware of the pernicious rise of anti-Semitism across the globe. Let the illuminating of the Skyway Bridge signify our unwavering support for Israel and our continuing fight against this kind of violent, senseless hate.”
“We are lighting up the Skyway Bridge in blue and white to let the world know St. Petersburg stands with Israel and the Jewish people,” said St. Petersburg Councilman Ed Montanari. “We mourn the innocent lives lost in this brazen, heinous assault and will never equivocate in our support for Israel and its status as a sovereign nation.”
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