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Tallahassee, FL – This week Florida will have its first African American female Lieutenant Governor in Jennifer Carroll. She'll be sworn into office along with Governor-elect Rick Scott and an all-new Cabinet. During Sunday night's gala in her honor, Carroll said she's going to be an active participant in her new role. Lynn Hatter reports.
Carroll will soon be sworn in as Lieutenant Governor, making her the first African American elected to a statewide office. The role of Lieutenant Governor in Florida has been largely undefined in the past, but Carroll says she plans on changing that.
"In bringing forward good policy and financial acumen," she said, "we will make sure that the high tide will raise all boats and we will see economic prosperity across the state of Florida."
Governor-elect Rick Scott tapped Carroll as his running mate, and during the ceremony Scott said he plans on drawing on her knowledge of the legislative process to try and solve Florida's economic problems.
"If we look at Jennifer's background, we know many of those will get solved, because as long as I'm willing to listen to some of the ideas she has, and watch her tenacity, the relationships that she's built over the last seven years in the legislature, we're going to have a very wonderful seven, hopefully eight years in office together," said Scott.
The inaugural events continue Monday with a reception honoring women in leadership, a military appreciation event, and a youth concert. Scott and Carroll will be sworn into office Tuesday.