Duval Times

Today, Senator Rick Scott introduced a resolution to honor Jereima "Jeri" Bustamante, his former press secretary, on the seventh anniversary of her passing. Bustamante died in a boating accident on April 8, 2018.

Senator Scott expressed his sentiments saying, "For all of us who were blessed to know Jeri, it is difficult to believe that today marks seven years since we lost her. Everyone that knew her, or even met her for a moment, saw the kind, selfless and driven person she was, and that she was destined for greatness."

He further reminisced about the connection they shared during her tenure as his press secretary in the Governor's Office. "Jeri and I became great friends as we spent most days traveling to events across the state, practicing my Spanish and meeting hundreds of people a day and speaking to dozens of reporters," Scott stated.

Reflecting on Bustamante's unfulfilled dreams, Scott noted, "I often think about how it was her dream to work in Washington, D.C. and eventually, at the White House podium. I have no doubt in my mind she would have made that happen because Jeri was simply unstoppable."

Concluding his statement, Scott paid a heartfelt tribute, saying, "Jeri was loved and respected by everyone, and our hearts are still broken that she’s not with us today. We miss you, Jeri, and will never forget you."