Gov. Scott to stop in Clearwater to break ground and celebrate jobs

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Up until Tuesday he wouldn’t answer much, but Governor Rick Scott is clear on one thing – jobs.

Scott will be in Clearwater Thursday celebrating the expansion of a General Electric plant that will add 250 new jobs to the area.

GE’s Manufacturing Center of Excellence in Clearwater is replacing a plant in the upstate New York town of Fort Edward that is expected to shut down sometime in early 2015.

According to the Tampa Bay Times, some workers there earned up to $29 an hour, which won’t be the case in Clearwater.

Reporters have asked Governor Scott repeatedly whether he supports increasing the minimum wage in Florida. His canned response was unwavering – he supports creating more jobs. Monday he finally answered the question – no.

The governor will be at the GE plant at 12:50 p.m.. It’s located at 1907 Calumet St. in Clearwater where he’ll likely continue his “Get to Work” message.

Janelle Irwin has been a professional journalist covering local news and politics in the Tampa Bay area since 2003. She also hosts a weekly political talk show on WMNF Community radio. Janelle formerly served as the sole staff reporter for WMNF News and previously covered news for Patch.com and various local neighborhood newsletters. Her work has been featured in the New York Daily News, Free Speech Radio News and Florida Public Radio and she's been interviewed by radio stations across the nation for her coverage of the 2012 Republican National Convention. Janelle is a diehard news junkie who isn't afraid to take on big names in local politics including Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, the dirty business of trash and recycling in St. Pete and the ongoing Pier debacle. Her work as a reporter and radio host has earned her two WMNF awards including News Volunteer of the Year and Public Affairs Volunteer of the Year. Janelle is also the devoted mother to three brilliant and beautiful daughters who are a constant source of inspiration and occasional blogging fodder. To contact, email [email protected].