LT. GOVERNOR RECEIVES DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN AWARD

November 24, 2008

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GOVERNOR’S PRESS OFFICE
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TALLAHASSEE — Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp is being honored with the Southwest Florida Council of Boy Scouts’ Distinguished Citizen Award, in recognition of his long record of public service and youth advocacy in Florida. The Council will present the award to Lt. Governor Kottkamp during a ceremony in Lee County this evening with Governor Charlie Crist.

“Jeff is a wonderful friend and colleague who over the years has earned my utmost respect,” said Governor Charlie Crist. “His hard work for the people of Florida and his upstanding character make him the ideal choice for the Distinguished Citizen Award.”

The Southwest Florida Council gives the award to individuals who have dedicated outstanding service to their communities. Previous winners include former U.S. Sen. Connie Mack; former U.S. Rep. Dudley Goodlette; and former Congressman Porter Goss. Lt. Governor Kottkamp will accept the award at a dinner and silent auction this evening to benefit the Council, which serves seven counties in southwest Florida.

“I am honored and humbled to receive this award from the Boy Scouts, an organization that embodies the ideals of service, community involvement and character development that are so important,” said Lt. Governor Kottkamp. “I remain dedicated to working hard for the youth of our great state.”

Lt. Governor Kottkamp, of Fort Myers, was a Cub Scout while growing up in Indiana. He has lived in southwest Florida since 1977, and practiced law there until his election to the Florida House of Representatives in 2000. He served in the Legislature until he and Governor Crist were elected in 2006. One of his most important pieces of legislation passed while in the House was the Marvin Davies Civil Rights Act of 2003, which he worked with then-Attorney General Crist to get passed. The legislation gives the Attorney General’s Office power to take action when a pattern or practice of discrimination has occurred.

More recently, Lt. Governor Kottkamp has addressed children’s issues by leading the Florida Children and Youth Cabinet established by Governor Crist. He also has been a strong advocate for the adoption of children in state care, through his leadership in the state’s “Explore Adoption” campaign.