WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Rick Scott announced a resolution, cosponsored by Senator Marco Rubio, honoring the memory of Jereima ‘‘Jeri’’ Bustamante, Senator Scott’s former press secretary, who was lost in a tragic accident five years ago on April 8, 2018.

Senator Rick Scott said, “In these five years since we lost the light that was Jeri Bustamante, her memory still burns bright in the hearts and minds of my team and me and all who knew and loved her. Jeri was my press secretary, Spanish teacher and good friend. When I walk the halls of the Senate, I think of how it was her dream to be here in Washington, D.C., and stand at the podium of the White House. I practice my Spanish, hoping I’m making her proud. And I’m constantly reminded of her positive attitude, incredible drive and determination that made everyone respect her and want to be her best friend and biggest cheerleader – and I try to incorporate that into my daily life. In her short life, Jeri showed so many of us that the American dream is alive and well, coming to our nation from Panama with her family and working her way through school and pursuing her dreams of a career in communications. Jeri was a selfless and kind friend, a hard worker and a magnetic force with a bright smile and contagious laugh. We miss her every day.”

Senator Marco Rubio said, “As we commemorate five years since the tragic passing of Jeri Bustamante, we pay tribute to her legacy and service to the people of Florida. Jeri was a kind and respectful individual who was an inspiration to all who knew her.”

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