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NEWS CONFERENCE
GOVERNOR FARRIS BRYANT
TALLAHASSEE
NOVEMBER 26, 1963
HTVJ; Jerry Hook, JOHN R. PERRY PAPERS; Allen Norris, CRAGKBR POLITICS;
Doug Starr, ASSOCIATED PRESS: Pry Starr, ABC RADIO; George Thurston,
HPXI,UFLA; Ann waldron, 3T. IEEKRSDURG TIMBS-RIAHI HERALD SERVICE.
GOVERNOR: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. It is always difficult
for me to any lady and gentlemen, but with two not it is easier.
FRIB: We like to hear it.
WALDROR: Governor, how do you think the 30 days of mourning should be
observed in Florida?
OOVBRHOR: Hell, it will be observed, I hope, by the flying Of the Flag
at half-mast. We propose to keep here in the office a small memorial
center with the President's picture and a wreath.
RRYE: Where will that be?
BRADFORD: It is out there in the front.
HALDRON: Real flowers?
GOVERNOR: We have palms today, but they will undoubtedly change from
time to time.
R.3TARR: Governor, while you were in Washington did you attend a
meeting of Governors with the President 0: the United States, and it
you did so, air, can you tell us something about it?
GOVERNOR: No, I didn't.
R.8TARR: Did you have any meetings while you were in Washington?
GOVERNOR: Immediately after the ceremony at Arlington Cemetery. I
broke out of the procession line and went to the airport and caught an
airplane back to Florida so that I was not there at the time or the
meeting.
D.STARR: Governor, did you see the President's speech?
GOVERNOR: Which one?
D.STARR: Which he made to the 35 Governors?
GOVERNOR: No, I have not. Is it available?
D.STARR: I haven't seen it either. I Just saw the story on it that
is all.
TRURSTON: As I understand it, President Johnson has asked the support
or all Governors for President Kennedy's legislative program, and I
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wonder how you feel about that and can you respond affirmatively to
that request?
GOVERNOR: Last Saturday I issued a statement commending support of our
new President to the people or Florida. I don't feel that our great
loss, which is common to all Americans, has-anything to do with the
merits or demerits or programs that he was sponsoring. If they were
good before, they are good now. If I agreed with them before, I agree
with them now and conversely. I don't think that things of this kind
ought to be decided on an emotional basis, although obviously all of us
are subject to the emotional pull or which this man's character, in
this particular instance, has upon us.
THURBTON: Do you feel that it is too early to begin assessing the
izpact of his assassination on the political alignments in the race for
presidential nomination?
G;*HRNOR: It's too early for me. I am not an expert on National
political matters anyway. You can broaden that probably, but I am
addressing myself to your particular question.
FREE: I believe that you said in a press conference or something in
Washington that you didn't feel that the change in the presidency Would
interfere in any way or have any effect on the Florida projects, like
the Cross State Barge Canal, Canaveral, et caters?
GOVERNOR: No, I think it will not. I think that those things that are
going forward now or that nature for instance, Canaveral certainly has
the new President's commitment, he being in charge or the space program,
Mnclill and S:rike Command are strategic decisions that obviously are
above personalities, the Cross Florida Canal is 30h a decisirn of the
Gangress; and President Johnson, while I never saw his opinion on it,
I an confident will continue to press support of it. I have not had a
chance to adircsa him or to know his tastings about Interame, but we
us; 1432 building in that area anyway and I would not think it would
be more difficult with him.
R.STARR: Governor you spoke about national politics. If there were a
change as far as state politics were concerned -- if a United States
Senator did get elevated into the Johnson cabinet, what would be the
mechanics from this and or replacing him?
GOVERNOR: I believe that the Governor appoints his successor until the
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next election, at which time of course he is elected by the people.
R.STARR: Do you have any leanings toward that office should it open up?
GOVERNOR: That's a hypothetical question. There is no vacancy and I
don't anticipate that there will he. Are there other questions?
HAYES: Governor, do you have any comment concerning the closed door
meeting held Thursday concerning Islandia?
GOVERNOR: I dont know of such a meetingi
R.STARR: You did not attend one, Governor?
GOVERNOR: No. If you are referring to conversations that I had with
some people relative to it, why this does not fit under the definition
of closed door meeting unless I sit in Well, as a matter of fact,
my doors are never closed. (laughter) I hold all my conferences with
span doors. Is this the meeting you referred to?
HAYES: I don't know. I understood it to be a closed door meeting.
GOVERNOR: You understood wrong. Now, do you wish to ask about the
open door meeting?
HAYES: O.K., what about the open door meeting? (laughter)
FRYE: You are too literal about the doors. we consider it closed if
we are not invited in.
GOVERNOR: well, I have those all day long, but I dont consider them
closed door meetings in any sense. People come in to talk to me about
everything under the sun, some of which I want to hear about and some
of which I don't. But I have been talking with gOVernment officials
and interested citizens at several levels trying to ascertain all that
I can about the proposed Seadade and Ialsndia developments. I have
talked.with James Bush representing Seadade and Mr. Brooks representing
Islandia, Mr. Kidd and representatives of the Board of Conservation,
local officials in the Dede County area, and I have received and read
for five hours in the airplane the door was closed (laughter) the
material in our file on this proJect. I read them all the way to Miami
and back. I have not yet completed my information gathering effort,
but all of the ooecalled meetings that I have had have been efforts by
me to secure maximum information about these projects. No decisions
have been arrived at. As a matter of fact, I don't have the power to
make decisions in these matters.
WALDRDN: What about the Taylor County Behool situation, have you made
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up your mind what to do about the School Board and the Superintendent?
GOVERNOR: We are advised. I don't know whether the letter hoe come
through on it yet, but we are advised that action by us will not affect
the action by the Committee on Secondary Schools or the Commission on
Secondary Schools.
VALDRON: hell, does that mean you will take no action?
GOVERNOR: No, it does not. It does mean that the urgency of action or
the need to do it before they are, it they are, disaocredited does not
exist.
GHBTSCB: Do you have any figures on the Turnpike extension?
GOVERNOR: Yes. On Sunday the revenue on the extension alone was some
$5,uoo. or course, this took advantage, as we hoped it would, of a
great deal return traffic from the activities in Miami over the week-
end. But we are very, very much encouraged about it.
D.STARR: Was this last Sunday, day before yesterday?
GOVERNOR: Yes, sir.
D.STARR: weren't a lot of people at home looking at television?
GOVERNOR: Undoubtedly. But we have been grossing about $1,000 a day
on the Orlando to Yeahew Junction section. Now that we have opened the
entire section south of Orlando to Fort Pierce the gross on that section
alone was $5,400. or course, while I don't have the figures, undoubtedl,
revenue on the bobtail will likewise increase. That is one of the
advantages of the extension is that the yield on the bobtail is so
substantially increased with no real increase in costs.
FR!E: Where does the extension run from that you said made $5,H00?
GOVERNOR: The intersection of 0.5. 17 south of Orlando to Fort Pierce,
which is the northern terminal of the bobtail.
THURSTON: Governor,would you believe me if I told you no survey
engineer inquired of me whether I planned to use the extension or any
part or the Turnpike in going to Miami this weekend?
GOVERNOR: I would believe you.
BRADFORD: Governor, are you still receiving these printed post card
reqnesta for reinstatement of Red Franks or Alschua County?
GOVERNOR: No, sir.
BRADFORD: Do you know what the count was when they stopped?
KYHES: I think we got about one or two last week, Governor.
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GOVERNOR: What is the count, do you know?
KYNES: I think close to eight or nine hundred.
GOVERNOR: Pro or con?
KINES: Both.
GOVERNOR: Total.
WALDRON: Did Mrs. Bryant go with you to Washington?
GOVERNOR: No, ma'am.
RALDRON: You went alone?
GOVERNOR: I left from Miami and went alone, yes, ma'am.
BRADFORD: Had you indicated to Mr. Franks that you would consider
reinstating him if you were convinced that the public sentiment was
for that action?
GOVERNOR: The only thing I said to him that could be construed in that
light is this: I told him that my mind is never closed on a subject
of that kind. I think I have a duty to review from time to time any
relevant facts, but I have given him no assurance that if such and
such happened I would so such and so. My maximum commitment is to keep
an open mind on the subJect, and that commitment of course I will keep.
BRADFORD: Governor, have you heard anything from the Beverage Depart-
ment relative to the investigation in Polk County on liquor licenses?
GOVERNOR: I don't believe I've heard anything about that since last
Thursday when I talked with you. I left for Miami Friday morning and
Just returned this morning.
ORETSCH: Governor, in your address on the 18th or 19th to the Chamber
of Commerce you mentioned that you were going to devote yOur last year
in office bringing industry into the state.
GOVERHOR: Yes, sir.
GRETSCH: Do you have any specific plans you care to divulge?
GOVERROR: I think I mentioned two of the key programs. One of them
is that now underway in which we will bring into the state series of
groups of industrialists who are interested or prospects for establish-
ing industries in Florida on the one hand. And on the other, a campaign
to cover on a door-knocking basis -- I dont mean myself, but I mean
members of the Council of 100 and staff of the Development Commission
and everyone that we can enlist in this fashion -- all areas of the
country to determine the possibility of their coming to Florida.
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GRBTSCH: no you anticipate leading any tours into other parts of the
nation?
GOVERNOR: I would think that that would happen, yes. I have been
receiving all these three years many invitations to do this kind of
thing and I have declined them all largely because I have been too
busy doing other things and because we were spending our energies on
other things. But, assuming we don't have another special session or
the Legislature, I expect to have time to do this and I would like to
do it.
GRETSC: Do you have any thoughts on specific types of industry?
GOVERNOR: We want to stick to that kind or industry which does not
depend upon freight or the heavy natural resources -- crafts, technical
type industries, the electronics industry, industries built on physics
and sophisticated chemistry -- things of this kind.
FRXB: Governor, do you have any plans or given any thought to seeking
a court ruling or advisory opinion on whether or not you can run for
re-election?
GOVERNOR: No, mo'am. I have no such plans.
MORRIS: Governor, is the problem or Seadade one of resolving details
or is there a possibility that the whole project may be in Jeopardy?
GOVERNOR: or course there is that possibility. The problem is to
achieve a solution which will balance the multiple equities involved.
Now, there is first or all the equity or the general public in the bay
bottoms, in the prospects for development along Islandis or s recrea-
tienal nature. Whatever comes out or a developmental nature will
involve yielding up the bay bottoms and navigational ability which is
now the exclusive possession or the people or Florida. In order to
Justify giving this up there must be other benefits flowing from this
contribution which will effect it. For instance, if we get an ocean
highway on the Atlantic Coast of Islandis from one end or it to another
with a free public beach all the way this will be the most beautiful
highway in America. For recreation, for development or outdoor living
qualities it would be incomparable. The question is how can we do
this -- if we have a channel out there we have got to get over it with
a bridge or go around it -- is this feasible? In the use of a fill,
how much shall the state charge -- to whom shall it contribute the
fill if it does? If the fill goest to Islandia to build a causeway
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how much shall Islandia pay? So far as Seadade is concerned, how
ironclad are the assurances of the protection or natural resources -
of the beauty or the area? Can the physical aspects of the Seadade
operation be adequately secured and proper precautions be taken against
accidental spilling or oil? What will be the danger from air pollution
where steps can be taken to prevent it? If something goes wrong beyond
our calculation, how severe will be the damage? Are we willing to pay
the price? All or these things. Somewhere between the state in which
Ponce ds Leon found Florida and a completely developed or concrete and
asphalt state there must be a balance which is best for the people of
Florida, yielding to no special interests all that they desire. And it
is our function to find that balance. It will be a changing balance,
as population shifts, as industrial needs change, as recreational needs
grow. All or these things effect the decision. And I am trying to
accumulate for myself as much of this information as I can to try to
make the most intelligent answer.
MORRIS: You sound more pessimistic about Seadade actually becoming a
reality than you did several weeks ago?
GOVERNOR: I am extremely conscious of the problems. I believe that
they can be solved. As of today I say that we can solve them. And as
I explore with these various people that I talk with the innumerable
possibilities and ask them.would you be willing to accept this and then
modify it and take/i: with another-one I hope to come out with something
that I can recommend to all parties and with the backing of Trustees
and the Board of Conservation, Board of Health perhaps, secure their
concurrence. I know this, that whatever answer we come out With nobody
will like, because it won't give anybody all they want. As I have
expressed to those who are advocating Seadade and Islandia this is going
to be great for everybody but me, and I don't see how I can win on it.
MORRIS: Now does AeroJet figure into this?
GOVERNOR: It does. The canal to Aeront is access to the inland
waterway. It is the access to the sea The increased size of the solid
fuel missiles. All of these things are a part or the problem.
MORRIS: Did the state make any commitment to Aerojet?
GOVERNOR: We do have a commitment that we will see they get out to
the inland waterway and we are going to do that regardless. If we can
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get Seadade to do it for us, this is one or the plus factors that will
be of great benefit to us. At the present time they are Just not
pushing us because they don't have the need for it under their present
contract, which all of us contemplated when we originally entered into
this agreement.
MOCK: Governor, you mentioned a special session. Do you have some
reason to believe that there might be one this year?
GOVERNOR: Well, we don't know what is going to happen to reapportion-
went. I have no idea what the decision or the Supreme Court or the
United States will be, what the lower courts will do with that decision,
and what alternatives will be open to us or actions required by us
under those unknown decisions.
BRADFORD: Governor, you said you had no plans to ask for an advisory
opinion?
GOVERNOR: And I have not asked for one.
BRADFORD: And you have not asked for one.
GOVERNOR: That's correct.
BRADFORD: would you in the eventuality that you decided to seek
re-election?
GOVERNOR: If the office should go by default (laughter) --
ROCK: You have the same February lst deadline on that?
GOVERNOR: Yes, sir. (laughter)
D.8TARR: You have the same fertile imagination. (laughter)
BRADFORD: Would you in that event?
GOVERNOR: Would I what?
BRADFORD: Ask for an advisory opinion?
GOVERNOR: If I decided to run, I would.
FRYE: Would ask for an opinion or file and go through ~-
OOVERNOR: Oh, I don't know, I havent talked to my lawyers. (laughter)
FRYE: Aren't you your lawyer? Do you think this is seriously 3
question that could be interpreted under the advisory --
GOVERNOR: Oh, yes. I really haven't given it any thought, but it
seems to me that whether or not I have the power to run again is
certainly within the limitations or that provision of the constitution.
ERIE: We Just can't dispose of you either to the Senate or to the
Governor. It is frustrating. (laughter)
GOVERNOR: Are there other questions?
SEVERAL: Thank you, Governor.
GOVERNOR: Thank you.
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