High in the Andes Mountain range, Colombia is a country that Gov. Rick Scott believes holds a key for hundreds of millions of dollars in economic growth and thousands of new jobs back here in Florida.
The nation is already Florida’s second-largest trade partner.
“Florida has a unique opportunity to become a major hub for international trade for South and Central America,” Scott said last year.
On Sunday, Scott and 190 business leaders traveled to Colombia for meet and greets and state promotion.
But despite potential payoffs, the $197,650 trip did not sit well with critics.
“It’s rather a distraction to, you know, shine the light on something other than his failed jobs record,” said Amy Ritter of Florida Watch Action, a group that has been critical of Scott.