Gov. Rick Scott received not one but two sustained standing ovations Tuesday in the Florida House as part of the one-day organizational session celebrating the installation of a new speaker and Senate president and the elections of new members.
The sustained applause reflected the gratitude of Scott's fellow Republicans -- and a sense of relief -- that he will be around for four more years.
"It's good to see you back," outgoing House Speaker Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, told Scott.
Earlier, Senate President Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando, said "I can't tell you how glad I was" to see Scott sitting at the front of the Senate chamber.
The state Elections Canvassing Commission certified the official final results from tthe 2014 election on Tuesday. Scott received 2,865,343 votes or 48.14 percent, and Democrat Charlie Crist received 2,801,198 or 47.07 percent. Scott's victory margin was 64,145 votes.
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