As Floridians know all too well, our great state has been tragically impacted by the wave of mass shootings that have plagued our nation in recent years. From the Pulse Nightclub to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, from the Fort Lauderdale Airport and the online gaming convention in Jacksonville, to the more recent bank shooting in Sebring, these are stark reminders that leave unanswered questions about what more can be done to make schools and workplaces safer.

That is the essential question that the Institute for a Safer Florida was formed to answer. The institute, which was initially created by the Florida Chamber of Commerce, is dedicated to identifying and pursuing best practices and policies that will help make Florida’s schools and  workplaces among the safest in the nation. We will draw on the expertise and advice from stakeholders across this important discussion – such as business leaders, educators, public policy makers, healthcare professionals (including mental health), social services agencies and public safety professionals – to serve as a clearinghouse for resources and tools that workplaces and schools can use to enhance safety.