Florida senator warns socialists that state is 'openly hostile', issues travel advisory

Florida Republican Sen. Rick Scott on Tuesday issued a "travel advisory" for socialists who might seek to visit the Sunshine State, suggesting they opt against such a trip.

"The state of Florida devalues and marginalizes the contributions of, and the challenges faced by Socialists and others who work in the Biden Administration," Scott said, according to The Hill. "Let me be clear – any attempts to spread the oppression and poverty that Socialism always brings will be rebuffed by the people of Florida."

"Travelers should be aware that attempts to spread Socialism in north Florida will fail and be met with laughter and mockery," he added.

The senator's comments appear to satirize a pair of recent travel advisories from advocacy organizations warning that the state had become hostile to LGBT individuals and black Americans.

LGBT group Equality Florida cautioned gay travelers in mid-April against visiting the Sunshine State.

"As an organization that has spent decades working to improve Florida’s reputation as a welcoming and inclusive place to live work and visit, it is with great sadness that we must respond to those asking if it is safe to travel to Florida or remain in the state as the laws strip away basic rights and freedoms," Executive Director Nadine Smith said at the time.

More recently, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) warned in late May that "Florida is openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals. Before traveling to Florida, please understand that the state of Florida devalues and marginalizes the contributions of, and the challenges faced by African Americans and other communities of color."

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.