Senators Rick Scott (R-FL) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) introduced a Senate resolution commemorating the life of Jereima ‘‘Jeri’’ Bustamante.
Bustamante had been serving as Senator Scott’s press secretary during his time as Florida Governor.
She passed away during a tragic boating accident in the Florida keys six years ago.
Bustamante graduated from Miami Beach Senior High School and obtained Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Communications and Public Administration from Florida International University (FIU), respectively.
Senator Scott reminisced about his relationship with Bustamante, describing her as a source of joy and positivity.
“I can’t believe it’s been six years since the world lost Jeri. Six years since we saw her bright smile, heard her contagious laughter or felt her magnetic and kind presence when she entered a room,” said Scott.
Scott’s resolution also remarks Bustamante’s embodiment of the American dream as her family and she moved to the United States from Panama in search for a better future.
If passed, the resolution would underscore how “living the American Dream remains possible for any individual who, following the example of Jeri Bustamante, works hard to pursue and achieve a goal.”
Bustamante was also cherished by many in Florida’s political class.
Javier Manjarres, The Floridian’s editor, had also established a personal relationship with Bustamante and her family. Jeri and her husband Anthony were visiting Manjarres at his home four days before the accident.
The resolution also encourages for Jereima Bustamante Memorial Scholarship recipients to diligently carry on Bustamante’s legacy.
Scott created the scholarship in 2018 to honor Bustamante’s memory.
The scholarship covers up to four years of college tuition for Miami Beach Senior High graduates who are first generation college students.
