Florida officials offered condolences to families and the community around Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., where a 20-year-old man reportedly killed 20 children and seven adults on Friday.

Gov. Rick Scott

“My thoughts and prayers are with the families and victims of today's tragic events in Newtown, Connecticut.”

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater

“I am horrified and saddened by the shooting in Connecticut today. Please pray for the families of those who were tragically killed.”

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Miami

“God bless all those little children and families involved in today's shooting in CT. It's the definition of senseless.”

U.S. Rep.-elect Patrick Murphy, D-Jupiter

“My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the tragic shooting today in Connecticut.”

U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Weston

"It’s a parent’s nightmare that they send their child to school & they not return. My thoughts & prayers are w the families as they grieve."

U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson, D-Miami Gardens

“As a former school teacher and school principal, I grieve not only for the parents, but also for the school staff who bear the brunt of the responsibility of caring for our nation’s children. There are no words to describe this heartbreaking tragedy. My sympathies go out to all those affected by this violent act.”

U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch, D-Boca Raton

“Horrific and repulsive murder of kids. We mourn loss of life and pray for families & community. Time to come together to stop gun violence.”

Florida Sen. Chris Smith, D-Oakland Park

“It's not always how we deal with guns in this country, it's also about how we deal with mental illness. Prayers go out to Connecticut.”

House Speaker Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel

“My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Newtown, CT. Can't imagine the grief the parents of the victims feel today.”

Florida Rep. Jose Felix Diaz, R-Miami

“I can't imagine the pain of the parents who lost their children in today's CT shooting -- during the holidays -- senseless and unimaginable.”

Florida Rep. Mark Pafford, D-West Palm Beach

“How many mass shootings will it take to even discuss these more frequent and deadly occurrences? Congress, hello? Another tragic day in 2012.”

Mark Hollis, Florida House Democratic Party spokesman

“Our hearts are broken today.”

Teresa Jacobs, Orange County Mayor

“My heart is heavy and filled with sadness today after hearing about the unfathomable national tragedy in Connecticut. My thoughts and prayers are with the Sandy Hook Elementary community in Newtown.”

Port St. Lucie City Commissioner Michelle Berger

“My deepest sympathies for the families in Newton, Conn. My family will pray for those families losses and for healing of the wounded.”



Reach Jim Turner at jturner@sunshinestatenews.com or at (772) 215-9889.