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Gov. Rick Scott calls for accountability in case of toddler who died in daycare van

LAKE MARY, Fla. — In his first public comments since a 3-year-old died after being left in an Orlando daycare van, Gov. Rick Scott said this is a time for accountability—but would not say specifically what actions he believed needed to be taken to prevent another similar tragedy.

“My oldest grandson is 5 and a half, I've got one, a little less than 2 years old and you just can't imagine this happening,” said Scott.

Myles was found dead in early August in a van parked at a day care where he had been left for nearly 12 hours.

Police were called to Little Miracles Academy on West Gore Street near Rio Grande Avenue in reference to a report of child neglect.

Officers found Myles on the floor of the back seat of the van, and paramedics pronounced him dead.

“You should always step back and say what can we do differently, is there something we can do? Is there a legislation that we can do to hopefully prevent this?” said Scott.

The Florida Department of Children and Families has told Channel 9 the department is already looking into raising inspection standards for daycares. But the cost of that may be a sticking point.

When asked if more funding for DCF will be considered, the governor said, “We've been able to increase funding in the state as we've turned this economy around.”

“I'm going to do everything I can, I know the speaker is going to do everything he can, all of us have to,” he added.

Orlando Police Chief John Mina said it’s possible that others may be charged in connection with Hill’s death, but couldn’t be more specific since the investigation is still active.

“I've seen the evidence and the statements and I trust our detectives, in consultation with the state attorney's office, made the proper charging decision, but that will be up to a judge and jury,” said Mina.

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