[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 9 (Tuesday, January 31, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E13]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO BERNARD B. ``SKIP'' GARCIA

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM DAVIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 31, 2006

  Mr. DAVIS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Bernard B. 
``Skip'' Garcia, a legend in Tampa's political circles, an asset to any 
Tampa politician who ran for office and a staple in the Tampa 
community.
  Skippy helped good people win elections the right way--by knocking on 
doors, talking to friends and shaking hands. Skippy's energy was 
boundless. He knew just about everyone in Tampa and they all knew how 
much he cared for his community. So when Skippy would call, people 
would listen. For someone who is trying to reach out to voters, that 
kind of help was essential.
  When Skippy wasn't helping win elections, he was always at work for 
our community. He served in the Merchant Marines during World War II 
and went on to work as a Hillsborough sheriff's deputy and deputy state 
fire marshal. Skippy supported the West Tampa Little League, the Boys 
and Girls Clubs, St. Joseph's Catholic School and Church and the 
Salesian Sisters, and he was an active Shriner, member of the Scottish 
Rite and a 32nd degree Mason.
  Tampa won't be the same without Skippy. On behalf of the entire Tampa 
community, I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to his family.

                          ____________________