[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 23 (Tuesday, February 28, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E232]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE DEDICATION OF THE E. PAT LARKINS COMMUNITY CENTER IN 
                         POMPANO BEACH, FLORIDA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 28, 2006

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. E. 
Pat Larkins, Commissioner of the City of Pompano Beach, Florida, on the 
occasion of the dedication of the E. Pat Larkins Community Center. 
Commissioner Larkins has been a good friend to me and to the citizens 
of Pompano Beach for more than 20 years.
  Born to a carpenter father and a mother who picked beans for a 
living, Pat has piled success on top of success throughout his life. In 
the process, he has made possible opportunities for African-Americans 
they would not have seen otherwise. In 1971, at a time when black-owned 
companies found it difficult to make headway in the construction 
industry, Pat Larkins helped start the Broward Minority Contractors' 
Association to promote the interests of African-American builders.
  In 1985, Pat became the first black mayor of the City of Pompano 
Beach. In all, he has been elected 10 times, for a total of 20 years, 
during which he has also served three terms as Vice Mayor. Pat Larkins 
has been recognized numerous times as a fine citizen and an enormous 
credit to his city and to the people of Broward County, Florida. He is 
a great American, and I am proud to call him my friend.
  Today's naming of the E. Pat Larkins Community Center is a fitting 
tribute to this excellent man. On behalf of my colleagues in the House 
of Representatives and all of the residents of Florida's 23rd 
Congressional District, I congratulate Pat for this honor and wish him 
health, happiness, and continued success in the future.

                          ____________________