[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 23 (Tuesday, February 23, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E210]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE CITY OF ZEPHYRHILLS, FLORIDA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GINNY BROWN-WAITE

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 23, 2010

  Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Madam Speaker, 100 years ago 
Zephyrhills, FL was founded as a colony paradise by Howard B. Jeffries 
for his fellow Union civil war veterans. Originally named Abbot after 
the owner of the town's first drug store, Zephyrhills is now home to 
11,000 proud residents.
  Tradition holds that the town of Abbot's name was changed to 
Zephyrhills because of the cool, gentle, zephyr breezes from 
neighboring Greer and LeHeup Hill. The name officially changed to 
``Zephyrhills'' on March 10, 1911; with it, the town of Abbott 
officially moved from an A to Z in the alphabet.
  Zephyrhills residents are proud of the many accomplished men and 
women who have brought notoriety to their hometown. Zephyrhills High 
School coach John Clements has the distinguished record of being one of 
only five coaches in the United States with over 400 recorded wins; 
``The Bulldogs'' baseball team now plays on the John F. Clements field 
in his honor. Having played professional baseball prior to coaching for 
ZHS, John, along with Yankees pitching coach Dave Eiland, Green Bay 
Packers defensive tackle Ryan Pickett, and NASCAR driver David 
Reiutmann, is among the list of athletes that call Zephyrhills their 
hometown.
  Zephyrhills is also proud of its local beauties. Begun in 1956, the 
Lions' Club's ``Miss Zephyrhills'' pageant is a favorite feature during 
the annual Founders Days. It has become a launching ground for the 
statewide ``Miss Florida'' competition. Many former ``Miss Zs'' love 
their hometown as much as any other resident, 1978's winner, Diana 
Kennedy, summed up her experience saying, ``I was very proud to 
represent Zephyrhills and I know the experience made me feel like Miss 
America. I remember being involved in the community; throwing out the 
first baseball and attending parades. Of all the titles I held, 
representing my hometown was the most rewarding.''
  One hundred years ago Howard B. Jeffries founded a town. Zephyrhills 
has become a community based around family, neighborhoods, small 
businesses and longstanding traditions. I congratulate Zephyrhills on 
this momentous occasion and wish them continued prosperity and lasting 
memories throughout the next one hundred years.

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