[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 120 (Monday, September 10, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1467]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA'S BELOVED, PAULA 
                                 RIGGS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 10, 2012

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
life and service of Northwest Florida's beloved Paula Riggs. Mrs. Riggs 
was a dedicated public servant, a staple in the community, and all of 
Northwest Florida mourns her passing.
  Paula Riggs was born in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba while her father was 
serving our nation in the United States Navy. As the daughter of a 
naval officer, her family moved around often; however, her parents 
instilled in Mrs. Riggs an everlasting love and affection for their 
native home in Northwest Florida. Her interest in public service began 
at a young age, when she would spend hours with her uncle Harold 
Goodwin, a former mayor of DeFuniak Springs, listening and learning.
  After receiving her college degree from the University of North 
Florida, Paula Riggs decided to move her family to Northwest Florida to 
raise her four children along the Gulf Coast. Mrs. Riggs was a loving 
and devoted mother to her children, and she was also known throughout 
her community as a true neighbor who offered her kindness to all those 
she knew. She became a successful small business owner, before joining 
the Mary Esther City Council in 1995.
  Mrs. Riggs' had a deep commitment to helping those who were most in 
need of assistance, and she continued her service to Northwest Florida 
in 1998 when she was elected as a County Commissioner for Okaloosa 
County, Florida. As a County Commissioner she was known for her 
assiduous work ethic and steadfast commitment to improving the 
community. In addition to her service on the County Commission, she 
served as Chairman of the Okaloosa-Walton County Transportation 
Planning Organization, as well as Chairman of the State Library 
Council, and her hard work and leadership earned her an appointment by 
Florida Governor Jeb Bush to serve on the Intergovernmental Relations 
Legislative Council. Although she was forced to step down from her 
position on the County Commission in 2004 due to illness, she remained 
a steadfast presence in the community.
  To some, Paula Riggs will be remembered as a dedicated public servant 
and a successful small business owner. To others, she will be 
remembered as a generous and caring neighbor always willing to lend a 
hand. To her family, she will most fondly be remembered as a wonderful 
and loving mother to her four children and an inspiration to her two 
grandchildren. Her impact on Northwest Florida was immense, and her 
legacy will never be forgotten.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it gives me 
great pride to honor the life and service of Paula Riggs. My wife Vicki 
joins me in extending our most sincere condolences to the entire Riggs 
family.

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