[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 100 (Friday, June 14, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E779-E780]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      IN RECOGNITION OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF BELL'S SHORT STOP

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DONNA E. SHALALA

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 14, 2019

  Ms. SHALALA. Madam Speaker, I rise in recognition of Wilbur Bell on 
the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Mr. Bell's business, Bell's 
Short Stop.
  Opened in 1969, Bell's Short Stop has grown into a community staple. 
Thanks to Mr. Bell's business savvy and dedication to the tight-knit 
West Perrine community, Bell's Short Stop has expanded to include 
Flavas, a soul food staple that attracts not only locals but also 
Florida politicians and visiting NFL players. Mr. Bell's businesses 
have played an integral role in the lives of the families of West 
Perrine, bringing supplies and services as well as community spirit to 
the neighborhood.
  Mr. Bell is also a local celebrity, West Perrine's first elected 
official as former Chair of the Miami-Dade County Community Council. 
Prior to this position, he studied at Florida Agricultural and 
Mechanical University and served in Vietnam, for which he received a 
Vietnam Service Medal. He is also a licensed real estate broker and 
member of Midtown Realty's Millionaire Club.
  Mr Bell's business has become a family affair. Three of his children 
worked at Bell's Short Stop, and one son currently runs Flavas. But 
more than that, Mr. Bell treats his customers as though they are 
family.
  I am truly inspired by Wilbur Bell's passion for giving back to the 
West Perrine community, his dedication to his business and to his

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family, and his ability to transform a store into a local landmark. 
South Florida is richer and fuller thanks to his work.