[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 45 (Monday, March 9, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H1551]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF LARRY DURRENCE

  (Mr. SPANO asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to celebrate the life of a 
distinguished Lakeland, Florida, resident and former mayor, the 
Honorable Larry Durrence. Sadly, Mayor Durrence passed away on February 
20.
  Mayor Durrence, or Larry, as he was known to many, lived a life 
dedicated to serving others and the community that he called home.
  Beyond his two terms in the Lakeland City Hall, he also served as the 
third president of Polk Community College, which is now Polk State 
College. During his tenure, he prioritized workforce training and 
accelerated education programs. He was committed to equity and 
diversity, including growing minority and female representation in 
leadership positions.
  Larry was widely known by his friends and those who worked alongside 
him as a dedicated and humble public servant who loved interacting with 
and serving people.
  Larry Durrence was a great leader and a great friend to our 
community, and his legacy will be felt for years to come.
  Thank you, Larry, for your many contributions. It is because of men 
and women like you that I remain proud to represent and serve Florida's 
15th Congressional District.

                          ____________________