[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 67 (Wednesday, April 17, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H2453-H2454]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          RECOGNIZING ORLANDO

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Florida (Mr. Frost) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the place I get to 
call home and serve--the 407, known as the City Beautiful.
  From its charming mom-and-pop shops to world-class attractions, the 
success of our city is a testament to the incredible and unwavering 
spirit of our community.
  Orlando is a place like no other.
  At the heart of our city is a thriving small business community whose 
passion and dedication are felt by everyone they serve, especially when 
it comes to Orlando's amazing and diverse food scene.
  As we celebrate the spirit of community, pride, and support that 
defines the 407, let us reaffirm our commitment to its continued 
success by uplifting our local businesses.
  In supporting them, we ensure that Orlando remains not just a place 
full of potential but a city that can truly thrive.


               Recognizing Extraordinary Black Luminaries

  Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize extraordinary Black 
luminaries from around central Florida and their achievements and 
contributions to our city.

  Their dedication shapes our everyday history, reminding us to uphold 
Black voices in government, community, business, and all spaces of 
power.
  I recognize: Carolyn Fennell, Shanta Barton-Stubbs, Ms. Mary Maxwell, 
Reginald B. McGill, Tanisha Nunn Gary, Joseph Caesar, Reverend James T. 
Morris, Ronald O. Rogers, and Thomas Chatmon.
  I am reading their names into the Congressional Record today because 
nobody can erase their contributions to building a better central 
Florida.


                          Honoring Bob Graham

  Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today because yesterday the State of 
Florida and our entire Nation lost a dedicated servant, Senator, 
Governor, respectable statesman, husband, father, grandfather, and 
great-grandfather, Bob Graham.
  Bob Graham dedicated his life to public service. He dedicated his 
life to the people, and he was a champion for all of us.
  From his work on protecting the Everglades and fighting for our 
environment to fighting for education and opportunity for all students 
to even teaching citizenship before he was elected at Miami-Dade County 
High School, Bob Graham's legacy can be seen everywhere across the 
State of Florida and in all of us. He truly represented a time in 
Florida politics that we could all be proud of.


     Recognizing Four Extraordinary Women for Women's History Month

  Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor four extraordinary 
women for their impact on central Florida and beyond.
  Their tireless efforts, unwavering determination, and profound 
achievements have shaped our local history and continue to inspire 
generations to come.
  We honor them for their strength of character, unwavering spirit, and 
profound influence that they have on our community.
  These women are: Graciela Noriega Jacoby, chief operating officer of 
Heart of Florida United Way; Dr. Marie Jose Francois, founder of the 
Center for Multicultural Wellness and Prevention; Pastor Sharon Y. 
Rule, founder and pastor of Agape Perfecting Praise and Worship Center; 
and Oncantho Am, associate general counsel at the University of Central 
Florida.
  I want to celebrate these women and all that they have done for our 
community.


                        Honoring Sheila DiCiccio

  Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Winter Park's new 
mayor, Sheila DeCiccio.
  Winter Park is a historic and unique community in my district filled 
with charm and beauty that attracts new visitors but has fostered a 
deep sense of community for many of central Florida's residents.
  Mayor DeCiccio is a longtime Winter Park resident and has always put 
her community first by volunteering, sitting on the city's board of 
commissioners, and now will be serving as the city of Winter Park's 
first woman to be mayor.
  Winter Park faces unique challenges--responsible growth, affordable 
housing, and infrastructure improvements. But Mayor DeCiccio's deep 
roots in the community and her passion to tackle these challenges with

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her community's best interests at heart will ensure that she and the 
city of Winter Park are successful.
  I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Mayor DeCiccio, and I am 
eager to work alongside her to work for and with the people of Winter 
Park.

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