[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 138 (Friday, September 6, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E864]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING THE CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE CITY OF BELLE ISLE IN 
                            CENTRAL FLORIDA

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                            HON. DARREN SOTO

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 6, 2024

  Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor and privilege to recognize and 
celebrate the centennial anniversary of the City of Belle Isle in 
Central Florida. Once a Native American oasis, Belle Isle was founded 
by Central Floridians in 1924 to resist Orange County's attempts to 
drain Lake Conway and its chain of lakes, which span approximately 
1,800 acres.
  Belle Isle's first citizens and interim Mayor C.H. Hoffner 
unanimously voted on the city's name, which resembles the French phrase 
for ``beautiful island.'' Today, it reflects the city's peaceful, 
lakefront living that provides an escape from the nearby metros.
  In 1928, Belle Isle was annexed back into Orange County, and records 
of the City of Belle Isle ceased to exist. However, residents once 
again rallied against another attempt by the County to use the lakes 
for drainage in 1954, and the local government was reinstated. The 
State of Florida later recognized the City of Belle Isle's charter in 
1972.
  The city's government ran continuously until the early 2000s when a 
council-manager form of government was adopted to better serve Belle 
Isle residents. Since that time, the city has flourished. Annexations, 
the establishment of a Belle Isle Police Department, and an agreement 
to open Cornerstone Charter Academy mark Belle Isle's largest 
achievements in recent years.
  In celebration of Belle Isle's centennial, the city will be hosting a 
Tree Recognition Ceremony to honor two of its beautiful trees. One tree 
will be recognized as a centennial tree, symbolizing 100 years of Belle 
Isle history. A second plaque will acknowledge a newly planted tree 
that will stand for the next 100 years. We wish good fortune to the 
City of Belle Isle and its residents and hope for another 100 years of 
history.

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