[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 74 (Monday, May 5, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E383-E384]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING FERNANDO SERRANO

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 5, 2025

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding 
contributions that Fernando Serrano has made through his work with the 
Pasco County Human Services Team. The Pasco County Human Services Team 
has proven itself to be a comerstone of resilience, innovation, and 
unwavering commitment to the community. Amidst the devastating impacts 
of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, they emerged as an indispensable 
force, transforming challenges into triumphs and ensuring no resident 
was left behind. The team managed and helped coordinate efforts for 
shelters that housed 485 residents. When Hurricane Milton struck 
shortly thereafter, the team rose to even greater heights, coordinating 
shelters for 5,800 individuals and 1,315 animals--an extraordinary feat 
of operational precision and compassion. Despite personal hardships, 
including one case manager losing her home

[[Page E384]]

while another lost her rental property, the team prioritized the 
welfare of the community, working tirelessly to ensure safety and 
stability for all. Post-storm, the team was responsible for helping 
shelter residents whose homes were no longer safe, find appropriate 
alternatives for housing. Their dedication shone through in rapid 
response efforts. In the days immediately following Hurricane Helene, 
49 residents received critical assessments and essential resources. 
After Hurricane Milton, they worked with 225 displaced individuals who 
remained in shelters, demonstrating their unparalleled ability to adapt 
and respond under pressure. The team leveraged the Human Services Needs 
app to streamline disaster case management, supporting 1,351 residents. 
Their follow-up system, in partnership with other agencies, ensured 
personalized service for every individual. This innovative approach 
epitomized their ability to harness technology and partnerships for 
meaningful impact. Beyond immediate relief, the team worked with 
individuals and families who would require long-term recovery efforts. 
For approximately 150 permanently displaced residents, they implemented 
a housing eligibility process, with the intent of ensuring fair and 
transparent allocation of resources. By securing placements at 
facilities like Pasco Hope, the team supported individuals and families 
along a pathway to rebuild their lives. Between September 28 and 
October 18, 2024, the team managed an overwhelming volume of calls--
1,194 through their direct line and another 1,214 through work phones. 
Yet every call was met with care, professionalism, and actionable 
solutions, reflecting the team's deep commitment to being a lifeline 
for the community. The Pasco County Human Services Team exemplifies 
what it means to serve with excellence, compassion, and innovation. 
Their remarkable achievements during Hurricanes Helene and Milton, 
coupled with their dedication to long-term recovery and cutting-edge 
approaches to disaster management, have left an indelible mark on Pasco 
County.
  It is clear Fernando Serrano has made a profoundly positive impact on 
our community this his work as part of the Pasco County Human Services 
Team, and I am grateful for his service. May we all strive to serve our 
communities with the same dedication and humility.

                          ____________________