[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 74 (Monday, May 5, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E387]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING BOB WESLEY FOR HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO CENTRAL FLORIDA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DARREN SOTO

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 5, 2025

  Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Bob Wesley was born in Marietta, Georgia, in 
1953 to Martha ``Pete'' Wesley and Frank Wesley. Bob was the middle son 
among six siblings and was always different and quick-witted.
  As a child who stood head and shoulders above other kindergartners, 
he immediately befriended the shortest kid in class. He convinced his 
brothers to play pranks on their mother, once taping over the speaker 
inside her phone, prompting a repairman visit and an eye roll from her. 
But while someone who didn't know him saw a goofy, funny jokester, he 
also showed an adult-like interest in government and protecting the 
rights of others.
  He was stubborn. Rather than following the rules and cutting his long 
hair, Bob dropped out of Lakeland High School and enrolled in night 
school instead. He became a photographer and, for a short time, a 
traveling mechanic with a drag race funny car team, the Houston 
Hustler.
  He then attended Polk County Community College and received his 
bachelor's in history at the University of West Florida. Bob found his 
passion when he pursued his interest in the law, freedom, and justice 
at Florida State University College of Law. He was then admitted to the 
Florida Bar and became a board-certified trial attorney. He eventually 
settled down in Orlando.
  After decades as a successful defense attorney, Bob was elected as a 
Democrat for the Office of the Public Defender of Orange and Osceola 
counties in 2001. He was elected by the people and served in this role 
for 24 years, retiring in January of 2025. During his tenure as a 
public defender, Bob partnered with the community to help make justice 
equitable for all, regardless of race, status, or socioeconomic status. 
This was his legacy.
  He gained national attention for his work to ensure professional 
clothing for his clients, those accused of crimes, those facing 
involuntary commitment for mental health and addiction, and children 
who appeared in delinquency cases. Bob hosted an annual clothing drive 
where he would greet people with smiles and jokes as they dropped off 
their clothes to be worn in court by his clients. He also created a 
community bail fund to help those without resources pay bail and be 
released from jail while awaiting trial.
  Bob was an outspoken advocate against police profiling and harsher 
sentences for Black and brown people. He lobbied aggressively to reduce 
time behind bars for low-level, first-time offenders, fought for civil 
citations over arrests, and brought attention to issues with evidence 
handling and arrests of children in his circuit.

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