[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 86 (Wednesday, May 21, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H2207-H2208]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING ALHAMBRA THEATER & DINING

  (Mr. Bean of Florida was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, they say all the world is a stage, 
but in Jacksonville, Florida, the best seat in the house comes with 
dinner and a standing ovation.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great excitement that I rise today to 
recognize the Alhambra Theater & Dining in Jacksonville, Florida--are 
you ready for this, Mr. Speaker?--for being named the Best Dinner 
Theater in America by USA Today's Readers' Choice Awards.
  Since opening its doors in 1967, the Alhambra has brought Broadway to 
Florida's First Coast, hosting a wide variety of shows, musicals, 
comedies, and tribute acts.
  Under the visionary leadership of my good friend, Managing Partner 
Craig Smith, the Alhambra has evolved into a unique destination where 
art, entertainment, and culinary excellence converge to create an 
unparalleled experience.
  Mr. Speaker, the Alhambra isn't just a destination. It is a source of 
community pride, a cultural beacon, and a testament to the power of 
community and the arts.
  As we celebrate this incredible honor, I look forward to more 
captivating performances, more incredible meals, and more nights filled 
with the joy that only the Alhambra can provide.
  When Craig is there, and he is most nights, he personally welcomes 
each audience. When you step through the doors, Mr. Speaker, you are 
not just attending a show. You are stepping into a legacy, one that 
continues to shine brighter with each curtain call.
  Earning this recognition is no small feat. I congratulate Craig and 
the entire Alhambra team on this well-deserved honor, and here's to 
many more standing ovations.


                    Honoring Sergeant Billy O'Leary

  Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, we are all in a hurry. We rush 
through life, and sometimes, we don't know the impact we have on 
others.

[[Page H2208]]

  One of my favorite books is by Mitch Albom, ``The Five People You 
Meet in Heaven.'' The book says that when you get to Heaven, you get to 
see other people's lives, the impact you had on their lives, and how it 
unfolded.
  On the other hand, Mr. Speaker, we know the people who have very much 
impacted our own lives, such as Sergeant Billy O'Leary, who was, 
indeed, a giant of a man in northeast Florida.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Sergeant Billy 
O'Leary, of Fernandina Beach, Florida, a man who dedicated himself to 
service, leadership, and community that few people can match.
  Billy's passing was tragic and sudden. It hurts. It leaves an 
undeniable void. His legacy, one built on honor and commitment, will 
live on in the hearts of those whom he had an impact on.
  Billy will be missed by his sister, Robin; his children, Skylar, 
Caitlin, and Emery; three beautiful grandchildren; and scores of 
friends and coworkers.
  Billy, first and foremost, was a man of service. He answered the call 
to defend his country as a United States marine, proudly serving 4 
years with discipline and courage. Afterward, he made the transition to 
law enforcement, serving with the Fernandina Beach Police Department 
and continuing with a 25-year tenure with the Nassau County Sheriff's 
Office. As a sergeant, he led with integrity, mentoring officers and 
strengthening public safety to ensure that his community remained safe.
  Billy's impact, Mr. Speaker, stretched far beyond the badge. He 
played football for the Fernandina Beach Pirates and went on to play 
for Newberry College. When he returned home, he constantly coached for 
Babe Ruth baseball and Pop Warner football, and he poured his heart 
into Pirate Athletics. He was the voice of the Pirates. At every 
football game, Mr. Speaker, you would hear Billy-O with the call.

                              {time}  1100

  He was president of the Quarterback Club, which is the fundraising 
arm for the football team. Our kid was on the football team. Like so 
many others, our kid graduated--sorry, Mr. Speaker. He was just a big 
deal.
  So many others that are a part of this Quarterback Club where their 
kids had already graduated years ago are part of a group that could not 
say no to Billy O. We keep working for the football team because nobody 
wants to tell this guy no. He would say: Help us out. It is for the 
kids.
  Mr. Speaker, Billy was a marine, a protector, a coach, a voice, a 
leader. He was just a friend. He was my friend. I am--it hurts. I 
think, Mr. Speaker, why it hurts so much is because the impact he made 
was so great.
  God speed to Billy. He will be missed but not forgotten.

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