[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 126 (Wednesday, July 23, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E718]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TOWN OF HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS, 
                                FLORIDA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANIEL WEBSTER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 23, 2025

  Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize 
and celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Town of Howey-in-the-Hills, 
Florida.
  Founded by William John Howey and incorporated on May 8, 1925, as the 
Town of Howey, this vibrant community officially became known as Howey-
in-the-Hills in 1927. The name pays homage to the picturesque 
topography of the regions, which Mr. Howey fondly referred to as ``The 
Florida Alps.''
  Mr. Howey was an entrepreneur who dreamed of creating a citrus empire 
with the town serving as its commercial and shipping hub. He 
constructed Florida's first citrus juice plant in 1921 and introduced 
the ``Lifeguard'' brand of canned citrus juice, revolutionizing the 
industry. The historic Floridian Hotel, built to accommodate buyers of 
his citrus acreage, and the elegant Howey Mansion on the north end of 
town are enduring symbols of his legacy.
  As the town grew, so too did its reputation as a destination for 
recreation and hospitality. The adjacent Floridian Country Club and 
golf course capitalized on the growing popularity of the sport and were 
later revitalized by the Beucher family, who transformed the property 
into the acclaimed Mission Resort & Club. In 2022, the Beucher family 
passed the torch to MMI Hospitality Group, ensuring the resort's 
continued excellence.
  Another key figure in the town's development was C.V. Griffin, Sr., 
who, in the 1950s, promoted ``Land Cruises'' to draw attention to the 
town's beauty and opportunity. He donated land for the town hall, 
established Griffin Airways, and was instrumental in the construction 
of the State Road 19 bridge over Lake Harris, linking communities and 
encouraging economic growth.
  Today, with a population exceeding 2,000, Howey-in-the-Hills is a 
thriving, family-oriented resort town. The beautifully restored Howey 
Mansion hosts custom-designed events, while the town's 1920s mission-
style architecture and the Community Church, built in 1949, add 
cultural depth to this charming municipality.
  Whether it is a leisurely stroll through Blevins Patriot Park, 
boating on Lake Harris, enjoying the spa, or a round of golf, Howey-in-
the-Hills remains a beautiful and welcoming place to live, work, and 
visit.
  I am honored to join the community in commemorating the 100th 
Anniversary of the town of Howey-in-the-Hills, and in celebrating its 
proud heritage, vibrant present, and promising future.
  Happy Centennial, Howey-in-the-Hills.

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