[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 126 (Monday, August 3, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E763]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE LIFE OF PAT McCLELLAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JIMMY PATRONIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, August 3, 2026

  Mr. PATRONIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor 
the life and legacy of Pat McClellan, the legendary owner of the Flora-
Bama, a true icon of Northwest Florida and the Gulf Coast, and a dear 
personal friend.
  I had the privilege of knowing Pat for more than 20 years. Beyond his 
success as a visionary businessman, Pat was a veteran who served on the 
USS Lexington after graduating from the Navy Flight Program, a 
dedicated community leader, and a man who believed deeply that the best 
things in life were simple and shared. His impact on our community and 
countless lives cannot be overstated.
  Pat had a rare gift for bringing people from every walk of life 
together through music, laughter, and genuine fellowship. Pat's 
generosity, larger-than-life personality, and unwavering love for 
Northwest Florida had a lasting mark on everyone who had the 
opportunity to know him. His legacy will live on through the memories 
created at the Flora-Bama and through the many people whose lives he 
touched.
  Katie and I send our heartfelt condolences to Pat's wife, Sheryl, 
family, friends, and the entire Flora-Bama family during this deeply 
difficult time. We join our entire community in praying for them as 
they mourn this tremendous loss.
  May Pat McClellan rest in peace, and may his memory continue to 
inspire all who knew him.

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