[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 131 (Monday, August 10, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E782]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                       FLORIDA PIZZA DESTINATION

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, August 10, 2026

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize something that 
brings people together across every generation, every background, and 
every community--pizza. Before I speak about Florida, I want to 
acknowledge the communities that have built America's remarkable pizza 
heritage. Places like New York, New Haven, Chicago, Detroit, Old Forge, 
and many others have shaped the history of pizza in the United States. 
Their traditions are woven into our Nation's culinary identity and 
deserve to be celebrated.
  Florida's story, however, is different. Our state is not seeking to 
replace these legendary pizza destinations or claim their rich history. 
Instead, Florida has become something uniquely American--a place where 
many of our Nation's greatest pizza traditions come together. From 
Pensacola to Key West, Jacksonville to Tampa Bay, Orlando, Miami, and 
communities throughout the Sunshine State, talented pizza makers are 
serving extraordinary New York-style pizza, New Haven apizza, 
Neapolitan, Detroit-style, Sicilian, Roman, Grandma pies, bar pies, and 
countless other regional favorites. Many of these artisans trained in 
America's historic pizza cities before bringing their expertise to 
Florida. Others have immigrated from Italy and around the world, 
enriching our state's culinary landscape. Still others are homegrown 
entrepreneurs who have developed their own distinctive approaches, 
earning national and international recognition for their craftsmanship. 
Together, they have created one of the most diverse pizza cultures 
anywhere in the country.
  Florida is also one of the world's premier travel destinations. Every 
year, millions of visitors come to our state to enjoy our beautiful 
beaches, world-class attractions, outdoor recreation, vibrant 
downtowns, and welcoming communities. Increasingly, they are also 
discovering Florida's outstanding independent pizzerias. These family-
owned businesses are more than restaurants. They are small businesses 
that create jobs, strengthen neighborhoods, support local charities, 
and contribute to the economic vitality of communities across our 
state. Congress has previously recognized the cultural significance of 
regional pizza traditions. In 2024, our colleague, Representative Rosa 
DeLauro, proudly celebrated New Haven's extraordinary pizza heritage on 
the House floor. Today, I rise to celebrate a different but 
complementary story. Florida is not one pizza style. Florida is where 
many of America's great pizza traditions can be experienced together. 
It is where innovation meets tradition, where entrepreneurs continue to 
raise the standard of excellence, and where residents and visitors 
alike can experience an incredible diversity of flavors, techniques, 
and cultures. I believe it is appropriate to recognize the State of 
Florida as ``A Pizza Destination.'' This recognition honors the 
thousands of independent pizzeria owners, pizza makers, employees, and 
families whose hard work has helped make Florida one of the Nation's 
most exciting culinary destinations. It celebrates craftsmanship, 
entrepreneurship, tourism, and the small businesses that help define 
our communities. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing 
Florida's growing reputation as ``A Pizza Destination'' and in 
celebrating the people whose passion and dedication continue to make 
the Sunshine State a place where great pizza--and great American small 
businesses--can thrive.

                          ____________________