[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8556]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO PALM PAVILION

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                          HON. DAVID W. JOLLY

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 10, 2016

  Mr. JOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Palm Pavilion for 
its 90th year in business marked this past May 26, 2016.
  Started in 1926 by five partners, Palm Pavilion was intended to serve 
as a bathing pavilion for local patrons. One of the founders, Jesse 
Smith, recalls that it was open daily and was comprised of a bathhouse 
with changing rooms, a booth for towel and bathing suit rentals, a 
dance floor with jukebox music, a picnic area, and a kitchen. They 
served food like hamburgers and hot dogs while sodas and beer were kept 
cold in ice bins.
  For thirty eight years, Jesse Smith and his wife were the main owners 
of Palm Pavilion, but in the sixties, they sold it, Howard and Jean 
Hamilton. The Hamiltons worked to modernize by removing the bath house 
and focusing more on food and beverages, yet they made every effort to 
maintain the fun and relaxed atmosphere for which Palm Pavilion was 
known.
  Today, the Grill and Bar has expanded, providing seating for more 
than 300 beachgoers and serving all types of food. It also employs more 
than a hundred people.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the Palm Pavilion for being a 
cornerstone of our community. For nearly a hundred years, it has been a 
point of interest for locals and tourists alike, and I ask that this 
body join me in celebrating their continued success.

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