Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, to recognize Amilcar Cordova. Mr. Cordova hails from the ``City of Giants,'' Carolina, Puerto Rico. He persuaded his mother to move to the United States after his graduation from high school in 1985. His family moved to Pennsylvania, where he began working at a national insurance company as a mail clerk. He slowly started moving up the ranks within the industry until he became a Health Claims Supervisor.

In 1994, Mr. Cordova moved to Orlando, FL this time with his own family. After moving, he left the insurance industry for a sales career in advertising. In 2008, Mr. Cordova co-founded Amigos Profesionales Business Network, an organization that focuses on introducing and showcasing Hispanic professionals and business owners to the general market. Inspired by both his new profession and having an in-depth understanding of the growing vibrant and thriving Hispanic demographic, in 2010 he founded his own advertising agency, Cordova Marketing Solutions, which specializes in the development of small businesses by providing consulting, marketing, and advertising services.

In 2010, he also joined the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida as its Executive Director and in 2013 he was elected President. In this capacity, he has organized trade mission trips to Puerto Rico to help establish connections between businesses in the Commonwealth and Central Florida.

He has also been a member of Hispanic Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs (HYPE), an organization that strives to provide guidance and support to Hispanic youth in middle and high school. HYPE promotes higher education and vocational training in order to prepare youth for their future careers so that they can advance our economy and improve our community.

Mr. Cordova is the Marketing and Public Relations Director of The Valle Law Firm. He recently became an Authorized Local Expert for Constant Contact, a company that provides tools to empower small businesses to grow customer relationships and level the playing field.

Mr. Cordova has two sons, Amilcar Cordova II and Schavier Cordova, and three grandchildren, Yamilette, Gabriel, and Isavella. His mother, Aida I. Cruz lives in Orlando, FL, and his father, Gypsy M. Cordova, still lives in Puerto Rico.

I am happy to honor Amilcar Cordova, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for his contributions to the Central Florida community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, to recognize Jose Balasquide. Born in Puerto Rico, Mr. Balasquide has been residing in Central Florida since 1993.

Mr. Balasquide has been active in the political, civic, and business communities in Central Florida. As Governmental Affairs Director for the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida, he worked to promote the region's economic development.

A former Legislative Assistant to a Florida State Senator, Mr. Balasquide has remained politically active. He served as the Florida State Director of the Mi Familia Vota Educational Fund (MVEF), where he led campaigns to help increase civic engagement in the Latino community and build a new, influential community of voters. He has also directed Latino civic engagement efforts, and mobilized over 75,000 Latinos in Florida during the 2012 elections.

Mr. Balasquide is also a Member-at-Large for the Executive Board of the Central Florida Redistricting Council. In this capacity, he has been battling for the fair redistricting of the state of Florida.

Mr. Balasquide served as the Director of the Latino Civic Engagement Working Group, a platform for Latino civic organizations to develop a regional and state progressive civic engagement plan. In 2013, he served as the President of the Florida Democratic Hispanic Caucus and he is currently the President for its Osceola County Chapter. He is also a Partner at Business Entities Advisors LLC., a consulting company, and a Consultant with Beacon Solutions, LLC.

A graduate of the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, College of Business Administration, Mr. Balasquide is a licensed insurance adjuster and a financial advisor.

I am happy to recognize Jose R. Balasquide, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for his contributions to the Central Florida community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, to recognize Daniel Hilario Barajas for his service to Florida's Ninth Congressional District. Daniel Hilario Barajas was born on May 4, 1982 in Winter Haven, Florida, into a migrant farm worker family. He grew up working the orange groves of Florida, tobacco fields of North Carolina, and apple orchards of Michigan.

As a young man, Daniel had legal problems due to misguided affiliations with gangs. Though he did not complete high school, he earned his GED in 2001. In 2009, he decided to walk away from gang life and founded the ``Library of Hope,'' a charitable organization focused on collecting books and eyeglasses to donate to inmates in Polk County. Daniel is also a Fourth Degree member of The Knights of Columbus, which he joined in 2010.

After the passing of his younger sister, Maria Isabel, in June 2012, Daniel began taking a more active role within the leadership of The Young American Dreamers (YAD) which his sister founded in 2010. Daniel uses his own personal story of his struggles as a farm worker and former gang member, as examples when speaking with at-risk kids. Through his leadership as the Executive Director of YAD, Daniel has set educational standards for all members and set up an in-house tutoring program. He travels often from Polk County to Tallahassee and Washington, DC, advocating for the issues that affect his community and YAD members.

Daniel has successfully helped stop the deportation of the father of four YAD members and is a respected local leader of the immigration reform movement. He challenged Polk County's Board of County Commissioners to build a new sidewalk between Auburndale and Lakeland, after two students were fatally hit due to the lack of a walkway outside the newly built Tenoroc High School. On August 8th, 2014, construction work began on this much needed sidewalk. Currently, Daniel is working on the passage of legislation that will designate Lake Shipp Drive in Winter Haven as a memorial highway in remembrance of his beloved sister, Maria Isabel.

Daniel credits his father, Hilario, and his mother, Maria, both of whom are veterans of the social justice movement, having worked with Cesar Chavez himself, with guiding him. Daniel also attributes his life changes to his sister, Maria Isabel, and is grateful to her husband, Enrique Martinez, for helping him in all that he does. Daniel looks to his children, Mayra and Carlos, as the motivation for his social justice work. He intends to show his children how democracy works, so that they are left with a better world when they become tomorrow's leaders.

I am happy to recognize Daniel Hilario Barajas, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for his perseverance and commitment to helping the Central Florida community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, to recognize Trini Mestre-Quiroz. Mrs. Mestre-Quiroz is an example of leadership and dedication.

Born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, she moved to New York at age fifteen. She later moved to New Jersey where she met her late husband, Jose Manuel Mestre, and became a mother to two wonderful daughters, Jacqueline and Jeannette.

Upon moving to New Jersey, Mrs. Mestre-Quiroz began her lasting commitment to civic involvement. She was instrumental in the creation of several community-based organizations, including the first multi- cultural, multi-lingual day care center in New Jersey.

Due to her community leadership, Mrs. Mestre-Quiroz was selected to become the first minority female to serve as an assistant to a Mayor of a major city in New Jersey. She was later appointed to serve as one of 200 nationwide Community Service Specialists for the Department of Commerce.

During the early seventies, Mrs. Mestre-Quiroz worked tirelessly with the students and faculty at her alma mater, Rutgers University, in order to further the implementation of affirmative action measures. Her efforts helped persuade the university to hire its first Hispanic Dean of Academics at its Newark campus.

Mrs. Mestre-Quiroz is active in politics and has been involved in local and federal elections in New York, New Jersey, and Florida. She currently serves as Secretary and Chair-in-Waiting for the Black, Latino and Puerto Rican Alliance for Justice of Florida.

I am honored to recognize Trini Mestre-Quiroz, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for her lifelong commitment to serving her community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, to recognize Florida Senator Darren Soto. Born in New York in 1978, Darren Soto is of both Puerto Rican and Italian descent. He earned a bachelor's degree in Economics at Rutgers University and attended law school at George Washington University in Washington, DC.

Darren is a commercial and civil rights attorney proudly practicing law in Central Florida. He is an ardent defender of civil rights and is committed to rendering legal services pro bono to the community. In 2006, he was named class counsel in the federal class-action brought on behalf of Hispanic voters against the City of Kissimmee in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.

Darren is also a former member of the Civil Service Board for the City of Orlando, and held the positions of Treasurer of the Orange County Democrats and Vice President of Communications for the Orange County Young Democrats (YD). He was also the co-host for YD's Speak Easy events, which provide a monthly forum for local and state leaders to speak to young voters.

Darren was elected to represent District 49 in the Florida House of Representatives in a special election in 2007, and was subsequently re- elected in 2008 and 2010. He has passed several important pieces of legislation including the Luis Rivera-Ortega Street Racing Act, the Firefighter Death Benefit Bill (inspired by the death of Volusia County firefighter John C. Curry), and the Bus Driver Notification Bill. He has also been a critical voice in defeating attempts to convert Florida to non-judicial foreclosures, stopping the split of the Florida Supreme Court, and blocking a proposed anti-Hispanic Arizona-style immigration law in Florida.

In 2012, Darren was elected to represent District 14 in the Florida Senate. He is currently serving as Vice Chair on the Judiciary Committee. Senator Soto also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Criminal and Civil Justice, the Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government, the Community Affairs Committee, the Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee, and the Ethics and Elections Committee.

In May of 2013, Darren married Amanda Betlow, an Orange County school teacher.

I am honored to recognize Senator Darren Soto, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for his leadership and contributions to the Central Florida community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, to recognize Julio Rocha. A motivated leader, Julio Rocha's passion for entrepreneurship, business management, and volunteerism is evidenced by 14 years of experience as a financial advisor and community leader.

A business owner with a successful track record in Central Florida, Julio has utilized his business management, business development, and investment know-how through leadership positions at several community and national organizations. Julio has been recognized as an ``Orlando Power Broker'' by the Orlando Sentinel and one of the ``25 Most Influential Hispanics'' in Central Florida by Vision Magazine.

Julio's work to further education started in 2006 and has earned him national recognition. In 2012 Julio received the ``Brillante Award for Volunteer Excellence'' from the National Society of Hispanic MBAs. Among his many endeavors in this area, he was instrumental in establishing scholarships and fellowships with local colleges and universities.

Julio was born in New York City and raised in the South Bronx. He is a graduate of ``San Jose'' La Salle, Lake Brantley High School, and earned an AA from Seminole State College. He has a BA with a concentration in Behavioral Science, and an Advanced Management and Financial Planning Certificate from the University of Central Florida. Julio also has an MBA with a concentration in entrepreneurship from Rollins College, Crummer Graduate School of Business.

I am honored to recognize Julio Rocha, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for his leadership and contributions to the Central Florida Community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, to recognize Orlando Rolon. Rolon was born in Bayamon, Puerto Rico and has lived in Orlando, Florida since 1977. After high school, he served in the United States Marines Reserves for four years. He was an assistant superintendent for a multi-housing developer until he was hired by the Orlando Police Department in 1992.

As an officer he worked in East Patrol, the community-oriented Neighborhood Patrol Unit, and a task force focused on juvenile gang activity. In December 1995, Rolon was selected to work in the Criminal Investigations Division's Assault and Battery Unit.

On June 1, 1997, Rolon was promoted to Sergeant. He supervised in West Patrol, and on March 8, 1998, he was selected as a supervisor for the Parramore Heritage Bike Unit. In January 1999, he was selected as the Orlando Police Department's first ever fulltime bilingual Public Information Officer.

On August 31, 2004, he was promoted to Lieutenant. He served as a Watch Commander in North Patrol and on January 8, 2006, Rolon was selected by Mayor Buddy Dyer to work as the Mayor's assistant. During his assignment to the Mayor he was named the Liaison for Hispanic Affairs for the City of Orlando.

In December 2008, he was transferred to the Crime Prevention Division as the Midnight Downtown Bike Commander. On June 6, 2010, he was selected as the Special Operations Division's Motors Commander During his assignment to Special Operations he served as the Planning Section Chief for the 2012 Orlando NBA All-Stars.

Rolon was a founding member of the National Latino Peace Officers Association, Central Florida Chapter, where he served as President. He also served as a member of the Emergency Response Team and as the Commander of the Crisis Negotiation Team.

In January 2013, Rolon was named as one of the 25 Most Influential Hispanics in Central Florida by Vision Magazine. That same month, Rolon was promoted to the rank of Captain. He served as the Commander for the West Patrol and Professional Standards Divisions.

On September 1, 2014, Mayor Buddy Dyer appointed Rolon as Deputy Chief for the Orlando Police Department.

Rolon is a graduate of the Southern Police Institute Command Officer Development Course and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbia College. He is currently enrolled in the Columbia College Master's program for Criminal Justice. Rolon is married to Giorgina Pinedo-Rolon, he has two children and two grandchildren.

I am honored to recognize Orlando Rolon for his service to the United States and the Central Florida community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, to recognize Giorgina Pinedo-Rolon. Born in Caracas, Venezuela, Giorgina obtained a degree in Business Administration from Andres Bello Catholic University in Venezuela. She also earned a Masters in TV Production and Journalism. Currently she is pursuing her PhD in Social Psychology.

Giorgina worked for Walt Disney World for nine years as a Merchandise Buyer, after which she began a new career in the field of media. She has extensive experience in television, print, and radio. Giorgina served as Director of Production and Public Relations, and TV host for Telemundo Orlando. After nine years with Telemundo, she became Chief Editor at Casiano Communications' Image magazine. Currently, she is the founder and President of Gio Communications, a communications agency focused on public relations, Hispanic outreach, media buys, government affairs and marketing.

Giorgina has been very involved with the business community and the local government of Central Florida. She has received several prestigious awards in recognition of her work including, HABLA Awards' Executive of the Year, Girl Scouts of Citrus' Women of Distinction Awards Visionary of the Year, the Orlando Business Journal's Forty under Forty Award, and the Orange County Sheriff's Office and Orlando Police Department's Good Citizen Award.

Giorgina serves as Chairman of the Board for Metro Orlando's Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Board Member of the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund, Board Member of the Hispanic Business Initiative Fund, Chair of the Public Relations Committee for the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund and Board Member of the Hope Community Center. She is also a former Board Member of the Orange County Membership and Mission Review Board, Coalition for the Homeless, and Easter Seals, and the former President of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists' Central Florida Chapter.

She is a member of the National Association of Professional Women, National Association of Hispanic Journalists, the American Association of Marketing and Public Relations, Hispanic Public Relations Association, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, National Association of Professional Women, and lifetime member of the National Association of Latino Elected Officials (NALEO).

Giorgina is married to Orlando Rolon. She has two step children and two granddaughters.

I am honored to recognize Giorgina Pinedo-Rolon, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for her leadership and contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, to recognize Carmen Balasquide. Carmen was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico and is mother to three children Janpierre, Kiara, and Adriel.

Carmen moved to Florida in 1993. In 1996, Carmen first got involved in community organizing by volunteering for Osceola County Commissioner Robert Guevara's campaign in which the first Hispanic-American was elected to a local office. While volunteering on the campaign she organized community town halls and candidate meet-and-greets.

After spending time away from politics, Carmen had the opportunity to get back into community organizing in 2008 when she met State Senator Gary Siplin during his reelection campaign. She took a campaign coordinator job with the Florida Democratic Party to help re-elect State Senator Siplin and to work on the presidential election.

In 2012, Carmen worked with Organize Now as a community organizer where she educated and developed Hispanic community leaders through their Earned Sick Time and Anti-Foreclosure campaigns. Carmen's work on the Earn Sick Time campaign helped collect over 52,000 signatures in support of earned sick time and was the first successful citizen- petition campaign in Orange County. In addition to her organizing work, Carmen arranged meetings and educated legislators on voting against sick time pre-emption.

In 2013, Carmen started working with National Council of La Raza (NCLR) to educate Members of Congress on the need to support comprehensive immigration reform (CIR). During the CIR campaign, she worked with community leaders and local elected officials in Orange, Osceola, and Polk counties by conducting local Hispanic media interviews, organizing public letters of support, and facilitating congressional legislative visits. Additionally, Carmen worked with state Hispanic legislators to pass S.R. 1722 a Florida Senate resolution in support of CIR. Carmen has been leading NCLR's vote-by- mail canvass campaign in Central Florida as well as educating voters on the need to vote in midterm elections and to support key issues like expanding healthcare access to all and increasing the minimum wage.

In addition to her professional work, Carmen has served as secretary to the Florida Democratic Hispanic Caucus and is currently a member of Congressman Grayson's Puerto Rican Advisory Board.

I am honored to recognize Carmen Balasquide, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for her service to the Central Florida Hispanic community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, to recognize Victor ``Vic'' M. Torres, Jr., Florida State Representative for District 48. Vic is of Puerto Rican descent and was born and raised in New York, New York. Vic's lifetime of service began when he joined the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. After his service in the U.S. Marine Corps, he served his community as a police officer for the New York City

Transit Police. After twenty years, Victor retired from the New York City Transit Police as 2nd Grade Detective.

In 1993, Vic relocated his family to Florida and became a volunteer and leader with several community organizations, the labor movement, and grassroots efforts. He has established a strong reputation as a committed political activist and an effective leader. Vic has volunteered for various local, state and federal campaigns, including presidential, congressional, and state and local electoral campaigns.

In 2012, Vic was elected as State Representative for Florida House District 48 in Orange County. Vic currently serves on the Education Committee, Government Operations Appropriations Subcommittee, Rulemaking Oversight and Repeal Subcommittee, and the Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee.

Vic has served with organizations involved in the labor movement including Political Coordinator for the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1596 Orlando, Southeast Region Representative for the ATU Latino Caucus, and Trustee for the Central Florida Labor Council of Orange County (CLC).

Vic has also been a member of several political organizations including the Orange County Democratic Executive Committee, the Orange County Chapter of the Democratic Hispanic Caucus, the Florida Voters League, Inc., and the Steering Committee of the Marion County Democratic Executive Committee.

Vic has been married to Carmen L. Torres for over twenty years. Vic and Carmen are the proud parents of five children and eight grandchildren. They are faithful members of St. John's Episcopal Church in Kissimmee, Florida.

I am honored to recognize State Representative Victor M. Torres, Jr., during Hispanic Heritage Month, for his service to the United States and the Central Florida community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, to recognize Miguel Antonio Nieves Bou. Miguel was born in Puerto Rico to Miguel Angel Nieves Diaz and Iris Bou Cordova of Corozal on June 13, 1963. Miguel attended Catholic school and the American Military Academy in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico before moving to Sebring, Florida in 1977.

Miguel graduated from Sebring High School and received a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, North Carolina. After graduating from college, he married Kathy Lynn Duckett and soon moved back to Central Florida. He began his career with the Western Auto Supply Company and rapidly rose within the organization to become the second youngest and first Hispanic District Manager in company history. While his career with Western Auto Supply Company began in Central Florida, job promotions took him to assignments throughout the state of Florida and then to Greensboro, North Carolina.

In 1990, Miguel and Kathy gave birth to their first of two sons, Michael Alexander Nieves. Looking to settle down, Miguel left Western Auto to join the Communications Industry as a Sales Executive for a radio station. Soon media became his passion. Within three years, he became Sales Manager for two English language radio stations in Greensboro, North Carolina. During this time Miguel

and his wife Kathy welcomed their second son, Christian Andrew Nieves.

In 2001, Miguel moved his family back to Central Florida in order to be close to his immediate family and the thriving Puerto Rican community. Miguel joined Bright House Networks in 2001 as the first Latino Sales Executive and led the department, in year-over-year percentage growth for eight consecutive years. He was promoted to Director of Multicultural Sales for Florida in order to develop a business model for a statewide Multicultural Sales initiative. He is currently President and CEO of a multicultural marketing firm based in Central Florida.

Miguel's work ethic and commitment to excellence have made him stand out among the best. His family is his main source of pride and joy in his life. His heroes are his parents and his mentor is Jesus Christ. Miguel lives by a credo from the baseball icon, Roberto Clemente Walker, who once said, ``Anytime you have an opportunity to make a difference in this world and you don't, then you are wasting your time on earth.''

I am happy to honor Miguel Antonio Nieves Bou, during Hispanic Heritage Month, for his contributions to the Central Florida community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize September 12, 2014 as National School Spirit Day, which was created to recognize the great efforts of cheerleaders on behalf of their schools and communities. On this day, cheer teams nationwide will galvanize their schools to perform community service projects.

Varsity Brands began National School Spirit Day in 2009 in order to highlight all of the ways our nation's cheerleaders and dancers make a difference in their schools and communities as mentors, community service leaders, and positive role models. As part of National School Spirit Day, cheerleaders and dancers will hold pep rallies, and invite all students to volunteer with local charities and perform at least four hours of community service.

Students have volunteered in a number of ways including by visiting community nursing homes, cleaning school facilities and grounds, fundraising for charities, getting involved with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and holding car washes for charity. Since 2009, cheerleaders and dancers have pledged more than 500,000 community service hours as a result of National School Spirit Day efforts. National School Spirit Day is an opportunity for America's future leaders to stand out and have a positive impact in their communities.

I ask my colleagues to please join me in recognizing September 12, 2014 as National School Spirit Day.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding member of the Central Florida community, Mr. Kevin Oswald. Oswald was recently awarded the Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA) Air Traffic Controller of the Year Award.

As a controller, Oswald has seen the Kissimmee Gateway Airport grow and expand from a small non-automated facility to a control tower with Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS) radar, touch screen communications and FAA flight data input/output (FDIO) equipment. He has been an integral player in the success of the Kissimmee Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) in achieving over 2.3 million operations without an operational error.

An excellent example of Mr. Oswald's controller abilities occurred on December 19, 2013, when he was working as controller at the Kissimmee ATCT. He observed a Beechcraft airplane that had been cleared for landing and was over the approach end of runway 15 without the landing gear extended.

He immediately cleared the aircraft for a ``go around'' and explained the situation to the pilot. The pilot responded and on the next approach made a safe landing. Later, the facility received a letter from the pilot expressing his appreciation to Mr. Oswald and stated that his actions prevented a catastrophe. Apparently, the pilot had inadvertently silenced the gear warning light to accomplish a single engine landing. The Pan Am International Flight Academy changed its operations policies based on Mr. Oswald's actions.

Seeing a need to improve emergency response time, Oswald developed a training program to assist both the Fire and Police departments to better understand the Air Traffic Operations during an inflight emergency. He contacted the Kissimmee Fire Department Training Director and jointly they developed a plan to have all the fire and police department personnel visit the tower for an extensive training and observation course. This training has improved the emergency response time for both departments.

Mr. Oswald was also instrumental in developing routes for the medevac unit which flies out of Kissimmee Airport. He established standardized procedures and expedited routes to allow the life-saving medevac unit to operate in the quickest and safest way possible.

As a true team player, his efforts on a daily basis have significantly helped the Kissimmee Airport to be recognized as a destination of choice for individual pilots and aviation oriented organizations. His devotion and dedication to duty make him most deserving of the ATCA Air Traffic Control Specialist of the Year Award.

I am happy to honor Kevin Oswald for his accomplishments and contributions to the Central Florida and aviation communities.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month, to recognize Dexter Foxworth. A recognized Central

Florida community leader, Dexter is known for achieving change through collaboration, partnerships, and relationships.

Since 2012, Dexter has served as the Director for the Zebra Coalition, whose mission is to foster hope, dignity, and self-respect in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and all youth (LGBT+) community and to provide them an opportunity to grow up in a safe, healthy and supportive environment. In partnership with 24 different local social service and government agencies, schools, colleges and universities, and businesses, Dexter oversees the coalition's operations and strategic growth in order to provide a full continuum of services and resources to LGBT+ youth throughout Central Florida. The Zebra Coalition is the only organization in Central Florida that assesses the needs of and offers a full continuum of services to LGBT+ youth.

Under Dexter's direction, the Zebra Coalition has strengthened its programming and resources, opened Central Florida's first drop-in center dedicated to LGBT+ youth, and became a national model for LGBT+ youth continuum of care. The coalition also received accreditation and licensing under the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) as well the Department of Children and Families (DCF). Dexter also helped the coalition obtain its first federal grants through the White House and the Office of National Drug Control Policy.

Through Dexter's leadership, the Zebra Coalition, its staff members, volunteers, member organizations, supporters and board members, have come together to provide support and hope to Central Florida's LGBT+ youth.

I am happy to honor Dexter Foxworth, during LGBT Pride Month, for his service to Central Florida's youth.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month, to recognize Debbie Simmons. Ms. Simmons is a native Floridian, born and raised in Miami. In spite of rigid family and societal opposition, she dreamt of marrying and raising a family with her high school girlfriend.

Ms. Simmons moved to Orlando in 1978. Later that same year, Harvey Milk was assassinated, profoundly impacting her life and leading her to extensively educate herself about gay rights, the Stonewall riots and the 1979 and 1987 Marches on Washington. She later attended the 1993 and 2000 March on Washington.

In 1990, she bought her first home with her partner of two years and prepared mock legal and financial documents to mimic a real marriage. In 1991 she walked in the first gay pride parade in Orlando, which marked the beginning of her community activism.

In 1992, she co-founded the Metropolitan Business Association (MBA), Central Florida's LGBT chamber of commerce. She served as the first vice president, and in a few months the board of directors appointed her president. She served in that role for 16 years. During her tenure, she organized six MBA Business Expos, the first of which was in 1994 with 89 vendors. She also produced and published yearly member business directories dubbed the MBA Buyer's Guide.

Her organization also hosted numerous forums and town hall meetings for local political candidates. This political involvement resulted in a change to the City of Orlando's anti-discrimination policy to include sexual orientation, providing protections for 3,200 city employees. The efforts also resulted in policy changes at the Orlando Police Department to end discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Ms. Simmons also co-founded the Orlando Anti-Discrimination Ordinance committee. In 2002, the committee succeeded in its effort when the City of Orlando amended its citywide anti-discrimination policy to include sexual orientation.

In addition, Ms. Simmons created MBA's subsidiary organization, Come Out With Pride. She developed and produced the 2005, 2006 and 2007 Come Out With Pride parade and festival. Additionally, she wrote its logistics manual and served as logistics director in 2008.

Through her work with MBA, Ms. Simmons also developed and produced the Central Florida LGBT History project in 2005, to preserve and chronicle the local LGBT movement. She partnered with the Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Student Union (GLBSU) at the University of Central Florida (UCF) to develop future community leaders, new businesses, and lifetime relationships through scholarships, mentoring, and internships. Ms. Simmons has also spearheaded numerous consortiums to build consensus, strengthen leadership, and enrich the community.

I am happy to honor Ms. Debbie Simmons, during LGBT Pride Month, for her leadership and commitment to the LGBT community in Central Florida.