Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize Polk State College on the occasion of its 50 year anniversary.

Polk State College, the first higher education institution in Polk County, was established in 1964. The college enjoyed early success, enrolling 1,200 students in its first semester. Its continued growth necessitated construction of a larger, permanent campus. Ground was broken in 1966 on the shores of

Lake Elbert, and within a decade, the campus had expanded to accommodate the growing student population and academic program offerings.

Today, Polk State College serves more than 20,000 students of which 95% are Polk County residents. It is a multi-campus institution offering four-year degrees, including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management. Further expansions are planned for Polk State in 2014, including the Polk State Center for Public Safety in Winter Haven.

I applaud Polk State College for their commitment to education and invaluable contributions to our community. Go Eagles! As their motto declares, Polk State College is ``the perfect place to soar.''

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize Mrs. Linda Martin, a finalist for the 2014 School Counselor of the Year award. This distinguished award, presented by the American School Counselor Association, honors school counselors ``who have made outstanding and exemplary contributions to students, the school community, and the school counseling profession.''

Mrs. Martin has led the Comprehensive Guidance Program at Palm Lake Elementary School for 20 years. As an innovative teacher, she founded the Kids Who Care program to serve Palm Lake Elementary, the Orlando community and Nkomo Primary School, a sister school in South Africa. Her classroom lessons cover a wide range of topics including character development and leadership.

Mrs. Martin's remarkable service has also been recognized on the county and state levels. In 2012, she was named Orange County School Counselor of the Year, and, in 2013, was awarded Elementary School Counselor of the Year by the Florida School Counselor Association.

School counselors play an invaluable role in students' academic and personal development, teaching important life skills and compelling them to strive toward their goals. It is my pleasure to recognize Mrs. Martin for her exemplary dedication to the students of Palm Lake Elementary.

Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to congratulate FLIR Systems, Inc. on the launch of FLIR ONE, the first consumer-oriented thermal imaging system. Introduced on January 7, 2014, FLIR ONE is the first product of its kind that provides thermal imaging technology to consumers using a unique smart phone accessory case. This is a tremendous step toward making infrared technology accessible and affordable to the general public.

FLIR Systems, Inc. is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and marketing of sensor systems that enhance perception and awareness. Their technological innovations have a wide range of utility including aerial and ground surveillance, environmental monitoring, navigation and transportation safety.

The work of FLIR Systems, Inc. is not only positively impacting Central Florida by providing our community with jobs; their innovations are resonating around the world. With the global debut of FLIR ONE scheduled for Spring 2014, I wish FLIR Systems, Inc. continued success.

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize the South Lake Press on its 100th anniversary of publication.

The South Lake Press was founded in 1913 by Mr. W.E. Rorabaugh as the Clermont Clarion. In 1921, Mr. John Lochner purchased the Clarion and renamed it the South Lake Press to reflect its news coverage of south Lake County. Through changes in ownership and a quickly evolving community, the publication has remained an integral piece of life in Lake County.

George and Ann Dupee bought the paper in 1968, and, after George passed away in 1986, Ann continued to lead its publication until 1992. A passionate journalist and photographer, Ann actively reported on local government, businesses, and the community at large. Ann's dedication to the news is apparent in her extensive work throughout south Lake County. To this day, she continues to write a weekly column showcasing the South Lake Press' rich history in Central Florida.

It is with sincere appreciation that I thank my friend Ann Dupee for her commitment to our community and the South Lake Press for a century of service to south Lake County.

Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to recognize my good friend Mr. Walter Toole for his receipt of the 2013 Danniel J. Petro Bright Future of West Orange award. This award is given ``in recognition of entrepreneurial tenacity and steadfast determination that facilitate opportunity through investment in community and lifelong relationships that keep our future bright.''

Walter and his wife, Patricia, purchased the historic Bray Hardware store in 1983. Over the past 30 years, the Toole family has expanded their business and opened numerous stores across Central Florida. The company concentrates its business locally, and its remarkable growth continues to strengthen the local economy and provide employment for hard-working Floridians. I am a long-time customer of Toole's Ace Hardware, and have experienced first-hand the exceptional service that characterizes the Toole family stores.

I am pleased to congratulate Walter on receiving the 2013 Bright Future of West Orange award, and I thank him for his dedication to the Central Florida community.

Mr. Speaker, on January 22, 2013, we remembered the unborn children who have died as a direct result of the Supreme Court's rulings in Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton on January 22, 1973.

An estimated 55 million children have been aborted in the United States since those Supreme Court decisions were handed down from our Nation's highest court 41 years ago. This staggering number represents nearly three times the total population of my home state of Florida. In 2012 alone, Planned Parenthood reported performing 330,000 abortion procedures--more than the entire population of Orlando.

On this 41st anniversary of those historic decisions, I mourn for the loss of our Nation's unborn children and for their families. Every child is an invaluable gift with unique talents, interests and personality. My wife, Sandy, and I have six children, and it has been a privilege to raise them and watch them as they've grown over the years. Three of our children are now married, and Sandy and I have eight beautiful grandchildren. As our family continues to grow, it is a blessing to welcome more grandchildren and great-grandchildren into our lives.

Life is a precious gift, and I am grateful every day for the lives of my children and grandchildren. I am saddened by the loss of 55 million unborn children, children who would have lived to be our cherished sons and daughters, our brothers and sisters, our neighbors, and our friends. Our Nation is strongest when every child's right to life is honored. To that end, we must never cease to fight for life, nor cease to be grateful for our own.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize National School Choice Week. Designated from January 27-31, 2014, National School Choice Week serves to raise public awareness of the importance of making educational opportunities available to all students.

No student should have a darker future or a limited educational horizon based upon the neighborhood they call home. Every student should have access to their own American dream, and the key to their dream is a quality education.

I have advocated for educational reform and expansion of educational opportunity to all throughout my years of service in the Florida State Legislature and in the U.S. Congress. I have advanced initiatives that include home schooling, building a Florida online high school, creating magnet programs, establishing charter schools, and establishing scholarships that allow students from failing schools to attend high performing schools. I believe that good educational policy provides choices to families and local educators who understand the unique needs of their children and students. Through providing choice, educational quality increases, which will ensure that all students are able to excel in their academics and rise to meet their full potential.

I am pleased to recognize National School Choice Week.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the establishment of Belle Isle, Florida.

Founded in 1924 to preserve Lake Conway and the surrounding chain of lakes, the name ``Belle Isle'' was selected to resemble the French phrase ``beautiful island.'' The local natural resources, including parks and extensive waterways, facilitate Belle Isle residents' active outdoor culture. Additionally, Belle Isle is home to nearly 100 businesses that include iconic local restaurants and stores. Small communities like Belle Isle are the cornerstones of American culture and economy.

It is a privilege to serve the residents of Belle Isle, and I thank them for their tremendous contributions to the Central Florida community.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 11, had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

personal explanation

Mr. Speaker, this year, the Wings of Freedom Tour celebrates 25 years of service to World War II veterans.

In 1984, Mr. Bob Collings acquired two iconic U.S. World War II airframes, a B-17 and B-24. After five years of investment and restoration, the world's only flying B-24J Liberator took flight at the 50th Anniversary of the B-24.

The Wings of Freedom Tour began in 1989 and has made nearly 3,000 stops. The Freedom Tour is dedicated to education and to honoring those who served through recreating World War II history. Their motto encapsulates that philosophy: ``Read about WWII history and you might remember. Experience WWII history and you'll never forget.''

It is my pleasure to commend the Wings of Freedom Tour on their 25th anniversary, and I join the Wings of Freedom Tour in expressing appreciation for our veterans and those currently serving in the United States military.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 621, had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize Varsity Brands and the service of Florida's youth on National School Spirit Day. In 2009, Varsity Brands designated the second Friday of October as National School Spirit Day to showcase the differences cheerleaders and dancers make in their schools and communities--as mentors, community service leaders, and positive role models.

Varsity Brands, which holds the Universal Cheerleading Association's (UCA's) National Championships and the International All Star Championship at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, has encouraged school cheerleaders and dancers to take part in community service activities, pledging more than 465,000 community service hours since 2009.

In conjunction with National School Spirit Day on October 11, 2013, Varsity Brands launched Cheer for a Healthier America, a program aimed to enlist high school student cheerleaders, dancers, and student athletes as ambassadors to get local elementary school kids more involved in physical activities and teach them about making healthy choices.

On behalf of the citizens of Central Florida, I applaud the service of Florida's youth and Varsity Brands in conjunction with National School Spirit Day. May their example of sportsmanship and community inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Mr. Walter F. Morris on the occasion of his 90th birthday. Mr. Morris is a Central Florida resident and veteran of World War II. During the war, Mr. Morris bravely served as a B-17 navigator, flying 30 missions over Europe.

World War II veterans, regarded as ``The Greatest Generation,'' have demonstrated heroic commitment to preserving the freedom and prosperity of our nation. Their sacrifices and their families' sacrifices defeated the forces of tyranny and advanced freedom to millions of people. We, the United States and future generations of Americans, owe World War II veterans a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid but is remembered and honored in our daily lives.

It is my distinct pleasure, as a representative of the people of Central Florida, to recognize Mr. Morris and all members of America's Armed Forces for their dedication of service to our country.

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize one of my constituents, Mike Burns, Managing Partner of the Seasons 52 in Orlando, for his reception of Darden's top honor--the Diamond Club Award. This is his second time receiving the Diamond Club Award for his passionate leadership and exemplary customer service.

Darden is the world's largest restaurant operating company. Diamond Club recognizes and celebrates the top 5% of restaurant leaders who demonstrate outstanding results by upholding Darden's strong values and achieving top financial performance in the company's previous fiscal year. I commend Mr. Burns for his dedicated work and positive impact on the Central Florida community.

Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize Staff Sergeant Rodney D. Painter, Jr. for nearly 11 years of service to our nation in the United States Air Force.

As a member of the 19th Security Forces Squadron in Little Rock, Arkansas, Staff Sergeant Painter implemented the first Discipline and Adjustment Board and the Parole Board with First Sergeants. He coordinated with the U.S. Air Force Security Forces Center to develop a new confinement floor plan and led an extensive camera project to certify a new confinement facility that ensures the security of inmates.

Staff Sergeant Painter has been generous in his philanthropy, in the most recent year volunteering over 40 hours with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America to provide guidance and mentorship to local youth. In the same year, he also volunteered over 20 hours with the United Way Homeless Shelter, strengthening the bonds between the United States Air Force and local communities. I commend Staff Sergeant Painter for his dedication to serving our nation and the Central Florida community. It is because of men and women like Staff Sergeant Painter who give of themselves to our country that we can live in a free country.