Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Town of Montverde, Florida. Officially incorporated on May 18, 1925, Montverde is located on the western shore of Lake Apopka in Lake County, Florida. Montverde derives its name from the Spanish ``Monte Verde'', meaning ``green mountain,'' a tribute to the area's rolling hills and natural beauty.

From 1887 to 1969, Montverde was served by the Tavares and Gulf Railroad, which transported agricultural goods such as grapes, citrus, and vegetables. Over the years, the town supported a variety of industries, including a cement plant, a moss processing facility, and notably, the original manufacturing site of the Snapper Mower-- originally called the ``Snappin' Turtle.'' Developed by local innovators Alex and Neal Smith, the Snapper went on to become a globally recognized brand.

Today, Montverde is home to approximately 2,200 residents and remains a vibrant small town with a strong sense of community and rural charm. It is a proud part of the Green Mountain Scenic Byway, celebrated for its historical significance and scenic landscapes that draw cyclists, outdoor enthusiasts, and visitors from near and far. A central pillar of the town is Montverde Academy, founded in 1912. This world-renowned college preparatory institution reflects the town's commitment to excellence in education.

As Montverde celebrates its centennial milestone, we honor its rich past, celebrate its present, and look forward to a bright and enduring future. Again, it is my privilege to recognize the Town of Montverde on the occasion of its centennial anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Centennial of the Town of Windermere, Florida.

Originally established as a residential development in 1889 and formally chartered in 1925, Windermere's history is both rich and unique. Its first post office opened in 1888, briefly closed in 1901, and reopened in 1911, signaling the resilience of a growing town. The Florida Midland Railroad once ran just west of Main Street, where a bustling station once stood. Today, a grassy expanse marks that historic path, serving as a quiet tribute to Windemere's early days.

Nestled on a scenic isthmus between Lake Butler, Lake Down, and Lake Bessie. Windermere is a tranquil gem ``Among the Lakes'' in the heart of Central Florida. With just over 3,000 residents within its two- square-mile boundary, it has maintained a distinct small-town charm defined by tree-lined street, historic architecture, and a vibrant, close-knit community. Just minutes from world-class attractions like Walt Disney World and downtown Orlando. Windermere remains a quiet sanctuary rooted in history and guided by a shared commitment to quality of life.

The town owes much to the visionaries who helped incorporate it 100 years ago, including Cal Palmer, J. Howard Johnson, Howard Lyon, and Stanley Scott. Their legacy lives on in Windermere's thoughtful planning and strong community values.

Over the past century, Windermere has grown while steadfastly preserving its natural beauty and heritage. Today, it offers an exceptional blend of peaceful living and refined elegance. Beloved local traditions, such as the weekly Friday Farmers Market and popular Food Truck Nights, bring neighbors together and highlight the town's enduring community spirit.

As part of its centennial celebration, the town has unveiled a special Centennial Lobby in the Town Administration Building, where residents and visitors alike can reflect on the milestones that have shaped Windermere over the past 100 years.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to congratulate the Town of Windermere on this historic occasion and to recognize its significant contributions to the fabric of Central Florida. Here's to the next 100 years of community, character, and continued excellence.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the City of Fruitland Park, Florida. Known fondly as ``The Friendly City'', Fruitland Park is a historic and thriving community in Lake County, Florida.

On December 14, 1925, residents of the area gathered at the Casino building in Fruitland Park for the purpose of organizing a municipal government. With a shared vision for the future, the citizens voted to incorporate their town and officially adopted the name Fruitland Park. Less than two years later, in May of 1927, the city was formally chartered.

In 1925, Fruitland Park was home to just 417 residents, spread across a modest 3-square-mile area. As of May 2025, the city has grown to serve a population of roughly 9,015 across more than 7 square miles.

Today, Fruitland Park provides a full range of municipal services, including public safety through police and fire departments, essential infrastructure support via a robust public works department, access to clean water and sanitation utilities, and vibrant recreational and library services. These offerings reflect the city's deep commitment to enhancing quality of life for its residents.

Fruitland Park's natural beauty, small-town charm, and strong civic infrastructure make it a desirable location for retirees and families alike. Its development in recent years has been extraordinary, and its future continues to look bright with anticipated progress over the coming decade.

It is my privilege to honor and celebrate the City of Fruitland Park on the occasion of its centennial anniversary. May the next 100 years be as vibrant and prosperous as the first.

Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize and celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the City of Coleman, Florida. While unofficial records indicate that Coleman was first incorporated under general laws on June 20, 1908, it was in 1925 that the city officially received its charter, thus marking the beginning of its formal governance and development.

Coleman was first settled in 1882 by pioneers who farmed the fertile lands of the Warm Springs Hammock. The Florida Gazette of 1886-1887 listed Dr. B.F. Coleman, a physician and one of the area's earliest settlers, as the town's namesake.

Many early settlers came from nearby Adamsville, which had flourished through orange cultivation until the devastating freeze of 1894 through 1895. That natural disaster forced many to seek new livelihoods, and Coleman soon emerged as a center of diverse agricultural production. In addition to citrus, settlers in Coleman raised cotton, cattle, sheep, and hogs, with wool even shipped to Baltimore for processing. By 1923, Coleman had earned national recognition as the ``Cabbage Capital of the World'', attracting buyers from across the country.

Today, the City of Coleman is in the heart of Sumter County and is home to approximately 700 residents. The city retains its Old Florida charm, with a quiet rural character and deep historical roots. As we commemorate this centennial milestone, we honor the generations who have shaped Coleman's legacy as a city built on resilience, agriculture, and a deep sense of community.

Happy Centennial to the City of Coleman.

Mr. Speaker, the American people have called on

their elected officials to do what they asked, and that is to cut waste, fraud, and abuse. Today, we deliver.

Together with President Trump, we are eliminating billions of dollars of spending, this wasteful spending on leftwing organizations that mock millions of Americans. We will also eliminate wasteful spending on radical programs in lands far, far away that do not put America first.

I have consistently voted to cut the spigot of spending, and I will continue that record by voting to pass this bill today. I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 100th Anniversary of the City of Mascotte, Florida. Officially incorporated on November 23, 1925, Mascotte has grown, flourished over the past century, and this year, the city will mark this historic milestone with a Centennial Celebration on Saturday, June 21, 2025.

The roots of Mascotte trace back to around 1885, when founder J.W. Payne first settled the area. The city takes its name from the Mascotte, a ship owned by Tampa civic leader Henry B. Plant. The vessel, which played a role in transporting tobacco from Cuba during the Spanish-American War, is proudly on the city's official seal.

Located in the southwestern portion of Lake County, the City of Mascotte today is a thriving and diverse community providing a full range of essential municipal services to its residents. Now home to over 9,000 residents, Mascotte continues to grow while preserving the small-town charm and close-knit community spirit that has defined it for generations. Mascotte is a place where families raise their children, businesses find opportunity, and neighbors support one another.

It is my privilege to honor and celebrate the City of Mascotte on the occasion of its centennial anniversary. May the next 100 years be as vibrant and prosperous as the first.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of my friend, John Thrasher, who passed away on May 30, 2025. John was a decorated veteran, a devoted family man, and a great public servant.

Few have given more to Florida. From the Clay County School Board to speaker of the Florida House to serving in the Florida Senate, and as president of Florida State University, he was a leader, and he was known for it.

After Republicans gained control of the Florida House after 122 years of nothing, we ushered in a new era of commonsense, principled leadership. That legacy lives on today through the lives he touched, the institutions he strengthened, and the honors he earned.

John Thrasher's life is a testament to spirit, principle, service, and patriotism. He will be missed.

Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize and celebrate the 100 Year Anniversary of the City of Ocoee, Florida. Ocoee officially became a municipality in 1923 and was incorporated as a city in May 1925. The City of Ocoee will host their Centennial Celebration on Friday, May 9, 2025.

Ocoee was first settled in the mid-1800s, near Starke Lake, southeast of Lake Apopka. In 1886, Dr. H.K. Clarke, Charles J. Chunn, and R.B.F. Roper developed the Town of Ocoee subdivision, naming it after the Ocoee River in Tennessee. The name ``Ocoee'' comes from the Cherokee word for ``apricot vine,'' which is what inspired the city's logo now referred to as the passion flower.

Over the past century, the City of Ocoee has become steeped in rich history made up of significant moments and milestones. Generations have come and gone, each adding their own story to the fabric of Ocoee. Today, with a growing population, over 50,000 people currently call Ocoee home. The City of Ocoee prides itself on the quality of life it provides its citizens. Ocoee's unique location in the heart of Central Florida makes it a wonderful place to live, work and play.

The City of Ocoee will host their Centennial Celebration on Friday, May 9, 2025. I join our community in celebrating this momentous occasion. Happy Centennial, Ocoee.

Mr. Speaker, due to airline schedules, my flight was initially cancelled and a second flight was delayed. Had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on Roll Call No. 84, and YEA on Roll Call No. 85.

Mr. Speaker, due to airline schedules, my flight was delayed. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 72, and YEA on Roll Call No. 73.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize the life of my good friend, Mr. Bobby Beagles, who passed away on February 16, 2025, and is survived by his loving wife, Vickie, son, Thomas, daughter, Rachel, and his five grandchildren. Bobby was a loyal friend of mine for almost 60 years who dedicated his life to advocating for Florida's agriculture industry. Born on April 6, 1942, in Samson, Alabama, Bobby later moved to Florida, where we shared an alma mater, Maynard Evans High School, and community, Pine Hills, Florida. Following his graduation in 1961, Bobby began his lifetime service to the Central Florida community.

Bobby first served as an area representative for the Communications Workers of America for over 20 years. Representing an area of Florida that stretched from Jacksonville to Tampa, it was through this opportunity that Bobby first developed his passion for the political arena, an opportunity he contributed to his later years of service to Florida's agricultuie industry.

From 1993 to 2000, Bobby served as President, Vice President, and Director of the Orange County Cattlemen's Association. It was

during this tenure that he also began serving on the Orange County Agricultural Advisory Board, a committee established as the voice for agriculture within the government of Orange County. Bobby took the lead on several issues but is best known for playing a vital role in the establishment of a vibrant agricultural education program in Orange County Public Schools. Thanks to his leadership, there is now an agriculture program in every middle and high school in Orange County, Florida.

Perhaps Bobby's most well-known role was through his service to the Orange County Farm Bureau. Bobby served in every position within Orange County Bureau and holds the distinct honor of the longest serving President. After his service on the Board of Directors, he continued devoting his time to the Farm Bureau as Executive Director, a position he held for 38 years.

Aside from his professional service, Bobby still devoted his time to growing the agriculture community within Central Florida. Through his cow-calf operation in Christmas, Florida that he established in 1956, serving in multiple capacities with the Central Florida Fair since 1987, serving as Chairman of the Large Animal Evacuation Team to aid livestock during natural disasters and emergencies, and serving on the Orange County Public Schools Career & Technical Education Advisory Board from 2013 to 2022, Bobby dedicated his life to serving Central Florida's agriculture industry.

Bobby was honored for his years of service by receiving many awards and acknowledgements including his induction into the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame, National FFA Honorary American Degree, Florida Farm Bureau Distinguished Service Award, Honorary State FFA American Degree, Partners in Education Award, Certificate of Appreciation for Commitment to Orange County Public Schools, and the Jefferson Award. There is no question that Bobby's commitment to agriculture was everlasting, and his legacy will continue to live on. It is hard to imagine Florida agriculture without Bobby. He embodies exactly what agricultural advocacy works to represent.

Throughout his life, Bobby worked tirelessly to grow, advance, and defend Central Florida agriculture, especially through his commitment to supporting youth involved in the industry. He will forever be remembered as a man of honor, of humility, and as one who served his community with the utmost dedication. I am truly thankful for Bobby's friendship and service to the Central Florida community.

Mr. Speaker, due to airline schedules, my flight was delayed. My vote on H.R. 692 was not recorded before time expired.

Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 36.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Sumter County Sheriff William ``Bill'' Farmer for his extraordinary leadership and lifelong commitment to serving his community. This month, Sheriff Farmer retired after 49 years of dedicated service to the residents of Sumter County.

Having first joined the Sumter County Sheriff's Office as a patrolman, Sheriff Farmer then became a criminal investigator, and Chief Deputy before being elected to Sheriff in 1996. He served as Sumter County's Sheriff for 7 terms totaling 28 years and the only Sheriff to ever run unopposed in Sumter County. Prior to joining the Sheriff's Office, Sheriff Farmer

also served in the FBI and Florida Division of Corrections.

His dedication to his community is evident in his willingness to step into roles outside of the Sumter County Sheriff's Office to support Florida's sheriffs and their projects. Sheriff Farmer served two terms as the Chairman of the Board of the Sheriff's Youth Ranch Board of Directors and was the only sheriff in the State of Florida to serve two consecutive terms as President of the Florida Sheriff's Association. He also served as the Sheriff's Association Chaplain for the last 8 years until his retirement. It comes as no surprise that in 2024, Sheriff Farmer was nominated by the Florida Sheriff's Association as Law- Enforcement Officer of the Year.

Additionally, Sheriff Farmer was instrumental in making advancements to the quality of public safety in Sumter County having built the first state-of-the-art communication center at the office in Wildwood, known as the ``William O. Bill Farmer Public Safety Center''.

Our law enforcement officers are heroes, and Sheriff Farmer is no exception. He has faithfully led the Sheriff's Office with integrity and a servant's heart. It is impossible to fully express our gratitude or adequately recognize the impact he has had on our community. It is with deep respect that we pause today to honor his legacy of service.

I want to extend my sincere appreciation to Sheriff Farmer who bravely and selflessly served Sumter County. May his character, life, and efforts inspire others to follow in his footsteps.

Mr Speaker, I am honored to recognize Lake County Sheriff Peyton Grinnell, City of Clermont Police Chief Chuck Broadway, City of Leesburg Police Chief Rob Hicks, City of Fruitland Park Police Chief Gary Barrett Jr., City of Tavares Police Chief Sarah Coursey, City of Mascotte Police Chief Eric Pedersen, City of Groveland Police Chief Shawn Ramsey, Town of Astatula Police Chief Wally Hoagland, Town of Howey-in-the-Hills Police Chief Rick Thomas, and the law enforcement officers who keep Lake County safe every single day.

This week marks the annual observance of Police Week. Though we set aside one week a year to honor law enforcement, I encourage all Americans to join me not only this week, but every day, in recognizing the honor, courage, and commitment of America's law enforcement.

Our law enforcement officers are heroes in the community, They keep us safe and are willing to put their lives on the line every day in the course of their duties. It is impossible to fully express our gratitude or adequately recognize the professionalism of the men and women who voluntarily put their lives on the line for our safety and security. It is with deep respect that we pause today to honor the memory of the heroes who gave the last full measure of devotion and made the ultimate sacrifice.

I want to extend my sincere appreciation to all the law enforcement officers who bravely and selflessly serve throughout Lake County. It is an honor to recognize them and all men and women in law enforcement.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Sumter County Sheriff Bill Farmer, City of Wildwood Police Department Chief Randall Parmer, and the law enforcement officers who keep Sumter County safe every single day.

This week marks the annual observance of Police Week. Though we set aside one week a year to honor law enforcement, I encourage all Americans to join me not only this week, but every day, in recognizing the honor, courage, and commitment of America's law enforcement.

Our law enforcement officers are heroes in the community. They keep us safe and are willing to put their lives on the line every day in the course of their duties. It is impossible to fully express our gratitude or adequately recognize the professionalism of the men and women who voluntarily put their lives on the line for our safety and security. It is with deep respect that we pause today to honor the memory of the heroes who gave the last full measure of devotion and made the ultimate sacrifice.

I want to extend my sincere appreciation to all the law enforcement officers who bravely and selflessly serve throughout Sumter County. It is an honor to recognize them and all men and women in law enforcement.