Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity to recognize a gentleman who has been a mainstay in the Central Florida community for many years. After 40 years with NewsTalk WDBO as one of Central Florida's most respected and beloved news hosts, Jim Turner has announced his plan to retire.

Mr. Turner joined WDBO in 1972 and has hosted the station's morning segment since 1985. He is respected not only in the Central Florida community but throughout the country. In 2004 he was awarded by his peers in the National Association of Broadcasters the prestigious Marconi Award for Personality of the Year.

Founded in 1924 as a physics project of Rollins College, WDBO is today one of Central Florida's great news and talk radio stations. During his tenure as the morning show host, Turner headed the station's transformation from music to information and talk.

Jim Turner's daily presence on WDBO's morning talk segment will be sorely missed. We are grateful for the years he has spent talking with Central Florida, and we wish him well.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to congratulate Gregg Pollack, winner of the Governor's Innovators Under 40 Award. Mr. Pollack is the founder and CEO of Envy Labs, a technology consulting company based in Orlando, Florida.

Envy Labs, which Mr. Pollack founded in 2009, specializes in website and mobile application design and development, and works on a broad variety of projects from web development to branding to user interface design. Through an open and creative work environment, Envy Labs focuses on producing excellent products and services while investing in their employees' personal and professional lives.

The Governor's Innovators Under 40 Award is one of Governor Rick Scott's 2012 Innovators in Business Awards, which are designed to recognize outstanding contributions toward growing and diversifying Florida's economy. The Innovators Under 40 Award is presented to Florida residents under the age of 40 who own or lead a Florida company with annual revenue of $1 million or more and who have created at least 10 jobs since January 2011.

Through Mr. Pollack's direction, Envy Labs has grown and expanded to include a school with courses in coding and web design called Code School. Envy Labs is also active in the Orlando tech community, hosting tech events and camps downtown. Mr. Pollack is to be congratulated for the hard work and innovation he has demonstrated, and for the contributions to Florida's economy that this award honors. He is well deserving of this recognition. May his work inspire others to follow in his footsteps.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to take this opportunity to congratulate Mr. John Arie and his family on Fun Spot Action Park of Orlando, Florida having received the 2012 Brass Ring Award for the Best Family Entertainment Center in the country from the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. This is a prestigious award and deserves special recognition for the hard work and dedication that went into this outstanding accomplishment.

The Arie family is well deserving of this recognition for their unfailing dedication and leadership in the family entertainment center industry. In receiving this award, they have demonstrated many character qualities, including enthusiasm, diligence and remarkable

service. The forty-plus years of service the Arie family has provided in owning, operating, and developing Fun Spot Attractions is a true testament to the significant importance of small businesses.

This is not the first time that Fun Spot Action Park of Orlando has been recognized for their commitment to excellence in the tourism industry across Central Florida. Fun Spot has been chosen and honored two prior times by the IAAPA for their standards of excellence in promoting and advertising the family entertainment center industry.

The efforts of Mr. Arie and his family to serve the Central Florida community are to be commended. It is not often that such a strong commitment to service is found within one family. I wish them great success as they have the opportunity to undergo a 10-acre expansion that will triple the size of the Orlando Fun Spot Action Park.

On behalf of the citizens of Central Florida, I am pleased to recognize and congratulate Mr. Arie and his family for their hard work, dedication, and leadership on this well-deserved award. May their investment to community and small business inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to congratulate Ms. Deborah Wasylik of Orlando, Florida on being named the recipient of the 2012 Richard C. Bartlett Environmental Education Award. This annual award is presented to an outstanding middle or high school teacher who integrates environmental studies in their curriculum and engages students in interdisciplinary solutions to environmental challenges.

Ms. Wasylik teaches Advanced Placement Environmental Science and Marine Science to juniors and seniors at Dr. Phillips High School. In spite of not having a science budget and having to construct curriculum on her own, not only have her students on average scored over thirty points above the national average on their Advanced Placement exams, but they also hold the highest Advanced Placement passing rate in Orange County Public Schools. Ms. Wasylik succeeds in engaging her students, as well as her fellow colleagues, in environmental studies by integrating environmental education across subject areas beyond science, including history, language arts and mathematics. Her reinforcement of student learning facilitates students making real world and local connections associated with environmental issues.

In addition to their academic successes, her students have excelled significantly in achievements beyond the traditional classroom. Her students started a recycling program for Dr. Phillips High School's campus and created an outreach program to educate other school groups on aquaponics. With Ms. Wasylik's help, her students have been able to give back to their community in various ways including cleaning up beaches, removing invasive plants, and giving tours of the ecosystem section at the Orlando Science Center.

Her spirit of dedication and commitment to her students is an example of the life-changing impact a dedicated educator can have on a community and on the individual lives of students. She is a shining example of the fruits of selflessness demonstrated by educators who devote themselves to Florida's future by investing in Florida's students.

On behalf of the citizens of Central Florida, I am pleased to recognize and applaud Ms. Deborah Wasylik for her hard work, dedication, and leadership. She is most deserving of the 2012 Richard C. Bartlett Environmental Education Award. May her investment in our nation's students, environment and educational institutions inspire others to follow in her footsteps.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to congratulate Studio 3 Designs on being named one of Orlando Business Journal's 2012 Outstanding Small Business finalists. The award is intended to recognize small businesses which have shown significant community service and excellence in their field of work. Of 90 nominees, Studio 3 Designs was selected as one of three small businesses in the 1-25 employees category.

The Orlando Business Journal's selections for Outstanding Small Business are based on individual firms' revenue, job growth, and community service. Since 2010, Studio 3 Designs has grown its annual revenue 122% and its number of employees has increased by 40%. Studio 3 Designs is also active in the Central Florida community, volunteering with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Orlando Historic Preservation Board, and donating design services to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Florida.

Studio 3 Design's work has been heralded on several occasions. Most recently, Studio 3 Design's Eola Eyes project in the Mills 50 District received Acoustical Interior Construction Magazine's Bronze Medal for Construction Excellence. The project had previously been recognized by the City of Orlando and Downtown Orlando Partnership.

On behalf of the people of Central Florida, I am pleased to recognize and congratulate Studio 3 Design's achievements and hard work. They are most deserving of being named Outstanding Small Business by the Orlando Business Journal.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of a dear friend, Mr. Talmadge ``Tal'' Johnson. Mr. Johnson passed away at the age of 87 in Orlando, Florida on November 28, 2012.

Mr. Johnson was born in Bonny Blue, Virginia on February 5, 1925 to the late Ralph and Edrie Johnson. He was a man of great character who honorably served his country in the United States Navy. After his military service, he moved to the private sector where he dedicated 35 years of hard work to AT&T and also worked at Transglobal Communications as a courier for some time.

The numerous contributions that Mr. Johnson made to his community will not be forgotten. He was a charter member of First Baptist Church of Central Florida, previously known as First Baptist Church of Pine Hills, where he was a faithful and active member for 58 years.

He was a loving and dedicated father, son, brother, grandfather, and great-grandfather. On behalf of the citizens of Central Florida, my prayers and condolences go out to his loving wife of 65 years Anna, his daughter Ruth, sister Dorothy, his four grandchildren, and one great- grandchild. May God bless them through this time of remembrance.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to take this opportunity to recognize a close friend of mine and a highly accomplished leader in American medical education. Dr. Michael S. Gordon, M.D., Ph.D. is the founder and Professor Emeritus at the Gordon Center for Research in Medical Education and is a Professor of Cardiology at the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine.

Known internationally for his pioneering work in medical simulation, Dr. Gordon has dedicated his life's work to incorporating advanced technology and simulation into medical education. In 1968, Dr. Gordon presented to the medical community a simulator known as ``Harvey.'' Harvey is a Cardiopulmonary Patient Simulator, a life-sized mannequin able to simulate venous, carotid, and precordial pulsations as well as heart sounds of 27 different cardiac diseases. Since Harvey's introduction in 1968, he has been used to effectively train medical students worldwide and is currently used in over 300 medical schools.

In 2007, the University of Miami established the state-of-the-art Michael S. Gordon Center for Research in Medical Education (GCRME) with the mission of developing training curricula for health professionals, applying advanced technology to medical education, and serving as a resource for medical centers in Florida and throughout the world. GCRME is today the home of an ``All-New Harvey,'' capable of simulating additional diseases and conditions and possessing the ability to talk.

Under Dr. Gordon's leadership, curricula and instructional materials developed by the GCRME are in use in over 1,800 medical centers and agencies worldwide. For over 40 years, the center has pioneered and pursued the center's mission statement: ``Saving Lives Through Simulation Technology.'' They have accomplished this through their dedication to incorporating simulation and technology into medical education.

American medicine and the University of Miami are fortunate to have such dedicated and innovative medical professionals and educators as Dr. Gordon. His commitment to excellence, leadership and service is to be admired, and may it inspire others to follow in his footsteps.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to congratulate BigEye Creative on being named one of Orlando Business Journal's 2012 Outstanding Small Business finalists. The award is intended to recognize small businesses which have shown significant community service and excellence in their field of work. Of 90 nominees, BigEye Creative was selected as one of three small businesses in the 1-25 employees category.

Founded in 2002, BigEye Creative is a full-service Orlando-based advertising agency, specializing in brand development, marketing and advertising, media buying, web design, social media management, search engine optimization, and video production.

The Orlando Business Journal's selections for Outstanding Small Business are based on individual firms' revenue, job growth, and community service. Celebrating its tenth year of business in Central Florida, BigEye Creative was recently named by Forbes as one of the Top 100 Global Ad Agencies that Know Social Media and Google. BigEye Creative, through a program called BigHeart, is also active in the Central Florida community, volunteering with organizations such as The Mustard Seed Furniture and Clothing Bank, Give Kids the World, and Christian Service Center for Central Florida.

On behalf of the people of Central Florida, I am pleased to recognize and congratulate BigEye Creative's achievements and hard work. They are most deserving of being named Outstanding Small Business by the Orlando Business Journal.

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize Mr. Derek Cavilla of Orlando, Florida, a teacher at Workforce Advantage Academy, upon his completion of the National Gallery of Art's Annual Summer Teacher Institute. During the National Gallery's six-day seminar, Mr. Cavilla intensively studied the foundation of twentieth-century art by examining the pioneering artists of French impressionism and post- impressionism.

In order for participants to be accepted in to the Gallery's Teacher Institute seminar, they must first complete a rigorous application process. Mr. Cavilla was one of only forty-five teachers from across the nation chosen to participate in this year's National Gallery of Art's Teacher Institute. From this seminar, teachers are able to return to their schools and students with new tools and ideas that will enhance education curriculum of all grade levels and subjects. The students of Central Florida are blessed to have such a dedicated educator as Mr. Cavilla.

On behalf of the citizens of Central Florida, I am pleased to recognize and congratulate Mr. Derek Cavilla on his acceptance to and successful completion of the National Gallery of Art's Annual Summer Teacher Institute. May his dedication to our nation's educational institutions and students inspire others to follow in his footsteps.

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize the 60th anniversary of Health Central Hospital of Ocoee, Florida. Since 1952, the dedicated physicians and staff of Health Central Hospital have compassionately provided excellent healthcare services to residents across Central Florida.

West Orange Memorial Hospital, as it was originally named, moved from Winter Garden, Florida to Ocoee, Florida in 1993. Today, Health Central Hospital is an 85-acre medical facility, housing a 171-bed acute care hospital, physician offices, and a newly renovated 34-bed emergency center. Health Central's dedication to their patients is evident not only in their healthcare service, but also through their involvement in the community.

On behalf of the citizens of Central Florida, I am pleased to congratulate and applaud Health Central Hospital, along with their physicians and staff, for their efforts to enrich the lives of their patients and the Central Florida community for the past 60 years. May their example of compassion and dedication inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize Ms. Diane Schrier of Ocala, Florida, a teacher at Fort King Middle School, upon her completion of the National Gallery of Art's Annual Summer Teacher Institute. During the National Gallery's six-day seminar, Ms. Schrier intensively studied the foundation of twentieth-century art by examining the pioneering artists of French impressionism and post- impressionism.

In order for participants to be accepted in to the Gallery's Teacher Institute seminar, they must first complete a rigorous application process. Ms. Schrier was one of only forty-five teachers from across the nation chosen to participate in this year's National Gallery of Art's Teacher Institute. From this seminar, teachers are able to return to their schools and students with new tools and ideas that will enhance education curriculum of all grade levels and subjects. The students of Central Florida are blessed to have such a dedicated educator as Ms. Schrier.

On behalf of the citizens of Central Florida, I am pleased to recognize and congratulate Ms. Diane Schrier on her acceptance to and successful completion of the National Gallery of Art's Annual Summer Teacher Institute. May her dedication to our nation's educational institutions and students inspire others to follow in her footsteps.

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando for recently being named the 2012 Hispanic Chamber of the Year by the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Since 1993, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando has been dedicated to their mission of providing leadership and support to the Hispanic business community in Central Florida.

The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando is a non-profit organization representing over 1,200 members and serving Hispanic business owners and enterprises across Central Florida. Among the 200 members of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce that were eligible for nomination and honor, the national organization presented the award to the Metro Orlando Chamber on the basis of their outstanding leadership, accomplishments and quality of service to enhance the economic development of Central Florida's Hispanic business community. This national honor is awarded annually to one Hispanic Chamber of Commerce that has excelled at strengthening business excellence in their community.

This is not the first time that the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando has been recognized for their commitment to serving Hispanic enterprises across Central Florida. The Metro Orlando Chamber has been chosen and honored seven prior times by the National Chamber for their standards of excellence to support, promote and strengthen the Hispanic business community.

The excellence with which the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando serves Central Florida's Hispanic business community and enterprises is evident from their many recognitions. I am pleased to congratulate them on being named the 2012 Hispanic Chamber of the Year.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize that September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. Childhood obesity is increasingly becoming a national issue, affecting children ages 6 to 11. Recent studies indicate that more than one-third of America's children and adolescents are overweight. Childhood obesity has been linked to earlier and increased risks that the child will develop conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and even cancer. National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month is an important opportunity to highlight the progress that has been made thus far, as well as to inspire continued efforts toward building a better future for the next generation.

In order to address these growing issues, children's hospitals across the nation have made it a priority to educate families about the importance of a healthy diet and fitness routine, and highlight the consequences if proper nutrition is disregarded. I am pleased to acknowledge that in October 2012, Central Florida will welcome a new pediatric care hospital, Nemours Children's Hospital. Nemours is a non- profit children's medical hospital devoted to the advancement of pediatric healthcare and research. Nemours Children's Hospital has created the ``Center for Integrative Pediatric Obesity Care'' to help research and prevent childhood obesity. Not only does this Center conduct research and provide medical care to obese and overweight children, but they also plan to engage in community outreach programs to help parents and caregivers create healthier environments for children.

The community and families of Central Florida are blessed to have a committed pediatric medical center such as Nemours. I commend Nemours Children's Hospital and children's hospitals across the nation for the measures they are undertaking to combat obesity and strengthen the future of America's children.

Mr. Speaker, in honor of America's World War II veterans, the Honor Flight Network conducts several Honor Flights year round to Washington, D.C. in order to provide our nation's heroes a day to visit and reflect at their World War II Memorial. I am pleased to recognize that on October 7, 2012, an Honor Flight will take place to honor the World War II veterans of Central Florida.

Honor Flight Central Florida was established on August 27th, 2011, and held their first flight on June 9th, 2012. The philosophy of the Honor Flight Network is that America felt it was important to honor veterans with dedicated memorials, and it should be equally important that those veterans get to see and experience their memorial. As a way to express appreciation and thanks for their service to our country, the veterans are able to fly with Honor Flight at no personal expense. Honor Flight Central Florida has 27 World War II veterans that will be flown to Washington, D.C. this October to see their memorial on the National Mall.

We honor the brave men and women whose dedication to our great nation protected our freedom during perilous times. Among the courageous heroes of Honor Flight Central Florida in October are Chief Master Sergeant Melvin Jenner, USAAC-USAF; Private Joyce Geier, USAF-WAC; Corporal Eugene Hatley, USAF; Lieutenant Colonel James Krajicek, USAF; Private 1st Class Stanley Shader, Army; Sergeant George Focht, Army Air Corp; Sergeant Robert Thomson, Army Air Corp; Private 1st Class Arthur Lehmann, Army; Private Nicholas Liverani, USMC; Petty Officer 2nd Class Julia Kelly, USN Waves; Petty Officer 2nd Class Gerald Langella, USN; Petty Officer 3rd Class Gene Gray, USN; Ranger Francis Coughlin, Army; Major Samuel Holland, Army; Ensign Donald Voorhees, USN; Corporal Kenneth Shappell, USAF; Staff Sergeant Thomas Sparks, Army; Staff Sergeant Charles Andresakes, Army; Lieutenant Colonel Frank Brown, USAF; Petty Officer 2nd Class John Franklin, USN; Private 1st Class Charles P. Hearn, Army; Petty Officer 2nd Class William Hancock, Jr., USN; Aviation Petty Officer 3rd Class John Nelson, Navy Air Corp; Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Berkmeyer, USN; Corporal Andrew Kunkel, Army; Petty Officer 3rd Class Russell Smith, USN; and James Moore, USN. The selflessness by which they voluntarily served and put their lives on the line for our safety and security is inspiring.

It is my distinct pleasure, as a representative of the people of Central Florida, to recognize the honor, courage, and commitment of these heroes, along with all members of America's armed forces. I thank them for their dedication and service to this country.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to express my sincere appreciation for Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Kelly's service to his country.

After joining the U.S. Army Reserves in 2000 and transferring to the Regular Army in 2006, Sgt. Kelly served three tours in Iraq. In 2008, during his last tour, Sgt. Kelly was seriously injured when his convoy came under rocket-propelled grenade and mortar fire. Despite his injuries, Sgt. Kelly completed his assigned mission.

Sgt. Kelly is a native of Central Florida and graduated from Westside Vo Tech in Winter Garden. Sgt. Kelly now lives in Clermont with his wife, Michelle, and two young children, Jade and Lindsey.

On behalf of the people of Central Florida, I am pleased to express our gratitude and to praise Sgt. Kelly for his courage and dedication to his country. His commitment to his country and his selfless service is an inspiration to us all.