Darren Soto

Mr. Speaker, Oscar A. Manzanares was raised in Hudson County, New Jersey. He started out in the field as a laborer and worked his way through the ranks, learning the trade the way most laborers do, from the men working next to him.

He served as a steward, representing the members on the job when something isn't right. He worked as a foreman, responsible for the crew's pace and its safety. He became an organizer, sitting down with workers who had never been in a union and explaining what opportunities they had with the union.

Today, he serves as the proud business manager of Laborers' Local 517 in Orlando, where he negotiates agreements, enforces them, and advocates for Florida's construction workforce on wages, safety, and training. He represents hundreds of members who are counting on this work to give their families something better. He advocates for them, fights for them, and stands by them no matter what obstacles are in front of him. He pushes members toward the training and certifications that move them up, because a career in the laborers should not stop at the first paycheck.

Manzanares volunteers at food pantries, feeds the homeless, and mentors young people who are looking for a direction. He goes out into the community and talks with people who want a better future for themselves. He talks to Latinos who want to get into the trades, and he helps them find ESOL classes so nothing stands between them and the work. He knows what it means for a family when one person finds steady union work, and he has made it his business to open that door for as many people as he can.

Mr. Speaker, Denise Alemany Roberts serves as the Deputy Chief of Police for the St. Cloud Police Department and is the first woman in the department's history to hold the rank.

A law enforcement professional since 1997, Roberts began her public safety career with the Kissimmee Police Department before joining the St. Cloud Police Department as a Sworn Police Officer in 2001. Over two decades of service to St. Cloud and Central Florida, she has advanced from Police Officer to Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and now Deputy Chief of Police overseeing the Operations Bureau.

Throughout her tenure, Roberts has led Patrol Operations, Special Operations, and Criminal Investigations Divisions. Her leadership has advanced public safety through intelligence-led policing, major criminal investigations, critical incident command, and modernization of department operations. She oversees the Real-Time Intelligence Center and led the successful 2025 launch of St. Cloud's Drone as First Responder program, enhancing rapid response, situational awareness, officer safety, and public safety. She has helped implement advanced Axon technologies, FUSUS integration, body-worn cameras, and virtual reality-based officer training. A member of the Crisis Negotiation Team since 2003, Roberts currently serves as the High-Risk Incident Commander, directing tactical communication and de-escalation during high-risk incidents.

Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Roberts moved to Central Florida in 1988 and is bilingual in English and Spanish. In 2023, she became the first woman and first St. Cloud Police Department representative to attend the FBI National Academy, graduating from Session 286. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Administration and Master of Science in Criminal Justice--Law Enforcement Administration from Columbia College. Her service has been recognized through numerous departmental awards, including Distinguished Service and Administrative Excellence Awards, Chiefs Commendations, and Leadership Awards.

Roberts remains committed to professional leadership, innovation, community partnership, and public service throughout St. Cloud, Osceola County, and Central Florida.

Mr. Speaker, Jose Enrique Castro is from Jayuya, Puerto Rico. He has dedicated much of his career to helping workers understand their rights, address workplace concerns, and make their voices heard. His work serves employees of all backgrounds, with a particular focus on those whose first language is Spanish. He also provides Spanish interpretation at meetings and union activities.

Jose Enrique began working at Disney in 2009 as a Housekeeper at Coronado Springs. In 2012, he became involved with UNITE HERE Local 737. He later saved as a Lead Organizer and Housekeeping Director, working with employees in housekeeping and food and beverage.

In September 2026, Jose Enrique became a Director of Local 737's new Grievance Department, where he helps investigate workplace issues and represent union members. He is also studying business administration and hopes to use what he learns to continue serving workers and his community.