Floor Statements

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.

Mr. Speaker, Jackie Barboza is an award-winning entrepreneur, humanitarian, philanthropist, educator, and community advocate whose life's mission is to restore confidence, inspire hope, and empower others to thrive. With more than 27 years of experience, she has become a respected leader recognized for her dedication to wellness, business, women's empowerment, education, and community service.

As the president of HCI Hair Solutions, JSB Professional Suite, HCI Enterprise, and the Hispanic American Business Professional Women's Association (HABPWA), Jackie has transformed thousands of lives. Through HCI Hair Solutions, a family-owned company serving the community for 35 years, she provides custom cranial prostheses and advanced non-surgical hair restoration for men, women, and children experiencing hair loss due to cancer, alopecia, and other medical conditions. Her work restores confidence, dignity, and hope during some of life's most difficult moments.

Jackie is also the founder of HCI Academy, where she mentors cosmetology professionals and entrepreneurs, equipping them with advanced education in medical hair restoration and cranial prosthetics. By elevating their technical expertise and business knowledge, she helps them expand their careers, increase their income, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of their clients.

A dedicated philanthropist, Jackie leads HCI Hair Solutions in supporting numerous charitable foundations and nonprofit organizations. For more than 15 years, HCI has proudly partnered with Wigs for Kids, organizing hair donations and creating custom prosthetic wigs for children experiencing medical hair loss. She also provides ongoing support to cancer patients and their families through compassionate care, education, and specialized prosthetic solutions.

Jackie is the founder of the HCI Global Foundation, built on the principles of heart, care, and impact. The foundation unites people, organizations, and communities to create lasting change by supporting women, men, children, families, cancer patients, individuals experiencing hair loss, survivors of hardship, and animal welfare initiatives through compassion, education, wellness, and service.

Beyond her commitment to wellness, Jackie serves as an informal ambassador, bringing diverse communities together through cultural festivals celebrating art, dance, music, and food. By helping connect the Peruvian community with the broader multicultural community, she promotes cultural understanding while creating economic opportunities, supporting local businesses, generating jobs, and strengthening community partnerships.

Her service also extends to the Salvation Army, the Humane Society, ASPCA, and Quinceanera de Suenos. Through HABPWA, she mentors women leaders and entrepreneurs by providing leadership development, business education, financial literacy, and access to valuable resources that empower them to grow personally, professionally, and financially.

Jackie's leadership has earned numerous honors, including recognition from U.S. Senator Rick Scott for outstanding community service, as well as Top Businesswoman, Top Business Leader, Entrepreneur of the Year, Business of the Year, Mujer Emprende, and Portada Latina. Her legacy is defined by compassion, innovation, mentorship, philanthropy, and an unwavering commitment to empowering others and strengthening communities.

Mr. Speaker, Alaina M. Pesante Martinez is a dedicated educator and community leader whose commitment to students, families and the Hispanic community has made a meaningful impact in Florida. Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, Mrs. Pesante began her teaching career in 2004 and brought more than 11 years of experience teaching general education, art, and physical education before moving to Florida in 2015.

After arriving in Florida, Mrs. Pesante faced the challenge of continuing her career while overcoming a language barrier as a native Spanish speaker. She began volunteering at Mill Creek Elementary School while studying English at Valencia College. She later worked as an ESE paraprofessional and became an emotional behavioral disabilities teacher before continuing her career as an elementary educator.

Mrs. Pesante graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Puerto Rico, where she was also a collegiate volleyball athlete and achieved outstanding academic performance. She holds an elementary education certification with endorsements in reading and ESOL. Known for her enthusiastic, dynamic, creative, and authentic teaching, Mrs. Pesante has dedicated herself to helping students succeed academically. In 2023, she was recognized for achieving the highest proficiency in reading and math at Mill Creek Elementary School. She was also recognized for outstanding achievement at her grade level.

In 2023, Mrs. Pesante became the first Hispanic teacher at Mill Creek Elementary School to receive the Teacher of the Year award. She continues to serve her school as a first-grade team lead, Hispanic teacher mentor, PBIS member, and SAC member.

Mrs. Pesante remains committed to supporting students, families, and fellow educators, particularly those facing language barriers. She proudly celebrates her Puerto Rican heritage and continues to model perseverance, leadership, education, and service within Florida's Hispanic community.

Mr. Speaker, Linsy Di Pietro is the Founder and CEO of Warehouse Equipment and Supply, Inc. (WES). She is a Central Florida entrepreneur whose story embodies resilience, enterprise, and the belief that business success carries a responsibility to create opportunities for others.

In 2016, Di Pietro founded WES from the ground up, entering the historically male-dominated warehouse storage and material-handling industry. From its beginnings in an open-air yard, she built WES into an established company operating from an approximately 18,000-square- foot facility, with a growing team serving businesses throughout Florida and beyond.

Her work contributes to the infrastructure behind American commerce. The U.S. material-handling industry contributes approximately $266 billion to the national GDP and supports more than 1.9 million jobs, enabling businesses to store, move, and distribute the products that keep the nation's supply chain moving.

Di Pietro's commitment to growth includes completing the 2025 Business Scaling Program through LBAN and Stanford Graduate School of Business, complemented by executive development in supplier diversity, capital readiness, exports, and procurement.

Her impact extends beyond business through service supporting hunger relief, education, scholarships, women's empowerment, and survivor advocacy, including involvement with Second Harvest Food Bank, Heart of Florida United Way, Nuevo Sendero, HAPBWA, and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando.

Her leadership has earned honors, including Ignitor of the Year, Mujer Valerosa, Ambassador of the Year, Outstanding Community Leader, the El Josco Award, and recognition as a Don Quijote Awards finalist for Hispanic Enterprise of the Year.

Through enterprise and service, Linsy Di Pietro has transformed opportunity into economic contribution and community impact, strengthening Central Florida while helping build the infrastructure that keeps American commerce moving.

Mr. Speaker, Beatriz Andrekovich was born in Mexico City, where she developed an early appreciation for languages, culture, sports, and the arts. She practiced tennis, swimming, canoeing, piano, and dance from youth throughout college, where she organized international students to showcase their countries through food, music, dances, and exhibits.

Beatriz graduated with honors with degrees in finance, business administration, and arts and humanities and earned a master's degree in finance. She built a career in corporate banking with Citibank and Bank of Nova Scotia, working with international corporations and traveling, during which she developed a deeper appreciation for the museums, nature, and the diverse cultures she encountered.

After moving to Florida with her husband and having four children, Beatriz shifted her focus toward art, culture, and community engagement. She volunteered with the school PTA and SAC in science, math, Junior Achievement, nature, reading, and art programs while participating in sports.

Through foundations Casa de Mexico and CABETCAL, which she founded, she collaborates with organizations, museums, galleries, public libraries, and festivals to showcase international dances, music, exhibits, folkloric clothing, books, and cultural celebrations to highlight and connect the diverse communities that make up Central Florida.

Beatriz volunteers in food pantries, with Seminole Beautiful to help preserve the Wekiva River, serves on the board of HAPBWA, supporting professional women and connecting them with resources to build successful businesses, writes for magazines, and highlights local places and interviews community members on radio and social media programs.

Her contributions have been recognized through congratulatory letters from Seminole, Orange, and Osceola Counties and the Consulate of Mexico; awards from HAPBWA, El Josco with the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce, and iLatina with the Central Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; and recognitions from Honors Lifetime, Peace Organization, and an honorary doctorate degree from the World Leaders Organization and University.

Yinette Lizardo is a U.S. Army combat Veteran and the County Veteran Service Officer for Osceola County, Florida, where she has dedicated her post-military career to advocating for Veterans, their families, and survivors.

Originally from the Dominican Republic, Lizardo served more than 10 years on active duty in the United States Army. Her military service included deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, as well as a humanitarian mission in Africa supporting the response to the Ebola outbreak. Her experiences in uniform shaped a lifelong commitment to service and a deep understanding of the challenges Veterans and their families face both during and after military service.

Today, Lizardo continues that mission by serving the Veteran community throughout Osceola County and Florida's Ninth Congressional District. As County Veteran Service Officer, she assists Veterans, dependents, and survivors in navigating the complex U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs system and accessing the benefits they have earned through military service. Under her leadership, Osceola County Veterans Services has served more than 2,000 Veterans and dependents this year and generated millions of dollars in return on investment through Veterans' benefits and services brought back into the community.

Beyond claims assistance, Lizardo has worked to strengthen Veteran outreach, expand access to services, build community partnerships, and connect Veterans with employment, housing, healthcare, and other critical resources.

For Lizardo, serving Veterans is more than a profession; it is a continuation of her military service. Her passion after leaving the Army has remained firmly rooted in her Veteran community and in ensuring that those who served our nation, along with their families and survivors, are seen, supported, and never forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, Yvette Tirado Gonzalez is a dedicated kindergarten teacher in Osceola County with more than 38 years of experience. Throughout her career, she has remained committed in inspiring young learners and strengthening families and the community.

Proud of her Puerto Rican heritage, Yvette earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Puerto Rico. Her cultural background has played an important role in shaping her philosophy as an educator. She firmly believes that diversity enriches both education and society, and she encourages students and colleagues to celebrate their heritage, language, and traditions proudly.

Inspired by the values her parents instilled, Yvette has built her life and career around two guiding principles: Unity and Respect. These values motivated her to pursue a career in education, where she has dedicated herself to helping others overcome challenges, recognize their potential, and believe in what they can achieve.

Her dedication to education has earned recognition, including the 2009 Distinguished Minority Educator of the Year, the 2010 Superintendent's High Five Award, and the 2025 A+ Teacher honor from Spectrum News 13. She was nominated as a Top Ten Finalist for the 2026 Osceola County Teacher of the Year.

As the community around her became increasingly diverse, Yvette felt called to extend her impact beyond the walls of her classroom. She became actively involved with nonprofit organizations including Relay for Life, March of Dimes, and Give Kids the World Village. Through her involvement, she has worked to bring people together, strengthen connections between cultures, and demonstrate the importance of service, compassion, and community.

Yvette believes that embracing diversity and building meaningful connections across cultures can strengthen not only in Florida, but throughout the world.

Her guiding motto reflects the legacy she continues to build:

``Diversity is the thread that holds us together.''

Mr. Speaker, Ostomy Awareness Day was observed on Saturday, October 3, 2026. An ostomy can be a difficult and deeply personal journey, but for many individuals, it is also a second chance at life. Ostomy surgery can provide a path forward for people facing serious illnesses and conditions, including colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, traumatic injuries because of domestic abuse or military engagement, and any other number of medical challenges. These procedures can be life-saving and life-restoring, allowing individuals to return to their families, their workplaces, their communities, and the activities they love.

Yet too often, people living with an ostomy face misunderstanding, stigma, and unnecessary barriers. Ostomy Awareness Day provides an important opportunity to educate the public, dispel misconceptions, and remind us that an ostomy does not define a person or diminish the quality of a life.

In Florida, approximately 55,000 people are living with an ostomy. They are our neighbors, friends, family members, coworkers, veterans, caregivers, students, and community leaders. Their experiences demonstrate the strength and resilience of people who have overcome significant medical challenges and continue to live full and meaningful lives.

I also want to recognize the families, caregivers, physicians, nurses and certified ostomy nurse specialists, and other health care professionals who provide essential care and support to those living with an ostomy. Their compassion and expertise make an enormous difference in helping patients adjust to life after surgery and thrive.

This year's Ostomy Awareness Day theme, ``One Community--Stronger Together,'' is a fitting reminder that no one should have to navigate life with an ostomy alone. Awareness, education, peer support, and access to quality care can help ensure that every person who needs an ostomy has the resources and support necessary to live with confidence and dignity.

On Ostomy Awareness Day, we celebrate the resilience of the ostomy community and recognize the medical advances and dedicated professionals that have made these life-saving surgeries possible. Most importantly, we affirm that an ostomy is not the end of a person's story--it can be the beginning of a healthier and more hopeful chapter.

I am proud to stand with the Florida ostomy community and with ostomy communities across our Nation. I encourage my colleagues and all Americans to join me in raising awareness, breaking down stigma. and celebrating those whose lives have been saved and restored through ostomy surgery.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Daniel ``Danny'' Ramos, who was a distinguished Hispanic community leader, entrepreneur, media producer, and nonprofit founder based in Orlando, Florida. For more than four decades, he dedicated his life's work to promoting Hispanic culture, advancing educational and economic opportunity, assisting families with immigration-related needs, and recognizing the achievements of Hispanic professionals and artists throughout the United States. His legacy reflected a lifelong commitment to service, cultural preservation, and community empowerment.

Ramos was the founder of the National Hispanic Corporate Achievers, a nonprofit organization established to recognize outstanding Hispanic professionals in corporate America while encouraging greater diversity, leadership, and advancement within the business community. Through his vision and leadership, the organization honored hundreds of executives and professionals from major corporations nationwide, becoming one of the longest-running recognition programs dedicated to Hispanic excellence in corporate leadership. In addition to its annual awards program, the organization expanded its mission to include educational seminars, leadership development initiatives, and partnerships with colleges and universities designed to strengthen the pipeline of future Hispanic leaders.

A passionate advocate for Hispanic arts and cultural preservation, Ramos also founded the Arte Mundial Museum Gallery in Orlando. Opened in 2021, the museum served as a permanent exhibition space dedicated exclusively to Hispanic artists, featuring paintings, sculptures, and cultural artifacts representing dozens of countries across the Americas and beyond. The institution was created to preserve, elevate, and celebrate Hispanic cultural heritage while providing artists with a permanent venue to showcase their work.

Under his leadership, the museum became a unique cultural landmark in Central Florida and was recognized in the Congressional Record for its contributions to the preservation of Hispanic art and history

Among Ramos' most widely recognized accomplishments was the creation of the Raices Festival, one of Central Florida's largest Hispanic cultural celebrations. The festival was established to highlight the traditions, music, dance, cuisine, and heritage of the diverse Hispanic community while bringing together families, businesses, civic organizations, and cultural institutions. Over the years, Raices grew into a signature annual event that strengthened community pride and celebrated Hispanic identity throughout the region. According to organizational history, Ramos also played a key role in organizing one of the largest Hispanic festivals ever held in New York, further demonstrating his long-standing commitment to cultural celebration and community engagement.

Throughout his career, Ramos founded, supported, and collaborated with numerous organizations and initiatives serving the Hispanic community. These included the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce, Hispanics SpeakOut TV, Latina Role Model TV, Christian Stars Chaplaincy, and a range of educational and business conferences focused on economic development, leadership training, and minority entrepreneurship. His media and public engagement efforts also addressed critical community issues, including human trafficking prevention, domestic violence awareness, homelessness outreach, consumer education, small business development, and assistance for Hispanic families navigating immigration status, documentation, and related paperwork. Through these efforts, he provided trusted guidance, resources, and advocacy to individuals and families working toward stability and legal security in the United States, while also creating platforms for education, awareness, and public dialogue.

Ramos remained steadfast in his commitment to preserving Hispanic history and expanding opportunities for future generations. Through his work in leadership, media, education, the arts, cultural advocacy, and immigration support services, he combined entrepreneurship with public service in a way that left a lasting imprint on Central Florida's Hispanic community. His organizations, festivals, museums, recognition programs, and educational initiatives continue to reflect his vision of celebrating achievement, strengthening identity, and empowering future leaders.

Daniel ``Danny'' Ramos' legacy endures through the institutions he built, the communities he strengthened, and the countless individuals he inspired through his lifelong dedication to service, cultural pride, and support for immigrant families seeking opportunity and belonging.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Private First Class Pedro Ramos Rivera, who honorably served in the United States Army from February 5, 1951, to January 31, 1953, as a member of the 65th Infantry Regiment, Borinqueneers, assigned to the Medical Company, APO 468. He served during the Korean War and was recognized with the Korean Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and Combat Infantry Badge.

After his military service, he continued serving his community with dedication and integrity. He worked as a maintenance supervisor for a United States company established in Puerto Rico, where he contributed through hard work and strong leadership. He also gave his time to the Little League Baseball program in Country Club, the Angel Ramos League, volunteering his efforts to help children play the game and grow in a positive environment. Through both his work and volunteer service, he was a productive and respected example of citizenship in his community.

His service also reflects the proud legacy of the Borinqueneers, one of the most distinguished units in United States military history. He received the Borinqueneers 65th Infantry Regiment Congressional Gold Medal, a thank-you letter from the office of Senator Rick Scott, a Certificate of Recognition from CSM Anibal Arbertorio, an Ambassador for Peace Medal, a Return from Hell Patch, 3rd Division, a Letter of Bravery from Paula Stark, Florida House District 47, and recognition from me for his service.

Private First Class Ramos Rivera's military and community service stand as a lasting example of courage, sacrifice, leadership, and devotion to family, community, and country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Jane Healy, a D.C. native, former editorial page editor of the Orlando Sentinel, and the newspaper's first Pulitzer Prize winner, who died of a blood disorder on May 15, 2026, at the age of 77.

She was a devoted mother to her two sons, Randall and Kevin; mother- in-law to Kevin's wife, Emily; grandmother to their son, Teddy, and to Randall's children, Elizabeth (plus husband Alex and great- grandchildren, Zayden and Leighten), grandmother to Taylor (plus fiance, Spencer) and grandson, RJ; twin sister to Monica and sister to Kevin, Kathleen (all live in D.C.), and the late Julie; and sister-in- law to Monica's husband, George Hager; and ultimately, close friends with her ex-husband, Jim Clark.

After attending Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School and graduating from the University of Maryland in 1971, she got a job at the Orlando Sentinel after her job as a part-time reporter for the New York Daily News' Washington bureau.

Healy began as a metro reporter at the Sentinel and was promoted to the editorial board in 1981. She rose to editorial page editor in 1985, the same year she was a Pulitzer Prize finalist for her ``Florida's Shame'' editorial series, which exposed politicians who gave in to aggressive developers destroying the environment. The series continued, and in 1988 it won Healy the Pulitzer in editorial writing, the Sentinel's first Pulitzer. She was again a Pulitzer finalist for the ongoing series in 2007.

In 1994, Healy became the Sentinel's managing editor, supervising a newsroom of nearly 400 staffers. In 2001, she returned to oversee the editorial pages and was named vice president of the Sentinel. In 2008, she retired from the Sentinel, but she continued to write a Sunday political column until 2010.

Throughout much of her career, Healy was a significant force in journalism at the University of Maryland. She was a member and later chair of Merrill College's Board of Visitors and performed the same roles at Maryland's Knight Center for Specialized Journalism. She was named to the University of Maryland Distinguished Alumni in 2003, and to the university's Hall of Fame in 2022.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Lieutenant Commander Corey Grey. Lieutenant Commander Corey Grey, a native of Kissimmee, was recently selected as the recipient of the 2026 Captain Joseph Rochefort Information Warfare Officer Distinguished Leadership Award.

Lieutenant Commander Grey received the award during a June 4th ceremony in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, in recognition of his unwavering commitment to others, leadership in the face of complex challenges, and ability to deliver extraordinary cryptologic effects that shape fleet operations.

The Captain Joseph Rochefort Information Warfare Officer Distinguished Leadership Award is an annual U.S. Navy peer-nominated honor. It recognizes superior career achievement, leadership and operational contributions by an outstanding information warfare officer. The award is given to officers who embody the professional excellence, selflessness and teamwork demonstrated by Captain Joseph J. Rochefort.

``This award means an incredible amount to me,'' Lieutenant Commander Grey said. ``I've seen combat veterans, commanding officers, admirals and leaders whose service has shaped our community receive this recognition, all while carrying forward the legacy of Captain Joseph Rochefort, a true World War II legend. As the 15th recipient of this honor, being included among such distinguished individuals is deeply humbling. I consider myself fortunate simply to stand in their company, and I am beyond grateful to have received this award.''

While serving as the 7th Fleet cryptologic resource coordinator, Lieutenant Commander Grey led seven forward-deployed Task Force Information Warfare teams and an embarked staff of 18 personnel, directing a combined force of more than 900 cryptologic specialists and officers.

``Like Captain Rochefort, Lieutenant Commander Grey's deep expertise in his craft gives him the foresight to see how cryptology can best support fleet action,'' said Captain Wolf Melbourne, director of the U.S. 7th Fleet Maritime Operations Center. ``Not willing to wait for direction, Lieutenant Commander Grey took the initiative to engage leadership and proactively moved out on turning that vision into reality.''

In this role, Lieutenant Commander Grey's department is responsible for addressing complex cryptologic challenges by adapting existing capabilities and developing new technical methods to support all-domain information operations in future operating environments.

``My success is a reflection of my family, mentors, friends and fellow warfighters I've had the privilege to serve alongside,'' Lieutenant Commander Grey said. ``My parents taught me the character of caring for a stranger, and my second parents, Gerald and Stefanie Jones, taught me the importance of finishing every job strongly. My wife, Michelle, and our three beautiful children are the reason I continue to serve. With their support, any and all success has come easily.

``This award is really a reflection of the countless acts of kindness, encouragement, and support I received growing up in Kissimmee. To my coaches, teachers, pastors, friends, and everyone who invested in me along the way, thank you so much. Your guidance helped shape the leader I am today. I hope this recognition serves as a reminder that no matter where you come from, hard work and the support of a strong community can open any door for you.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Fred Reilly for a Lifetime of Contributions to Central Florida. Fred Reilly was a distinguished attorney, international legal professional, dedicated public servant, and longtime member of the Haines City community. A graduate of Haines City High School, Fred built an accomplished legal career while remaining deeply connected to the community he called home.

Fred earned a Bachelor of Science in Management from Purdue University, a Juris Doctor from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University, and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International Business Law from the London School of Economics and Political Science. He also served as an Associate Editor of The Cumberland Law Review.

His legal career extended nationally and internationally. Fred was admitted to practice law in Florida, California, and the District of Columbia and as a Solicitor of the United Kingdom. He was also admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court and the United States Court of International Trade. He was the owner of Reilly International Law Firm, P.A., in Haines City.

Public service was an important part of Fred's legacy. He served as City Attorney for the City of Haines City beginning in 2012 and for the City of Belleair Beach beginning in 2019. During his years with Haines City, Fred provided trusted guidance and counsel to the City Commission, administration, and staff. His father, Andrew ``Andy'' Reilly, also served as Haines City Attorney from 2000 to 2004.

Fred's commitment to his community included supporting Relay for Life and Habitat for Humanity. His many honors included the International Individual of the Year Award in 1995, the American Cancer Society Courage Award in 2013, and the Haines City Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award in 2017.

Throughout his battle with cancer, Fred demonstrated remarkable courage and determination.

Fred's legacy is one of service, professionalism, courage, and commitment to community. His counsel, friendship, and dedication left a lasting impact on Haines City and all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.