Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New Jersey for yielding me time.

Mr. Speaker, I want to start with a little history lesson. Back in 2013, this was my bill. I wrote this bill. I thought it was a pretty good name, the Sunshine Protection Act, back in the day. It was for good reason.

I had gotten to the State senate. In the State House, you can only file a certain number of bills, but once we got to the State senate, I really got jelling on coming up with ideas that would help our State. Up until that point, every idea on trying to stop the clock change was going to standard time.

No one likes standard time. It is darkness in the wintertime, and so we, as The Sunshine State--a lot of Floridians here--and coastal New Jerseyans and others here from Louisiana, we like the sunshine. It made far more sense to keep daylight saving time, which is the 8 months out of the year that we have light in the afternoons and evenings.

I filed that bill without a press release back in 2013. It became statewide news. For 4 years straight, every time this bill came up, it was the most viewed bill in the Florida Senate for 4 years straight.

I will say that I never got a chance to pass that bill out of the Florida Legislature, although I know some of my colleagues who are here today ended up doing it after I was gone. It is one of the burdens of being a Democrat in a Republican-dominated legislature.

Mr. Speaker, here we are many years later, 13 years later, and an idea that I got to write many years ago now is being led by great leaders like Vern Buchanan--I am a proud cosponsor of this--and Gus Bilirakis, a great Floridians whom I enjoy working with, and, of course, Frank Pallone, our ranking member.

There is a reason this bill was so popular for so long. Small businesses like it because people, after work, go out to businesses and get to have fun. Beach communities like it. With that one extra hour of sunshine, kids can go out and play after school.

We saw that people are sick of the changing of the clocks. Also, the local farmer doesn't need Big Government to tell them what time to wake up in the morning. They know what time they

want to wake up, no matter what, so that change isn't going to affect them at all.

Then I encourage schools and educational institutions around the Nation, to adjust school start times based upon what they think is best to keep kids safe.

At the end of the day, we have talked about how it is good for business, good for recreation, and good to help out with making sure that we don't have this public health issue every time we are changing the clocks back and forth. It is finally time to bring sunshine across the Nation, and I urge my colleagues to support this amazing Sunshine Protection Act.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Harold Clayton Wright as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Harold Clayton Wright serves as the artistic director and conductor of the Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC).

Originally joining as a singer, he assumed the role of interim co- director in 2014, was named associate artistic director in 2015, and served in that capacity until 2018. During this period, he led the chorus at over 100 events in the aftermath of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy, providing a vital voice of healing and resilience for the community. In 2022, he was appointed artistic director, a role in which he continues to lead the chorus with distinction. Under Dr. Wright's leadership, OGC has doubled in membership, becoming one of the largest mixed-voice LGBTQIA+ choruses in the world. The chorus has expanded its presence throughout Florida, including regularly scheduled performances at the prestigious Steinmetz Hall in Orlando, and represented its community on the international stage at the 2024 GALA (the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses) International Festival at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis. This was a meaningful milestone, as the preceding GALA appearance was in July 2016 in Denver, just one month after the Pulse tragedy.

Dr. Wright holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education and Choral Conducting from Florida State University, a Master of Music Education from Florida State University, and a Bachelor of Music Education from Baldwin-Wallace Conservatory of Music. He served 12 years as a public school educator in Central Florida, teaching grades K-12 across three schools, and was honored with the Teacher of the Year award at Davenport School of the Arts.

Dr. Wright's professional organizations include the Florida Vocal Association, Florida Music Educators Association, National Association for Music Education, American Choral Directors Association, and GALA Choruses.

``As the world teaches one to be an individual, music teaches a world of individuals to be one!''--Dr. Harold C. Wright.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor David Mink as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for LGBTQ+ Pride Month. David Mink has called Central Florida home since 1993, when he entered the University of Central Florida as a college freshman pursuing a degree in theater performance. While he ultimately received a BA in liberal studies with a minor in hospitality management, it was there that David began to learn more about the non-profit world and how civic groups work together to make the community a better place for everyone.

While at UCF, David joined the Gay & Lesbian Student Union and became immersed in the theater program, which included the Alpha Psi Omega honor fraternity for college thespians. Through these groups and his work at the Walt Disney World Resort, he became an avid volunteer in the Central Florida community. From volunteering with Junior Achievement in Orange County Public Schools to cleaning up public areas and parks around Central Florida, David also volunteered at various theater events, food kitchens, animal shelters, and more to simply give back to the community he had fallen in love with while at UCF.

In 2008, David worked with local artists and arts leaders to create one of the first, albeit sholt-lived, LGBTQ+ theater festivals in Central Florida that featured short plays written

and directed by members of the local LGBTQ+ community.

After 20 years in non-profit theater, he recently changed course to take on a leadership role at The Pride Chamber, formerly the Metropolitan Business Association, where he is focused on supporting businesses, professionals, individuals, and charitable pursuits in the LGBTQ+ and allied communities. He also recently joined the Board of Directors at The Center Orlando, which is about to celebrate 50 years of providing guidance, support, and community to the LGBTQ+ residents of Central Florida.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Urla King as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Caribbean Heritage Month. Mrs. Urla King is a dedicated dental healthcare professional and community leader whose career in dental hygiene spans more than three decades. A licensed dental hygienist since 1990, she currently serves as a registered dental hygienist with Davenport Dental Associates, where she is recognized for her commitment to excellence in patient care and oral health education.

Mrs. King began her professional training by earning a Diploma in Dental Nursing from the Dental Auxiliary School in Kingston, Jamaica. She later completed the Advanced Dental Nurses Program in Wellington, New Zealand, and earned her dental hygiene credentials from New York City Technical College.

Throughout her career, Mrs. King has remained committed to serving underserved populations. She has volunteered her professional skills to provide preventive dental care and oral health education to communities throughout Central Florida, including areas within Florida's 9th Congressional District, as well as in Guyana and Zambia. Her efforts have helped improve access to healthcare and promote community wellness.

Since 1994, Mrs. King has been an active member of the Caribbean and Floridian Association, Inc. (CAFA). She has served in several leadership roles, including treasurer and

chairperson of the Medical Committee. Through these positions, she has helped organize health fairs, wellness programs, and community outreach initiatives that have benefited families across Central Florida.

Mrs. King also serves on the Board of Directors of Solid Rock Community Church in Kissimmee, Florida, where she supports outreach ministries and programs that strengthen and uplift local communities.

A devoted wife, mother of two, and grandmother of three, Mrs. King is known for her compassion, leadership, and dedication to service. Through her professional achievements and longstanding commitment to community outreach, she continues to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and families throughout Florida.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Albert Harris as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Albert Harris has given nearly a decade of his life to the Orange County government as a photographer, but his work has always been about so much more than pictures.

He began capturing weddings the very moment the Supreme Court legalized marriage equality, celebrating love when it mattered most. To date, Albert has photographed over 300 weddings and 1,600 marriage proposals. Each one, a story of joy and commitment.

Two years later, he joined Orange County Health Services, where his lens turned to animals in need. Thanks to his photos and videos, countless homeless pets found families who would love them forever.

When Hurricanes Ian and Irma tore through Florida, and when COVID-19 brought the world to its knees, Albelt stood alongside Orange County Fire Rescue and health workers. His images and videos didn't just document crisis, they comforted a frightened Nation, earning attention from coast to coast.

Alfred is also a 14-year Army veteran with deployments to Guantanamo Bay and Afghanistan. He has worn the uniform of public service since the age of 17.

At home, he is a devoted husband to his partner of 10 years and a proud father to three cats. Albelt Harris still shows up every single day, making Orange County and the world a kinder, braver, better place.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Stephanie Florczyk as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Stephanie Florczyk is a 340B program manager and front desk supervisor for SPEKTRUM Health, a healthcare practice in Orlando, Florida that serves the LGBTQ+ community. She is originally from Upstate New York and has lived in Central Florida for over 10 years.

Her journey to realize her authentic self, from the first indications that she was transgender as an early teenager to coming out as a transgender woman in her 30s and beyond, has provided her with a wealth of experiences.

She is trained in engineering and has experience in academia and biomedical research. Stephanie joined SPEKTRUM Health in 2022 and has served the organization in various roles. These roles have included supporting patient care and access to services, operating the pharmacy program and interacting with partner pharmacies, promoting access to PrEP and gender affirming care, grant writing, and outreach. She has worked to serve and support the LGBTQ+ community through SPEKTRUM Health and beyond. Stephanie is an advocate for transgender equality and access to gender affirming care despite restrictions from recent legislation. Additionally, she is a passionate advocate for HIV prevention and recovery from substance abuse, both of which disproportionately impact the LGBTQ+ community and have affected Stephanie personally.

Stephanie believes in the power of education and in supporting the authentic expression of the individual, allowing each person to become the best version of themselves. She also believes in inclusion and in meeting people where they are to create the greatest positive impact on society.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Master Deputy Mara Everson as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Master Deputy Mara Everson is an Air Force veteran and dedicated public safety professional whose career reflects an unwavering commitment to service, leadership, and community engagement. She holds a Master of Science in Homeland Security and is both a certified Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Practitioner and Crime Prevention Practitioner.

Throughout her law enforcement career, Master Deputy Everson has served in a variety of roles dedicated to protecting and supporting her community. As a detective in the Criminal Investigations Unit, she specialized in domestic violence, child abuse, and missing persons cases, demonstrating exceptional compassion, professionalism, and dedication while assisting victims and their families during some of their most difficult times.

Master Deputy Everson also serves as an LGBTQ liaison and safe place coordinator, fostering trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the LGBTQ community. Through outreach, advocacy, and education, she has worked to create safe, inclusive environments and strengthen relationships between community members and public safety professionals.

Master Deputy Everson's distinguished military service, professional achievements, and commitment to crime prevention have made a lasting impact on the communities she serves. Her leadership, integrity, and dedication to public service exemplify the highest ideals of citizenship and reflect great credit upon herself, her profession, and the state of Florida.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Axel J Someillan as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Axel J Someillan is a renowned photographer known for his exceptional ability to capture the essence of his subjects through a distinctive and evocative style. With a career spanning over several years, Axel has established himself as a prominent figure in the world of photography, celebrated for his keen eye for detail and his ability to tell compelling visual stories.

Axel's portfolio encompasses a wide range of photographic genres, including portraiture, fashion, commercial, and fine art photography. His work is characterized by its striking composition, innovative use of light and shadow, and a profound understanding of color and texture. Whether working with models, celebrities, or everyday individuals, Axel brings out the unique personality and emotion of his subjects, creating images that resonate deeply with viewers.

Throughout his career, Axel J Someillan has collaborated with prestigious clients and publications, earning acclaim for his creativity and professionalism. His photographs have been featured in leading magazines, advertising campaigns, and all exhibitions, garnering numerous awards and accolades.

Axel's passion for photography extends beyond his commercial work; he is also dedicated to exploring personal projects that push the boundaries of the medium. Through these endeavors, he continues to evolve as an artist, experimenting with new techniques and concepts to expand his artistic vision.

Committed to sharing his knowledge and inspiring the next generation of photographers, Axel frequently conducts workshops and lectures, where he offers insights into his creative process and the technical aspects of his craft. His contributions to the field of photography have made a lasting impact, solidifying his reputation as a visionary and influential artist.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Diana Colon as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Diana Colon is a service-oriented law enforcement ally who humbly serves her hometown of Orlando, Florida, as a board member of the Gay Officers Action League of Central Florida.

Colon knew in her heart that she wanted to serve her country and enrolled in the Air Force JROTC program to prepare for a military career. As a junior cadet, she was a member of the Drill and Sabre Teams and contributed countless volunteer hours at nursing homes and community events. In 1989, Colon enlisted in the U,S. Army and entered with the rank of PFC, a rank credited to her for three years of service in JROTC. While serving, she worked as a track vehicle repairer during Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield. With tank repairs required around the clock, Colon managed a demanding workload.

After the conflict, she retired from the Army to focus on family and a civilian career. As a civilian, Colon applied her skills as an auto mechanic, office manager, and small business owner. Colon sustained her internal desire to serve while the owner of Dos Lokas Mexi-Rican Foods, providing for the homeless in the Parramore area of Orlando.

She maintains her connection with the armed services through a variety of VA community groups as a poet, painter, photographer, and lyricist. She is a member of the American Legion and the VA Choir.

Since 2024, Colon has been a member of GOALcfl as an ally to the LGBTQI+ community. As a volunteer and recording secretary, Colon continues to serve by representing the organization at community partner events, hosting food drives as an honorary chef, recruiting volunteers, organizing social events, and overall promoting positive relationships with the LGBTQI+ community in Central Florida.

She is beloved by her community for her tireless advocacy and selfless contributions, traits that are synonymous with her genuine identity.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Jose Ramon Aguilar Colina as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Jose Ramon Aguilar Colina is a Venezuelan immigrant, LGBTQ+ advocate, public health leader, and founder and executive director of AGUILAR SALUD, a Central Florida-based nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to HIV prevention, treatment, education, care navigation, and healthcare resources for underserved communities.

After receiving an HIV diagnosis more than a decade ago, Jose transformed a personal challenge into a lifelong commitment to service. Following his immigration to the United States, he dedicated his career to helping individuals overcome barriers related to language, stigma, healthcare access, and economic hardship, particularly among Hispanic, immigrant, LGBTQ+, senior, women, and other historically underserved populations.

Recognizing significant gaps in culturally responsive healthcare services. Jose founded AGUILAR SALUD to help ensure that individuals and families could access lifesaving education, prevention, treatment, and support. Under his leadership, the organization has grown into a trusted community resource serving residents throughout Central Florida and Florida's 9th Congressional District through primary care, community outreach, STI and HIV prevention and treatment programs, health education initiatives, care navigation, and strategic partnerships.

Jose has contributed to local, state, national, and international efforts focused on HIV awareness, prevention, treatment, and health equity. Through public speaking, advocacy, and collaboration with healthcare organizations, government agencies, universities, community partners, and communities of faith, he

has helped advance conversations surrounding HIV, healthcare disparities, and equitable access to care for underserved communities. His work has reached audiences across the United States and internationally while remaining rooted in service to Central Florida communities.

Through leadership, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to improving lives, Jose continues to advance health equity, strengthen communities, and expand opportunities for those most in need.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Brandon Bracale-Llewellyn as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Brandon Bracale-Llewellyn is a respected business owner, community leader, and advocate whose dedication to Central Florida's LGBTQ+ community has made a lasting impact throughout the region. Born in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Brandon is the owner of Savoy Orlando, one of Central Florida's most prominent LGBTQ+ entertainment venues and a longstanding gathering place that has fostered community, inclusion, and support for countless individuals over the years.

Through both his personal philanthropy and leadership as a business owner, Brandon has donated significant time, resources, and financial support to numerous nonprofit organizations serving the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. His commitment to public service extends through his volunteer leadership, including serving as president of the Orange County Rainbow Democrats and currently serving on the Board of Directors for the LGBT+ Center Orlando.

In recognition of his dedication to advocacy and community engagement, Brandon was honored with the prestigious Chase Smith Award in 2019, recognizing his outstanding contributions to equality, civic involvement, and public service.

Beyond his professional and community accomplishments, Brandon values spending time with family in Pennsylvania and enjoys traveling to Mexico with his partner, Alan. His commitment to service, leadership, and community building continues to strengthen Central Florida and inspire those around him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Eugenio Augusto Soto Bischoff as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Caribbean Heritage Month. Eugenio Augusto Soto Bischoff is a respected community leader, aviation professional, educator, and volunteer who has proudly called Orlando, Florida, home since 1996. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, he has dedicated his career and personal life to serving others through leadership, education, community engagement and work force development.

After a successful 20-year career in banking and financial services. where he held leadership positions including senior branch manager, Eugenio transitioned into the aviation industry to pursue his passion for training, logistics, and operational excellence. Throughout his aviation career, he has served in customer service, materials logistics, quality assurance, auditing, and training, helping improve operational processes while strengthening safety and regulatory compliance programs. He currently serves as an instructor with JetBlue in Orlando, where he helps develop and inspire the next generation of aviation professionals.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Eugenio has made a lasting impact throughout Central Florida through extensive volunteerism and community service. He has supported organizations including The Orlando Repertory Theatre (The REP), the Salvation Army, the American Cancer Society, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Goodwill Industries, and numerous other community-focused initiatives. His volunteer efforts have advanced education, the arts, financial literacy, hunger relief, and community development.

Eugenio is also a dedicated volunteer with Gateway Orlando Main Street, where he has helped bring cultural events, local businesses, and nationally recognized artists to the community, contributing to the growth, vitality, and economic development of the Gateway District.

He shares his commitment to service with his wife of 30 years, Mayra Andujar, a cancer survivor who has devoted herself to supporting health and cancer-related causes throughout her 11-year journey. Together, they have raised their daughter, Anna Teressa Soto, whose achievements in the performing arts reflect the family's dedication to education, creativity, and service.

Known for his compassion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to helping others, Eugenio continues to make a positive impact through education, mentorship, volunteerism, and community engagement throughout Central Florida.

Mr. Speaker. I rise to honor Lyma Dunbar as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Caribbean Heritage Month. Lyma Dunbar is the host of the talk show ``The People's Chat Room,'' which has been on the Central Florida airwaves for the past 14 years. Also, from August 2022 to May 2023, she hosted ``Caribbean Straight Talk,'' which focused on the Caribbean Diaspora within Florida.

Lyma uses her radio platform to encourage guests to share their challenges and successes while educating listeners on health and wellness and local and national current affairs. She also invites community leaders and politicians to share and discuss their portfolios and disseminate pertinent information. Over the years, she has expanded her platform to host town halls that encourage voters to share their concerns and give state and local politicians an opportunity to present their campaign portfolios and respond to the concerns of Central Floridians.

Lyma is also the editor-in-chief of iChunes Entertainment Magazine, a digital publication that offers a look into the lives, journeys, and musical success of some of the Caribbean's biggest artists, some of whom reside in Central Florida. She also writes the primary features, and some of the supplemental articles, which feature Caribbean history. immigration concerns, health, wellness, and more.

Along with Tishard Birmingham, the producer of the talk show ``The Peoples Chat Room,'' Lyma hosts and performs in ``Comedy Calypso Caribbean Jazz,'' which is in its fourth year and hosts the free event, ``A Caribbean Heritage Affair,'' in downtown Orlando to encourage the public to interact and enjoy the culture of the Caribbean. This event is in its first year.

In addition, she has been a clinical therapist serving the mental health needs of Central Florida residents for over 17 years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Clarence Dunkley as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Caribbean Heritage Month. Originally from Jamaica, Clarence Dunkley has proudly called America home for more than 32 years. Throughout those years, he has dedicated his life not only to the construction industry, but also to uplifting others through humanitarian service and community leadership.

Clarence is widely respected for his generosity, compassion, and commitment to giving back. Through his nonprofit organization, he has helped provide housing and support for veterans, ensuring those who served our country are not forgotten. His impact reaches far beyond his profession, as he continually works to strengthen and support the community around him.

Despite building a successful life in the United States, Clarence has never forgotten his roots. He frequently returns to Jamaica to give back to communities in need, reflecting his deep passion for humanitarian work and his dedication to helping others both locally and internationally

Clarence Dunkley exemplifies the spirit of Caribbean Heritage Month through his leadership, service, cultural pride, and unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Dario and Hunnie Emans as Distinguished Leaders in Central Florida for Caribbean Heritage Month. Dario and Hunnie Emans are respected entrepreneurs whose dedication to small business development and community engagement has contributed to economic growth within Florida's 9th Congressional District. Prior to relocating to Florida, both served more than 20 years with the New York City Department of Correction on Rikers Island. Hunnie Emans retired as an Emergency Service Unit (ESU) officer, serving in a specialized unit responsible for emergency response and critical operations. Dario Emans retired as an assistant deputy warden and commanding officer of the Special Operations Division, where he provided leadership and oversight of specialized correctional operations and personnel.

Following their retirement, the Emanses redirected their commitment to service toward entrepreneurship by founding Hunnies Body Boutique in St. Cloud, Florida. What began as a personal effort to find natural solutions for family skincare concerns evolved into a successful small business focused on natural wellness and skincare products. Through research, product development, and a dedication to quality, they transformed a home-based venture into a thriving brick-and-mortar boutique serving customers throughout Osceola County and beyond.

Under their leadership, Hunnies Body Boutique has become recognized for its commitment to customer education, wellness, and quality products while contributing to the local economy and supporting the continued growth of small businesses within the region.

Hunnie Emans is an active member of the St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce and proudly serves as a Chamber Ambassador, helping welcome new businesses, foster professional relationships, and support initiatives that strengthen the local business community.

Together, Dario and Hunnie Emans exemplify the values of public service, entrepreneurship, and community involvement. Their combined legacy of service--first through distinguished careers with the New York City Department of Correction and now through their investment in Florida's business community--reflects resilience, leadership, and an enduring commitment to the economic vitality of Florida's 9th Congressional District.