Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, as Casa de Venezuela Orlando celebrates their 20th anniversary this July, we are recognizing their impact across the Central Florida community and beyond.

In July 2003, a group of Venezuelan citizens led by William J. Diaz gathered in Orlando, Florida to create an organization tasked with promoting cultural, social, and civic values within Central Florida communities. They decided to be called Casa de Venezuela Orlando with Mr. Diaz elected as the first president and founder.

Over the next 2 decades, political turmoil in Venezuela continued and forced thousands of migrants to flee and move to the Central Florida region. Casa de Venezuela Orlando was organized and ready to provide support to incoming families and provide shipments with humanitarian supplies to those still in Venezuela. Throughout this time, Casa de Venezuela Orlando gained strength and support across Central Florida and obtained recognition from their community due to their attention to the humanitarian needs of Venezuelans, along with people of other nationalities who moved to the area.

For years, Casa de Venezuela Orlando has organized annual immigration-focused events, health and vaccine campaigns, back-to- school events, Christmas bazaars, medical and clothing supply drives, events with local food banks, and more. They also help the community with scholarship opportunities and academic credential validation.

In April 2015, Casa de Venezuela Orlando launched an initiative to request that Venezuela be designated for Temporary Protected Status, which would provide deportation protections and allow Venezuelans in the United States to live and work. Casa de Venezuela advocated for this program directly with elected officials. At that time, then Florida State Senator Darren Soto signed a letter to the Department of Homeland Security requesting this protection for Venezuelans. In 2019, Congressman Darren Soto and Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart passed a bipartisan piece of legislation out of the U.S. House of Representatives that would designate Venezuela for TPS.

Mr. William J. Diaz, through Casa de Venezuela Orlando, founded the network of Casas de Venezuela and other NGOs within the Venezuelan diaspora in the U.S. in 2018. Today, the network totals 77 organizations that provide orientation, guidance, and support to the Venezuelan community.

Congratulations to Casa de Venezuela Orlando for their 20th anniversary and their continued impact within the Venezuelan community.

Mr. Speaker, Dr. Anthony Nunez is a practicing cardiothoracic surgeon in Osceola County, Florida. He is a staff surgeon at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center at Lake Nona with additional privileges at HCA Florida Poinciana Medical Center. He became board

certified in thoracic surgery after graduating from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and received advanced training in heart and lung transplantation at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.

He started his practice in Florida at Halifax Medical Center and subsequently moved to the Osceola Regional Medical Center. He is serving the counties of Osceola and Polk and was instrumental in the care of many critically ill patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. His diverse research interests started at the National Institutes of Health, and he now serves on the Industrial Advisory Board at Embry Riddle University, Daytona Beach.

He was the co-founder of Endotronix along with Harry Rowland, Ph.D. Endotronix is a medical device company currently conducting human trials of a wireless implantable pressure sensor designed to monitor pulmonary artery pressure in patients with congestive heart failure. The conception of this device started at the NASA Glenn Research Center in Ohio. Through a Space Act agreement and private equity funding, Endotronix developed the device and monitoring system, and performed all the early animal and human trials in the United States and Europe. They recently completed enrollment in the PROACTIVE-HF pivotal U.S. human trial, anticipating FDA data submission in 2024.

Dr. Nunez is married with three children. His eldest daughter is preparing to start at Florida State University. Dr. Nunez continues to serve the communities of Lake Nona, Kissimmee, and Poinciana through a diverse portfolio of thoracic surgery cases with an ongoing focus on robotic thoracic surgery for mediastinal and pulmonary cancer, performing his surgical cases on the DaVinci robotic surgical platform.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor distinguished leaders in Central Florida for Pride Month: Kimberly A. Holdridge, Andrea Montanez, Billy Looper and Tom Christ, Jessica Beers, Jorge Lanza, Joseph ``Joey'' Knoll, Svetlana ``Lana'' Dunn, and Tatiana Quiroga.

Kimberly A. Holdridge

Kimberly A. Holdridge is a labor leader with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 631 in Orlando, Florida. In 1993, Kim became the financial secretary of the Local and remained in that role for two decades. In June of 2020, Kim was elected to serve as a business representative for the same group and has just begun her second term in this prestigious role. During her career, she has served on the Florida AFL-CIO Executive Board where she currently serves as chairman of the Finance Committee and as executive vice president of the Central Florida AFL-CIO. In addition to the elected position of the local union, she was elected by acclamation to the role of district secretary/treasurer of the IATSE District 14 in 2006, representing thousands of theater and film craftspeople in Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In 2006, Kimberly was selected by the Central Florida LGBTQ community as Female Role Model of the Year and by the AFL-CIO as a Rising Star within the labor movement. In 2009, she received the IATSE International Presidents Award. Within the greater Central Florida community, Kim received many appointments to city and county boards. She is also chair of the Public Art Board, chair of the city and county Municipal Planning Board, and a member of the nominating board for the City of Orlando. Additionally, she serves as Chairman of the Board for the Mental Health Association of Central Florida.

The LGBTQ community has seen plenty of Kim in action. She has served as president of the Orlando Gay Chorus and the Rainbow Democratic Club and is the chair of the Orange County Democratic Executive Committee. Currently, she is proud to serve on the International IATSE Pride Committee and as secretary of the Central Florida Pride at Work Chapter. Kim resides in the heart of the City of Orlando with her partner of 30 years, Denise Holdridge, whom she married in 2014 in Providence, Rhode Island before gay marriage became permissible within the state of Florida. Lastly, Kim served in the armed forces of the United States Air Force Reserves in the early 1980s as a sheet metal specialist just prior to ``Don't Ask, Don't Tell.'' She is a champion for working families and is doing whatever she can to create opportunities for everyone to thrive and live their best lives.

Andrea Montanez

Andrea Montanez (she/her/ella) is an openly proud immigrant transgender Latinx woman from Colombia. She serves as the LGBTQ+ immigration organizer lead for Hope CommUnity Center and is a Contigo Fund community board member. Andrea's role is to bring visibility and educate communities on the intersections of being an immigrant and transgender.

A long-standing community builder through volunteerism, Andrea is a board member at Peer Support Space, whose mission is to build and be a local hub for diverse, peer-led recovery communities. In addition, she is the co-director of outreach at Come Out with Pride Orlando, whose focus is to produce an annual Pride event that fosters a sense of community, encourages LGBTQ+ citizens to live openly and with pride, and educates the general public about our shared cultural heritage.

Andrea is also in charge of the ``ventanilla de inclusion'' at the Consulmex in Orlando. She is also a captain at Equality Florida.

Billy Looper and Tom Christ

With entrepreneurial backgrounds, Billy Looper and Tom Christ began producing large LGBTQ+ events at Walt Disney World Resorts in 2009. One Magical Weekend has included events at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Waterpark, Disney Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and the House of Blues at Disney Springs. As one part of one of the longest-running events in our history, Billy and Tom are proud to contribute to Gay Disney and welcome guests from all over the world year after year to Orlando. They are especially proud to host over 250 alumni from Bliss Healthcare's Transformation program over the past three years at Riptide, providing a safe place for their trans friends at TransBeach. In 2018, they co- founded the Kindred Pride Foundation, whose mission is to honor the original Gay and Lesbian Day at Magic Kingdom attendees back in 1991 and continue the RED Shirt Pride Days kickoff to Pride Month, now in its 32nd year. The Kindred Pride Foundation values diversity, inclusion, equality, safe expression, and kindness and contributes to the community by producing the Pride Cup--an LGBTQ+ multi-sport tournament each year. The Diversity in Sports Summit included a forum of eight collegiate and professional athletes telling their inspiring ``coming out'' stories in front of business and sports leaders in Orlando. They invite you to join them for Santa's Bike Force--an annual tradition since 2003 where they give out ``first time'' bikes to deserving kids. Their LGBTQ+ marketing company is a Certified LGBT Business Enterprise, and they are proud members of the Pride Chamber and the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.

Jessica Beers

Jessica Beers currently serves as the executive director of the Kissimmee Sports Commission. In her role, Jessica provides oversight of the administration and management of the Kissimmee Sports Commission. She is also responsible for identifying and pursuing new strategic partnerships on behalf of Experience Kissimmee.

Before her new role, she served as a leader in the sports, entertainment, and transportation industries. Her past employers include Brightline Trains Florida, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Orlando City Soccer Club, and the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

Jessica played for and volunteered with the CFSLeague--an amateur softball league for all persons with an emphasis on LGBTQIA+ participation.

She was also a staff member who supported the ownership's decision to install 49 rainbow-colored seats at Exploria Stadium to honor Pulse victims and survivors.

As a sports enthusiast, Jessica also supports the Pride Cup--an annual LGBTQ+ multi-sport competition held the first weekend in June in Osceola and Orange Counties.

Jessica graduated Magna Cum Laude with her Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Concordia University, St. Paul, and currently resides in Central Florida with her wife Gina Lutz.

She serves on the Howard Phillips Center Community Leadership Council and is an active member of the Central Florida WISE Chapter.

Jorge Lanza

Jorge Lanza (he/him) serves as the Kissimmee program manager for the LGBT+ Center Orlando, Inc., also known as The Center. His commitment to serving the LGBTQ+ community began the night of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy when he responded to the needs

of survivors and victims as a volunteer at ORMC's Emergency Department.

His journey with The Center began in 2017 as a volunteer. A year later, he was hired on as The Center Kissimmee's HIV coordinator. In 2022, Jorge was promoted to his current role managing The Center Kissimmee. During his tenure, Jorge has been instrumental in the growth of The Center Kissimmee, providing a sex-positive safe space for HIV and HEP-C testing for underrepresented communities, including those with limited English proficiency. He is committed to breaking barriers to testing by providing services during non-traditional hours to accommodate the needs of the community. Under his watch, HIV testing at The Center Kissimmee has grown from an average of 200 tests annually to more than 700 tests annually.

Jorge's service includes collaboration with the Osceola County Health Department on numerous events, including hosting a vaccination drive for Monkeypox and other communicable diseases, as well as community health fairs, including co-hosting Osceola County's first World AIDS Day Health Fair in 2021 and again in 2022. Additional partnerships stewarded by Jorge include those with Club Orlando, Valencia College, the City of Kissimmee, Kissimmee Main Street, Harmony Healthcare Orlando, and Walmart Pharmacy.

Joseph ``Joey'' Knoll

Joseph ``Joey'' Knoll (he/him) is the founder and president of SPEKTRUM Health, a charitable community-based health center that caters to the LGBTQA+ community in Orlando, Florida. He has a wealth of experience working in a variety of healthcare practice settings with over 20 years of nursing experience. Starting as a nursing assistant in New York at the age of 16, he worked his way up the nursing ladder to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN), then a registered nurse (RN), and ultimately a nurse practitioner (NP). One of his favorite roles was as a nursing instructor, teaching pharmacology classes for 10 years. He has additional formal training and experience in health policy, risk management, and health law. He also served on the executive board of the Florida Association of Nurse Practitioners (FLANP) for eight years. Clinically, he specializes in LGBT primary care with a special focus on mental health management, HIV treatment and prevention, STD treatment and prevention, and gender-affirming care for transgender individuals. He is also an active member of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). Nursing and advocacy are at the heart of everything he does, and he believes all humans deserve equal quality and affirming healthcare in all settings. For fun, he enjoys the beach, sun, sand, and water. Though Joey does not have any human children, he is happy to have two four-legged companions, Kimber and Speck.

Svetlana ``Lana'' Dunn

Svetlana ``Lana'' Dunn (she/her) is the chief operating officer for SPEKTRUM Health, a charitable community-based health center that caters to the LGBTQA+ community in Orlando, Florida. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Lana's early experiences as a transgender woman struggling to understand her own place in the world helped shape her deep empathy and passion for social justice. Lana's advocacy efforts extend far beyond her role at SPEKTRUM Health. She is a prominent voice in the fight for transgender equality, advocating for policy changes, increased awareness, and improved healthcare practices at both the state and national levels. Recognizing the importance of collaboration and inclusivity, Lana actively engages with community members, patients, and advocacy groups to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are met. She firmly believes in the power of education and empowerment, working tirelessly to promote transgender rights, mental health support, and access to gender-affirming healthcare services. She believes in the healing power of art and creativity and often channels her passion into various artistic endeavors. Through her multifaceted approach to life and work, Lana inspires others to embrace their authentic selves and create a world where transgender individuals are celebrated and supported without discrimination. Lana's unwavering commitment to transgender equality and her exceptional leadership at SPEKTRUM Health have made a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals. Her tireless dedication and advocacy continue to drive positive change, shaping a more inclusive and equitable future for the LGBTQA+ community in Orlando and beyond.

Tatiana Quiroga

Tatiana Quiroga (she/ella) is a committed and seasoned leader with 20 years of experience in diversity and inclusion, pragmatic planning, and working in the nonprofit sector. She is an enthusiastic activist for the LGBTQIA+ and Latinx community who has held various advocacy roles. Most recently, she has been appointed as the first executive director for Come Out with Pride, Inc. Prior, she was the director of family equity & diversity with Family Equality, a national nonprofit advocating for LGBTQIA+ families. In addition, Tatiana also serves on the board of directors for Zebra Youth as co-chair. She earned her Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from Rollins College, a certificate in diversity, equity, and inclusion from Cornell University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Central Florida. Originally from La Paz, Bolivia, Tatiana immigrated to the U.S. and is a strong advocate for social justice, racial and gender equity, and the LGBTQIA+ movement. She lives in the Orlando area with her wife and two kiddos.

Mr. Speaker, Desiree S. Matthews has been with the city manager's office since 2001--previously serving as the assistant to the city manager and assistant city manager. She was promoted to deputy city manager in August of 2011.

As deputy city manager, Desiree is responsible for assisting the city manager with the day-to-day operations of the organization, including overseeing Parks & Recreation, Public Works & Engineering, Information Technology, and the city's various social service programs and special initiatives.

Desiree received her Bachelor of Science from Florida Atlantic University and her master's in public administration from the University of Central Florida.

She is the proud daughter of Jamaican-born parents and is especially proud of her mother, Ivett Spence Brown, the first Black female firefighter for the City of Fort Lauderdale.

Desiree's Jamaican roots are evident in her values, good vibes, love of diverse cultures, and her spirit of resolve and resilience commonly found in Caribbean people. Jamaica's motto, ``Out of Many, One People,'' shows that Jamaicans are, indeed one. No matter what race, class, religion, age, or gender.

This culture of unity is why Desiree considers Kissimmee home. No matter where we are from, we can be a united people, live in harmony, and make our community better.

Mr. Speaker, William Lawson, a proud half-Puerto Rican, has emerged as a prominent community leader and advocate for working families in Central Florida. Born and raised in Miami, Florida to William Lawson and Elise Del Rio, William's diverse heritage, with roots tracing back to the Bahamas and Puerto Rico, has influenced his unwavering commitment to empowering underrepresented communities.

William's passion for politics and social justice was ignited during his college years, where he pursued studies in anthropology. It was through grassroots movements and protests that he discovered the transformative

power of collective action. Motivated by a desire to effect meaningful change, he immersed himself in electoral and issue-based campaigns, channeling his energy into making a difference.

In late 2015, William found his calling when he joined the Florida AFL-CIO, a formidable force representing over 70,000 unionized workers in the region, as a field representative. In this role, he has tirelessly fought for the rights of working-class individuals, championing their cause in the political arena. Working closely with unions and grassroots organizations, William has dedicated himself to developing strategic campaign plans, aiming to elect pro-union candidates who prioritize the well-being of working families at every level of public office.

William has made his presence felt in Tallahassee, annually lobbying against legislation that threatens the rights and livelihoods of workers that often favor corporate interests. These efforts have been instrumental in safeguarding the well-being of countless individuals and ensuring a fair and just work environment.

Beyond his political endeavors, William has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to immigrant communities. Through his involvement in an immigration program, he has assisted hundreds of legal permanent residents in Central Florida to navigate the path to citizenship in the United States, providing them with opportunities for a better future.

In collaboration with numerous unions in the area, William has spearheaded various organizing projects, representing the voices of teachers, custodians, electricians, painters, cooks, housekeepers, and many other vital workers. Through these initiatives, he has been instrumental in promoting fair wages, safe working conditions, and equitable treatment for those who form the backbone of our communities.

Mr. Speaker, Stephanie Bechara calls Osceola County home and is proud to work for the City of Kissimmee as their communications and public affairs officer. Stephanie serves as a liaison between the city, the community, and the media.

Before working for the City of Kissimmee, Stephanie was a multimedia journalist and worked in television news for more than a decade. As a former reporter, she's enjoyed the opportunity to meet new people and put herself in the shoes of others daily. ``For it is storytelling that moves people,'' she says.

Stephanie received her master's degree from the University of Florida. Having grown up in a Hispanic household, Stephanie is fluent in both English and Spanish. Stephanie's exposure to diverse people with unique backdrops is what ignites her spark for communicating.

Stephanie usually wears multiple hats while working with cross- functional teams including marketing and social media. But what she looks forward to every single day is the community engagement aspect of it all. Stephanie serves as a two way street fostering goodwill among residents, businesses, and non-profits, all in hopes of making Kissimmee thrive.

Stephanie is resourceful and creative when it comes to planning, enterprising, and delivering storytelling. She has received several awards from the Florida Associated Press, one of them highlighting her as Best Mobile Journalist. Stephanie was also nominated for an Emmy by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for the Suncoast Chapter. Additionally, Stephanie was recognized for her work on immigrant-related stories by the Central Florida chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association.

Stephanie has fallen in love with Osceola County and is honored to work in the place she calls home. Stephanie lives in Poinciana with her husband Ray and is the proud mother of their baby, Zion, and little girl, Starlett.

Mr. Speaker, Nelson Leandro Sepulveda was born on September 6, 1978, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He is a dedicated education professional and community advocate known for his unwavering commitment to education and his students.

His educational achievements include an associate degree from Valencia College, a bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in marketing from the University of Central Florida, and a master's degree in strategic leadership from Mountain State University. Throughout his college years, Nelson faced numerous challenges. These experiences shaped his character and fueled his passion for supporting college students during their transformative years.

He held various roles within the college, including working in Enrollment Services, College Transitions, and Student Development. Currently, Nelson serves as the director of the Osceola Prosper program. This life-changing initiative has already had a profound impact on the Osceola County community in just a couple of years by providing all Osceola County graduates with free tuition for Valencia College or a technical school so they may pursue their dreams without limitations.

His motto in life, inspired by the film ``Gladiator,'' is ``What we do in life . . . echoes in eternity,'' reflecting his deep belief in the lasting impact of his work. Additionally, he embraces the mantra, ``Everything you want is on the other side of fear,'' encouraging others, especially students, to overcome their barriers and pursue their dreams.

Throughout his over 24 years of work at Valencia College, Nelson's hard work and dedication have positively influenced countless lives, leaving a lasting legacy in the pursuit of education and community growth. Starting next year, the college's Legacy Award will be renamed to reflect Nelson's impact, making it the Nelson Sepulveda Legacy Award.

Looking ahead, Nelson's goal is to continue serving the community and empower young adults to discover their talents and passions. He envisions building a compassionate and inclusive community that celebrates diversity, respects student choices, and fosters a culture of learning.

Mr. Speaker, Anjiro Dorway Gabriel began her healthcare career more than 27 years ago when she graduated from Hampton University with a baccalaureate degree in healthcare and nutrition sciences. In 2006, Anjiro received her master's degree in public administration from Troy University. Over the years, Anjiro has worked extensively in the healthcare field in numerous capacities, including policy formation, mental health modalities, quality assurance/ compliance, education/training, data analysis. program evaluation, risk management, strategic planning, coordination of services, and budgeting.

As a Guyanese-American, she has remained very connected to her Caribbean culture and is committed to various forms of community activism and volunteerism.

For that reason, in 2003, Anjiro founded the only known 501(c)(3) non-profit Caribbean community service-driven organization in Central Florida to date: the Caribbean Community Connection of Orlando. Inc. This agency has provided direct services to more than 15,000 children and families in its 20-year history.

In 2021, Anjiro stretched her arms again and founded an educational institution: the Caribbean Community Advanced Education Center, Inc., designed to provide a platform for educating the public at large. The marriage coaching designed with prayer, praise, and healing serves as its first program.

Anjiro has received numerous awards and accolades denoting her tireless efforts working in the community, including the Caribbean and Floridian Association Community Service Award, Additions School Volunteer Recognition Award, and Compaq-Partners in Education Award, OCPS. Anjiro speaks English, Creole, and Spanish and spends most or her free time engaging in motivational public speaking engagements. Her hobbies include traveling, swimming, gardening, and dancing.

Anjiro is a very proud and active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Anjiro Dorway Gabriel is a wife, mother, community activist, prayer warrior, CEO, motivational speaker, and friend. She has been married for 27 years to Barthelmy Gabriel and has 2 daughters, Nereida and Mirelya.

Mr. Speaker, Sandra Fatmi-Hall is the founder and executive director of the United Foundation of Central Florida. Inc. (UFCF). In 2014, she turned her lifelong dream of starting a non-profit organization into a reality, aiming to positively transform families and individuals through early intervention and educational resources.

Sandra's comprehensive approach focuses on addressing the needs of families, education, and mentoring in our community. Collaborating with neighborhood organizations, school administrations, and students, she has made significant strides in transforming schools and increasing graduation rates.

Driven by her commitment to higher education, Sandra established an educational scholarship program that has awarded over $l82,500 in scholarships. Through Future Leaders United (FLU), she has guided 180 students to graduation, with 168 now attending college, 10 serving in the military, and 2 participating in workforce development programs. Beyond FLU, Sandra has mentored over 500 students preparing them for life after high school. The FLU Program focuses on 7 key pillars: college readiness, career preparedness, health and wellness, leadership development, S.T.E.A.M. education, life after high school, and financial literacy. It stands as the most extensive and well-rounded after-school program at Maynard Evans High School.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Sandra recognized the urgent need in communities and revitalized her food distribution program. Through this initiative, she has distributed over 3.7 million meals in the Central Florida region. Sandra's efforts, alongside the efforts of her board of directors, have contributed over 49,080 volunteer hours and programmatic services, resulting in an economic impact of over $4,907,965 within the communities UFCF serves.

Sandra's unwavering dedication has earned her over 50 awards for community service and philanthropic work. She currently serves as the immediate past president of the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce of Florida and as the president of the Pine Hills Community Council, representing the interests of over 86,000 residents in the Pine Hills community. Sandra holds a bachelor's degree in business administration and is happily married to her best friend, Dennis Hall.

Mr. Speaker, Chad Mascoe has been a pillar in the community for over 20 years. He is a native of Kissimmee, Florida who always strives to pour into the community. Chad was born and raised in Kissimmee and attended Osceola High School. He was a member of the 1998 Osceola High School state champion football team.

He continued his education at Southwest Mississippi Community College then transferred to the University of Central Florida and played football at both schools.

Chad is the CEO of Athletes United Group which is an organization that strives to focus on creating opportunities for all student- athletes to develop skills through peer interaction and competition. Chad has taken young men from Kissimmee on college tours, 7-on-7 tournaments, and to several community service events throughout the years. Each year he hosts a Feed the Homeless tournament in which he collects and donates goods to various homeless shelters in Central Florida.

Chad Mascoe is very passionate about what he does and always makes sure that no kids are left out. His gentle disposition has a way of rubbing off on those around him.

Mr. Speaker, Art Franco was the first generation born in the United States. He is of Cuban descent. His family like many others came to the U.S. with nothing and built what they had through hard work. He will

never forget where he came from. Art lost his mother in a tragic car accident at the age of 13. His father, grandmother, aunts, uncles, and cousins were all there for him. They gave him support, strength, guidance, knowledge, understanding, and unconditional love.

Art remembers the struggles and sacrifices that were made by his family to have a better future. He is very grateful and appreciative of them. Art worked as a bouncer/bartender in his youth. He then started working in the electronics field not thinking it would last long, but he made a career out of it. He has grown and developed greatly. Art currently represents LCLAA (Labor Council for Latin American Advancement), UAW (United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America) Local 788, UAW Region 8, and the LGBTQ+ community by participating in events in the community. Art volunteered with LCLAA in the Osceola Housing Crisis Workshop with The Salvation Army. He also volunteers with the Central Florida Labor Council in the Citizenship Clinic helping members of the community become United States citizens. He does that in his family's memory to pay it forward and help others like his family obtain the American Dream. He also volunteers yearly for the Paralyzed Veterans Association Fishing Tournament. Art has gone to Tallahassee and Washington to lobby and fight for what's right. Never in his wildest dreams did he think he would be doing that and continues to fight the fight.

Art has held leadership roles such as chairperson of his local union and Florida State CAP (Community Action Program) vice chair for UAW Region 8. Art is currently holding multiple roles such as vice chairperson of the Bargaining Committee of UAW Local 788, UAW Region 8 Florida State CAP/PAC president, and he is a delegate of the Central Florida Labor Council and trustee on the Executive Board. Art has worked at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control as an inspector on the quality assurance side of the business since 2008. Art is a very passionate and proud individual. What he does he does from the heart. His family and the leadership roles he has had are what made him the man he is today.

Mr. Speaker, Ana L. Cruz moved from Puerto Rico to New Jersey right after Hurricane Hugo hit the island in 1989.

In June of 1990 and for the next 18 years, she worked for INROADS, Inc., a national organization that places minority college students in corporate internships. She worked for INROADS, Inc. in different capacities from administrative assistant to manager to acting regional director.

In August of 2008, she accepted the position of aide to City of Orlando Commissioner Tony Ortiz.

In June of 2016, she was hired as the new City of Orlando Hispanic Office for Local Assistance Coordinator. HOLA provides valuable information and referral services to bilingual residents and newcomers to Central Florida, connecting them with more than 100 government and community organizations to find jobs, senior housing, healthcare services, educational opportunities, and other resources.

After Hurricane Maria in 2018, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer deployed Ana to the Orlando International Airport's Welcome Center. This center was opened to assist the people affected by the hurricane. Under Ana's leadership, over 6,000 people were assisted and connected with services and resources.

In February of 2023, Ana partnered with the Orlando Center for Justice to provide guidance and assistance to immigrants that recently arrived in Central Florida by giving them an orientation and free legal assistance.

For her unwavering devotion to serving and helping the community, Ana has received many awards and recognitions such as Mayor Buddy Dyer's Leadership Award, WKMG News 6's Getting Results Award, Casa de Venezuela's Leadership Award, and the National Latino Peace Officers Association Volunteer Award. She has also been named as a Florida Puerto Rican Parade, Inc. Community Leader, among others.

Ana is a proud mother. Her daughter, Ana Lucia, graduated in December of 2017 from the University of Central Florida with a bachelor's degree in early childhood development and education.

Mr. Speaker, I was unable to vote today due to unforeseen personal circumstances. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 272 and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 273.

Madam Speaker, 7 years ago this week, on June 12, 2016, our happy town of Orlando was the site of an act of gun violence and terrorism. We lost 49 angels and 53 were injured at the Pulse nightclub shooting.

While that was a terrible and violent act, we will always remember those we lost. We also came together to reject hate and to speak to those across the Nation about both preventing gun violence, about LGBTQ rights, and about making sure that we have love define our region.

For the 49 angels we lost and the 53 who were injured, the first responders, their families, and so many others in the Orlando community, I ask for a moment of silence.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, today I rise in strong support of H.R. 662, the Block Grant Assistance Act of 2023.

I am a proud cosponsor of this bill, along with my fellow Floridians, including Mrs. Cammack, Mr. C. Scott Franklin, and Ms. Wasserman Schultz. I thank Chairman Thompson and Ranking Member David Scott for their assistance in moving this bill to the floor in a fairly expedited fashion.

The bill authorizes the Department of Agriculture to utilize block grants to provide funding to States and territories to assist agricultural producers with losses due to natural disasters in the calendar year 2022. This does not address future disaster assistance. It simply allows USDA to get the money already appropriated to producers in our home States sooner, although we should look at that going forward as a longer-term reform.

Why is this important? Hurricane Ian devastated both southwest and central Florida. A category 4 storm hitting on September 28 of last year, it was tied for the fifth strongest hurricane ever to make landfall in the United States.

Less than 2 months later, on November 10, 2022, Hurricane Nicole made landfall near Vero Beach, Florida. Nicole devastated parts of our east coast.

The devastation was horrific, and the impact on Florida citrus and other segments of our agriculture industry has been devastating. My colleagues from Florida and other impacted areas were grateful for Congress' support in the omnibus.

However, with losses to the citrus industry of somewhere between $416 million and $675 million, we need help quicker for these losses. The citrus industry is responsible for $6.8 billion in revenue and 33,000 jobs in Florida, including in Florida's Ninth Congressional District. Our Florida Department of Citrus and Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services have utilized the block grant authority previously to help deliver assistance to our cattle and timber producers, as well. However, the money hasn't gotten there yet.

I applaud our Agriculture Secretary Vilsack for making a promise. He came down to Polk County in central Florida, met with citrus growers, and promised them he would get the money to these hard-fighting growers throughout central and south Florida.

He also came to the Agriculture Committee, as my colleague Mrs. Cammack mentioned already, making that same promise, if we gave him the statutory authority to do that. Today, on the House floor, we made good on our role in helping Secretary Vilsack's promise.

Citrus faces a lot of challenges. Citrus greening continues to wreak havoc on our yields. We have new and promising pesticides that are working out, but we have a long way to go to get back to the heyday of the mid-2000s.

Citrus is also America's vitamin C source. We can't afford to export this critical set of nutrients to foreign producers. We need to protect it right here at home. This iconic Florida crop is critical for now and into the future.

Madam Speaker, I stand here today and ask my colleagues to support this

critical bill and join me in voting ``yes'' on H.R. 662. I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I have no additional speakers and yield back the balance of my time.