Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Hunter's Creek Community Association. The Association has faithfully served the residents of Hunter's Creek for four decades, establishing itself as a cornerstone of community governance and neighborhood excellence since its founding in 1986.

The Association has successfully managed and maintained common areas, amenities, and infrastructure of one of Central Florida's premier large-scale residential communities, enhancing property values and the quality of life for many thousands of residents. Through dedicated volunteer leadership and professional management, the Hunter's Creek Community Association has fostered a strong sense of community pride and belonging, with neighborly cooperation from its diverse membership.

The Hunter's Creek Community Association has also demonstrated fiscal responsibility and sound governance practices throughout its 40-year history, ensuring long-term community sustainability and financial health, while maintaining reasonable assessments.

Additionally, the Association has served as a model for other homeowner associations through its innovative programs, community events, and its commitment to transparent communication with its members. The Association has successfully balanced the preservation of the community's initial vision and character with thoughtful adaptation to accommodate changing demographics, technologies, and resident needs, and has significantly contributed to the broader area through its partnerships with local government, participation in regional planning efforts, and its role as a responsible steward of the area's natural resources.

The commitment of countless board members, committee volunteers, staff members, and engaged residents over a 40-year span has established a legacy of community service that continues to benefit both current and future generations of Hunter's Creek.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Kyndall Brown as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Women's History Month. Kyndall Brown is an agriculture educator and FFA advisor at Harmony Middle School in Osceola County, Florida. A lifelong member of the Osceola County community, Ms. Brown returned home after completing graduate studies to give back to the place that shaped her passion for agriculture, leadership, and education.

Ms. Brown teaches more than 200 middle school students each year through an agriscience curriculum aligned with Florida standards and enriched by hands-on learning experiences. Her program introduces students to plant science, animal science, and agricultural technology while helping them develop leadership, career readiness, and problem- solving skills through real-world agricultural projects.

Under her leadership, Harmony Middle School's chapter of the National FFA Organization has expanded significantly and was most recently recognized as a Premier Chapter, one of Florida's highest honors for agricultural education programs. The chapter provides students with opportunities to participate in statewide leadership and career development competitions. Ms. Brown has coached numerous students to success in FFA events, including multiple state finalist teams in Prepared Public Speaking and Horse Evaluation, as well as three state championship teams in Ornamental Horticulture.

Ms. Brown has secured grant funding through partnerships with the Florida Farm Bureau Federation and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to support hands-on agricultural and environmental learning opportunities. She also founded the Harmony Middle Fishing Club, which has grown into a schoolwide program that fosters inclusion, confidence, and connection among students.

In recognition of her dedication to education and community engagement, Ms. Brown was named Osceola County School District's Teacher of the Year and will represent the district in the Florida Department of Education's Teacher of the Year competition. She is currently working with community and district partners to expand agricultural education facilities at Harmony Middle School, including the development of a student livestock barn where animals raised by students will be exhibited at the Osceola County Fair and the Central Florida Fair.

Through her leadership in education and agriculture, Ms. Brown continues to inspire the next generation of leaders while preserving the agricultural heritage and strengthening the future of her Central Florida community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Iris Chacon as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Women's History Month. Iris Chacon is an actress, dancer, singer, and producer. She was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and now resides in Kissimmee, Florida.

Her TV show, ``EI Show De Iris Chacon,'' conquered a worldwide audience. She has won two gold records and two platinum records in her recording career, and was the first Latin artist to perform at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. She also performed at Madison Square Garden and the Resorts International Hotel in Atlantic City and in Las Vegas.

Iris starred in three films and four soap operas, and was invited to ``The David Letterman Show,'' ``The Merv Griffin Show,'' ``The Late Show,'' ``The Morning Show,'' ``Geraldo Rivera,'' and was featured as one of the best TV entertainers in the world in ``The Joan Rivers Show.'' She was also featured in publications such as ``Daily News,'' ``The Face,'' ``Interview,'' ``GQ,'' ``Cosmopolitan,'' ``The Village Voice,'' ``The New York Times,'' and ``People.'' In addition, Iris was the first Latina to appear on the front page of the prestigious ``Wall Street Journal.''

With her own publishing company, she just launched the second edition of her bestselling book, ``Yo Soy Iris Chacon,'' an inspirational autobiography that has received various awards and recognitions, and has been included as a study textbook in the University of Puerto Rico General Library.

In 2025, Iris was recognized as one of the top five most influential women in the City of Kissimmee. For the past 10 years, she has been the spokesperson for Advantage Medical Group, a conglomerate of clinics with doctors from Puerto Rico, based in Orlando and Kissimmee, and owned by the Puerto Rican philanthropist, Arcilio Alvarado, M.D. As the wellness director for all four clinics, she helps elderly locals, giving them joy and hope during challenging times. She visits many of the area's nursing homes, bringing them her music, health, and personal development presentations to her Golden Age audiences.

Mr. Speaker. I rise to honor Amanda Clavijo as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Women's History Month. Amanda Clavijo serves as the Assistant County Manager for Osceola County, Florida, where she plays a vital leadership role in shaping the county's economic future and improving the quality of life for its residents. She is known for her humility, tireless work ethic, and deep commitment to public service. She aspires to be a role model for women and actively supports their growth and success.

Throughout her career, Mrs. Clavijo has demonstrated a steadfast belief that public service can positively impact communities and expand opportunities for residents. She began her career with Osceola County, working in Special Assessments. Following the Great Recession, she served as the Office of Management and Budget Director and Comptroller, where her steady leadership and fiscal discipline helped guide the county through challenging economic times and establish early investments in the Center for Neovation, a cornerstone of what would become NeoCity, an internationally recognized semiconductor and advanced manufacturing hub.

Now as Assistant County Manager, Mrs. Clavijo oversees multiple departments, while also helping lead the county's transformative work at NeoCity. Her work is key to advancing the Board of County Commissioners' bold vision for NeoCity and supporting partnerships that are bringing high-wage jobs, innovation, and long-term economic prosperity to the region.

Her efforts were integral to the County's award and implementation of state and federal government contracts and grants, totaling over $500 million.

Raised in South Florida by a hardworking single mother who instilled the values of perseverance and service, Mrs. Clavijo embodies the promise of public education and opportunity. Yet despite her many professional accomplishments, she is most proud of her family--her husband, Luis, and their two children, Jack and Sophia. She is deeply devoted to them and is known for being at every field trip, game, and milestone, determined not to miss a moment. Through leadership, dedication,

and an unwavering commitment to service, Amanda Clavijo continues to make a lasting difference for the people of Osceola County.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Nicole Fenty as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Women's History Month. Nicole Fenty is an events and venues supervisor for the City of Kissimmee with more than a decade of experience supporting community programs, public events, and facility operations in Central Florida.

She first joined the City on June 5, 2012, working in several community facilities, including the Kissimmee Civic Center, Oak Street Community Center, and Camp Discovery, where she served as a counselor, counselor-in-training mentor, and assistant director. Her early work focused on youth programming, recreation services, and supporting events that bring residents together.

Fenty returned to the City of Kissimmee in August 2022 and was later promoted to full-time service in March 2023. Since her return, she has progressed from facility technician (logistics) to events and venues specialist and currently serves as events and venues supervisor. In this role, she oversees the planning and operational coordination of a wide range of events held throughout Kissimmee and Osceola County, including weddings, community celebrations, festivals, award ceremonies, sporting events, and public gatherings of all sizes. Her work also supports emergency preparedness and public safety efforts. Fenty holds multiple Emergency Management certifications, including Incident Support and Shelter Management training, as well as Crowd Manager and Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) certifications.

In March 2025, she was recognized as the City of Kissimmee's Employee of the Month for her dedication and service. Through her work in facility management, logistics, and event coordination, Fenty has supported community engagement and public events serving residents across Florida's 9th Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker. I rise to honor Alexandra Figueroa as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Women's History Month. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Alexandra Figueroa has devoted her life to the belief that every child deserves a champion in the classroom. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with a concentration in Special Education.

With a passion for teaching and a heart committed to service, she began her career in Orlando, Florida, where she has faithfully served students and families for more than 20 years. Throughout her tenure with Orange County Public Schools, including 15 years working with students from low-income communities, Ms. Figueroa has been guided by a clear and powerful mission: to ensure that every child--regardless of background--feels seen, supported, and capable of greatness. She currently serves as a primary teacher and instructional leader at Village Park Elementary, specializing in early childhood education and Exceptional Student Education (ESE). Her classroom is recognized for blending rigorous academic instruction with social-emotional learning and differentiated strategies that empower students to thrive. By meeting children where they are while steadfastly believing in their potential, she has helped countless young learners build confidence and achieve meaningful growth. In recognition of her profound impact, Ms. Figueroa was named the 2026 District Teacher of the Year.

Beyond her classroom, she mentors fellow educators and supports community initiatives that strengthen partnerships between schools and families. Across more than two decades of service, Alexandra Figueroa exemplifies the spirit of Women's History Month--demonstrating how educators transform lives and shape the future through compassion, excellence, and unwavering belief in their students.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Maritza Frost as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Women's History Month. At the age of 12, Maritza Frost said goodbye to her paternal grandparents, Jose and Sarah, never to see them again. Cuba was not a place that would welcome her back.

With a happy heart, she came to ``The Land of the Free'' in the company of her father, Jose, mother, Zenaida, and sister, Sandra. Her new journey began.

She started school shortly after her arrival, soon realizing the challenge of learning a new language and a new culture was monumental but not impossible. She took the challenge because she knew, deep in her heart, that with God's help, all things were possible.

Several years later, she married into the American culture, His name: Patrick. Later in life, she had two wonderful children, Maxwell Alejandro and Maria Elizabeth.

Upon marrying, Ohio became her new home. There, she found the opportunity to complete her education and became a special education teacher. She worked diligently for 37 years, of which 32 were dedicated to the Osceola County School System.

Retirement brought more opportunities. She found herself connecting with different local organizations, developing a deep and profound connection with Moms Demand Action, where she currently serves as a Survivor Lead in Orange County.

As she navigated through different channels, she joined LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens), the Women's Voter Club of S. Orange, and the Lake Nona Democrats, as well as the Orange County Democrats, where she serves as Delegate. Through her state representatives, she is frequently involved in canvassing, phone banking, and other local events.

Never losing sight of her roots, she became extremely passionate about immigration issues and became active with Immigrants Are Welcome Here and the Faith Leadership Coalition.

Marches, protests, commissioners, school board and immigration building morning meetings, and more fill her days.

Never a dull moment. Christ said, ``Love thy neighbor,'' and that is all she wants to do.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Becky Rankin as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Women's History Month. Becky Rankin is a performing artist, community advocate, and mother of two. As an Orlando resident for nearly 40 years, she attended all Orange County Public Schools and received her Bachelor of Arts in Theater and Dance from Rollins College.

Upon graduating from Rollins, Becky pursued her love of the arts and began a career in the entertainment and service industries. She danced in the Orlando Opera Company's 1998 production of ``Turandot'' and was an early member of Voci, Orlando's premier modern dance company from 2000 to 2002.

In 2002, she moved to New York City, where she lived and worked before returning home to Orlando in late 2009. Becky found her way back to Orlando's stages in 2010, performing full-time in the tourism district until 2017. During this time, she began choreographing musicals for both high schools and middle schools in Orange County. Productions include ``Anything Goes,'' ``Fiddler on the Roof,'' ``Beauty and the Beast, Jr.,'' ``High School Musical, Jr.,'' and ``Legally Blonde, Jr.'' She is currently working on Pershing School's production of ``Between the Lines, Jr.''

In addition to modeling and acting, Becky works with Orlando Elks Lodge 1079, where she manages the bar and contributes to their many fundraising and charitable works for the community. She is also a member of the Fort Gatlin Historical Group, which has worked in tandem with OCPS, county leaders, and the community to facilitate the creation of a green space at the historic site of Fort Gatlin. They aim to preserve and protect the rich history of early settlement in the area, as well as the contributions of the Navy Sound Lab. Becky also helps run her husband's business, Health Is Wealth Microfarms, which produces fresh produce for the greater Central Florida area.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Colonel Paulette Schank as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Women's History Month. Colonel Paulette Schank served with distinction for 25 years in the United States Air Force, dedicating her career to leadership, service, and caring for others. Since retiring from military service, she has continued her lifelong commitment to improving the lives of veterans and members of her community through advocacy, healthcare, and volunteer service.

As a member of Congressman Darren Soto's Veterans Advisory Board, Colonel Schank is a trusted consultant when legislation affecting veterans is considered. Her knowledge and experience help ensure that policies reflect the real needs of those who have served our nation.

Colonel Schank also contributed significantly to the Friends of Fisher House's efforts, supporting outreach, education, and fundraising initiatives that helped bring the Orlando Fisher House to Lake Nona. The Fisher House now provides lodging and comfort to families whose loved ones are receiving care.

A dedicated healthcare professional, Colonel Schank built a distinguished career as both a nurse anesthetist and nurse practitioner. She recently earned her doctorate from the University of Central Florida, further strengthening her commitment to improving access to quality healthcare. She also volunteers at Shepherd's Hope, a free medical clinic that serves uninsured patients in Central Florida.

Her service extends to the Central Florida Red Cross, where she assists with hurricane and disaster response shelters and participates in programs supporting local veterans. She also volunteers with the Orlando VA Medical Center's animal visitation program, bringing her Shih Tzu, Wooki, to visit veterans in mental health units and the community living center each week.

Colonel Schank also serves on the board of the Central Florida Veterans Memorial Park, helping ensure that more than 1,200 fallen Central Florida veterans are remembered and honored year-round. Her life of service was recognized in the book ``A Truth Worth Telling,'' where she is featured in the chapter titled ``Selflessness.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Rhonda Spencer as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Women's History Month. Rhonda Spencer has experienced an exceptional year. She has worked incredibly hard to improve not only her and her family's lives but also the lives of working people throughout the state of Florida.

Rhonda is an Orlando native, born April 18, 1977, to Mr. Ronald Spencer and Ms. Kathy Williams. She is the mother of three incredible children: Abryll, Zariah, and Autavious, who she has raised with her husband, Alain, right in the heart of Central Florida. After living in Jacksonville for some time, she relocated back to Orlando, where she encountered significant challenges as a working mom, including homelessness, food insecurity, and the responsibility of raising children amidst these adversities.

Rhonda has proudly worked for Aramark at the Lockheed Martin facility on Sand Lake Road for fourteen and a half years as a food service worker, making sure that the folks who build the machinery that keeps our country safe are well fed and taken care of. Many of them are proud members of UAW Local 177. Rhonda and her coworkers decided that they too deserved the benefits that come with a strong labor union and a fair contract. In March of 2025, she and her coworkers achieved just that, winning incredible raises, quality and affordable healthcare, and a pension with their union, Unite Here! Local 362.

Rhonda and her family are now living in a beautiful home in Orlando and enjoying all those hard-won benefits. What really makes her special, though, is that even after winning all that, she and a team of almost all women returned to Jacksonville to help her fellow food service workers there achieve the same this past October.

Rhonda Spencer represents the epitome of the American Dream, and the strength that women show every day in our great country.

Mr. Speaker I rise to honor Katharine ``Kaye'' Partin Whaley as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Women's History Month. For more than three decades, Katharine ``Kaye'' Partin Whaley has been a driving force in education, community service, and cultural preservation in Osceola County. A respected educator for 32 years, she has influenced thousands of students as a classroom teacher and, for the past nine years, as the Reading Coach at Harmony High School. Her dedication to academic excellence has earned her three Teacher of the Year awards and two Disney Teacherrific Awards, reflecting her long- standing commitment to elevating student achievement and supporting educators across the district.

Kaye's leadership extends far beyond the classroom. A fifth- generation Osceola County rancher, she remains actively involved in her family's ranching operations. Her deep community roots are also evident in her long service to the Silver Spurs Club, where she has strengthened one of Osceola County's most treasured traditions. Over the years, she has contributed in numerous operational roles including concessions, ticketing, souvenirs, posters, stock support, and other behind-the-scenes efforts essential to producing rodeo events that bring families, visitors, and economic vitality to the region.

As Silver Spurs Parade Chairman for the past eight years, Kaye revitalized the historic parade, returning it to downtown St. Cloud and reinvigorating community participation. Her most ambitious accomplishment came in 2024, when she led the Silver Spurs Quadrille in its first-ever appearance in the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California. Through extensive planning and coordination, she organized the transport of 25 members and horses, earning national recognition for Osceola County and showcasing the cultural importance of the Silver Spurs Rodeo.

Now serving as the 2025-2026 Big Boss (President) of the Silver Spurs Club, Kaye brings unwavering dedication, vision, and a heart for service. Her priorities remain focused on strengthening family-friendly rodeo entertainment, expanding community impact, and supporting organizations that enrich Osceola County. Kaye Whaley continues to lead with passion, integrity, and a deep commitment to her community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Arlene Blake, PMP, a community visionary, workforce development advocate, and champion for women's economic advancement in Central Florida. She is the founder of Women on the Rise International, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to building economic mobility for women through financial literacy, career development, entrepreneurship, and personal wellness. Over the past decade, she has transformed Women on the Rise into a career and leadership hub serving hundreds of women across the region.

Arlene's work focuses on addressing barriers that prevent women from thriving, including childcare, technology gaps, lack of mentorship, and limited access to culturally aligned support networks. In 2024, she secured the organization's largest program investment to date, expanding a career development initiative that has helped women increase earnings, secure higher-paying jobs, launch small businesses, and gain the financial confidence needed to build long-term stability for themselves and their families.

Her contributions to the community have been recognized widely. Arlene has been featured in the Girl Scouts of Citrus Council's Legacy of Excellence Exhibit as a Phenomenal Black Woman in Central Florida, named a Rising Star by the Citrus Club, and honored with the Noble Knight Award from the University of Central Florida College of Community and Innovation. She has been recognized by the Orlando Business Journal as both a Woman Who Means Business and one of the Most Influential People in Orlando, and was named Woman of the Year by Orange Appeal Magazine.

Beyond her nonprofit leadership, Arlene is the founder of Just Start It, LLC, where she supports organizations and professionals in improving systems, strengthening performance, and expanding community impact. She remains committed to advancing women's economic well-being, strengthening families, and ensuring Central Florida remains a region where women can rise, lead, and build lasting legacies.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Bianca Belabre, a marketer, strategist, and community advocate whose work advances creativity, education, and economic opportunity in Osceola County.

Raised in a Haitian household and influenced by her parents, Gilna Charles and Jean Robert Belabre, Ms. Belabre grew up shaped by immigrants' pursuit of the American dream, instilling values of resilience and education. From Brooklyn, New York, Ms. Belabre relocated to Osceola County at the age of 13. She attended the Osceola School for the Arts as a vocalist, where she developed an appreciation for creativity and storytelling.

Ms. Belabre is a graduate of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Science as a Bright Futures Scholarship recipient, followed by a Master of Public Health. She serves on the board of the Osceola Chamber of Commerce, chairs the Poinciana Area Council, and is on the board of the Black Empowerment Community Council. Through these roles, she supports community events and business education, and helps fund scholarships for students in Poinciana, awarding $6,000 in 2025. She also delivers educational presentations for local business groups and nonprofit organizations.

In 2019, Ms. Belabre launched A Creative Station, a marketing agency specializing in digital marketing, strategic planning, and content creation. She supports business owners through training and marketing management. She was contracted by the Early Learning Coalition of Osceola County to launch the Early LearnHub brand and lead the design of an immersive educational mural at the Hart Memorial Library in Kissimmee. Ms. Belabre is also the co-founder of The Boss Collective and The Modern Boss Podcast, supporting more than 100 women entrepreneurs in the surrounding area.

Her leadership has been recognized with the Vanguard Award from the Black Empowerment Community Council and the Tomorrow's Leaders Today Award from the Osceola Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Craig Moore. He serves as Chief Executive Officer of AdventHealth Kissimmee, providing executive leadership for one of Osceola County's largest and most vital health care campuses serving residents across Florida's 9th Congressional District. Guided by AdventHealth's faith-based mission to extend the healing ministry of Christ, Moore is committed to ensuring access to compassionate, high-quality, whole-person care for the communities he serves.

Moore brings more than 30 years of experience within AdventHealth, a nonprofit health care system dedicated to caring for the whole person-- body, mind, and spirit. He began his career with the organization while still in high school and has since served in a wide range of clinical and operational leadership roles across acute care, home health, outpatient, and hospital operations. Prior to becoming CEO, he served as Chief Operating Officer at AdventHealth Kissimmee, guiding the campus through a period of growth and transformation. Under Moore's leadership, the campus undertook a multiyear expansion totaling more than $100 million in investment to enhance access and readiness for patients across Osceola County. In addition, these efforts expanded specialty services, enhanced facilities, and added off-site emergency care, while also creating new jobs for local residents. Together, these initiatives contributed to improving patient safety, quality outcomes, and a stronger care experience for families across the county.

Beyond the hospital campus, Moore is actively engaged in the Osceola County community. He serves on the board of the Osceola Council on Aging, supporting programs that promote independence, dignity, and access to services for older adults. He is known for a listening-first leadership approach guided by the principle, ``Seek first to understand, then to be understood,'' emphasizing collaboration with caregivers, physicians, and community partners.

Moore holds bachelor's and master's degrees in physical therapy from Andrews University and an MBA from the University of Central Florida.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Denielle Barnhardt, a pastor, educator, and arts advocate whose work has significantly impacted families and students throughout Osceola County and Florida's 9th Congressional District.

She is the co-founder and senior pastor of The Way Worship Church, where she leads alongside her husband, Jaquan, with a family-centered pastoral model that views the family as the prototype for the church and community life. Together, they are raising four beautiful children.

In 2013, Barnhardt founded Mrs. B's Music and Performing Arts Training, and since 2017, she has worked intentionally to expand access to high-quality arts education across Osceola and Orange Counties. Through seasons of growth and challenge, including the COVID-19 pandemic, she used the arts to keep families connected, students engaged, and communities resilient. Her efforts have led to the establishment of musical theater programs in schools and community settings, as well as strategic partnerships that connect children to quality arts programs and educational pathways through preparation and mentorship.

Barnhardt has also served as a startup consultant, strategist, and curriculum developer for multiple private and micro-schools in Osceola County, helping to launch and strengthen innovative educational models rooted in excellence and community need. She currently serves as a PAX coordinator, facilitating and overseeing cultural exchange initiatives that promote global understanding among students in the United States and abroad. She recently launched The Hall Institute, a Bible college focused on theological education and leadership formation.

With a background in the arts, Barnhardt received arts education from primary school through high school and has performed on world-renowned stages, including Radio City Music Hall, Broadway, and other major venues. Combined with her foundation in general education and a Master of Divinity in Church History, she bridges creative formation, historical theology, and pastoral leadership with rare interdisciplinary depth.

She will soon step into the Navy Reserve Chaplaincy, expanding her service to support service members and their families, and continuing her commitment to faith, education, and community leadership in Central Florida.