Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, Sophia Green, known affectionately as Sophie G, is a vibrant radio personality hosting ``The Sophie G Show'' on Cultural Vibrations Radio. Broadcasting to the Central Florida area, Sophia's show celebrates Caribbean culture, entertains, and encourages listeners with inspiring stories and discussions.

Sophia has over 14 years of experience in broadcasting, establishing herself as a trusted voice in the Caribbean diaspora community.

Born in Jamaica, Sophia proudly identifies as an ``Island Girl'' and brings a unique perspective to her shows.

She won the Jamaica National Festival Song in 1989 with her sister Andi Green, becoming the first female duo to achieve this feat.

Sophia is a dedicated mother and loving grandmother, drawing inspiration from her family and community. As a certified professional life coach, Sophia focuses on life purpose, forgiveness, and happiness. She contributes to Karibbean Under One Magazine (KUOMagazine & TV), sharing her perspectives on various topics.

Sophia believes in finding the positive in life's experiences, often quoting the idea of making ``lemonade'' from life's challenges. With her witty humor and heartfelt approach. Sophie G has built a loyal following and established herself as a respected voice in the Caribbean diaspora. Through ``The Sophie G Show'' on Cultural Vibrations Radio, Caribbean Rhythms Radio Network, Sophia continues to inspire and connect with her audience in Central Florida and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, Patrina M. Lawrence is a dynamic and accomplished executive who has made a lasting impact on Florida's Ninth Congressional District through her leadership in behavioral health and social services. As the founder and chief executive officer of Serving Children and Reaching Families (SCARF), a community-based mental health organization headquartered in Kissimmee, Florida, Ms. Lawrence has led efforts to deliver high-quality, culturally responsive, and trauma- informed care to children and families across Central Florida since 2013.

Guided by the belief that ``safety and security don't just happen-- they are the result of collective consensus and public investment,'' as Nelson Mandela once said, Ms. Lawrence has dedicated her career to building systems that protect and uplift the most vulnerable. Through SCARF, she has expanded access to mental health services, secured funding from the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Department of Health, and Osceola County Schools, and fostered long-standing partnerships with the Department of Children and Families and regional managing entities.

Through an eight-year partnership with the Florida Department of Children and Families, Ms. Lawrence was instrumental in creating a diversion program that has helped strengthen families and successfully diverted over 500 children annually from entering the foster care system. A licensed clinical social worker and seasoned clinician, Ms. Lawrence has provided direct care and clinical oversight to hundreds of clients. She has authored SCARF's operational policies and training curricula, helping to elevate standards across Florida's behavioral health workforce. Her work has not only improved outcomes but also ensured service fidelity and compliance with state regulations.

Ms. Lawrence holds an advanced degree in social work from Howard University and has completed executive education at Harvard University in leadership, business strategy, and public health equity. Her work embodies a commitment to access, quality, and innovation in behavioral health for Florida's most vulnerable populations.

Mr. Speaker, Maria Lawrence is a visionary leader, community advocate, and accomplished financial executive based in Florida's Ninth Congressional District. As co-founder and chief financial officer of Serving Children and Reaching Families, LLC (SCARF), she has been instrumental in expanding access to mental health and family support services throughout Central Florida. Based in Kissimmee, SCARF is a CARF-accredited organization dedicated to helping at-risk youth and families thrive.

With over 15 years of experience in financial leadership, Maria has built a reputation for driving operational excellence, securing government contracts, strengthening internal controls, and improving revenue cycle processes. Her work has helped SCARF achieve full compliance in numerous federal and state audits, positioning the organization for long-term sustainability and growth. Maria's professional background includes serving as an information technology supervisor at Devereux Florida and managing a major capital project for Jacobs Engineering. Earlier in her career, she worked in financial compliance on Wall Street, where she was selected by the NASD to assist with regulatory audits following a firm closure.

Outside of her professional life, Maria is deeply committed to community service. She has volunteered with Second Harvest Food Bank and the American Heart Association and participated in international mission work, including supporting church development efforts in Venezuela. Maria holds both a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University. She also maintains certifications in Microsoft Engineering and Lean Six Sigma. Through her financial expertise, servant leadership, and heart for service, Maria continues to shape stronger communities and create meaningful change for families across Florida's Ninth Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, Dr. Charnette Munroe was born in Westmoreland, Jamaica, and immigrated to the United States in the 1980s. Proud of her Caribbean heritage, she honors the sacrifices of her Jamaican ancestors through her professional and academic achievements.

Dr. Munroe earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of South Florida, followed by a master's and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University. She completed her internship and geropsychology fellowship at the Dallas North Texas Health Care System.

Dedicated to serving her community, Dr. Munroe is a clinical geropsychologist with extensive experience in clinical and administrative roles. She began her federal career at Fort Bragg Army Medical Center, treating PTSD in active-duty service members. Her VA career started at the Tuskegee VA in Alabama, and in 2015, she joined the Orlando VA Health Care System (OVAHCS). At OVAHCS, Dr. Munroe has played a crucial role in geriatric mental health care, providing services for patients with dementia, hospice care, and spinal cord injuries and disorders. As the Mental Health Geriatrics and Extended Care (MH GEC) Program Manager, she oversees mental health services in the Community Living Center (CLC) and Home-Based Primary Care (HBPC). She supervises a team of psychologists and psychiatrists, ensuring clinical competence and patient access to care through program expansion, employee recruitment, and the implementation of best care practices.

Dr. Munroe aims to promote favorable health behavior outcomes for geriatric consumers. She established a monthly virtual forum for geropsychology VA supervisors nationwide, offering support, training, and practice reviews. As chair of the Orlando and VISN 8 Dementia Committees, she has led the implementation of the VHA Dementia System of Care Directive, developed dementia education and training plans, and continually addresses these needs. Dr. Munroe's contributions include formal presentations on brain health and dementia prevention, which have significantly impacted geriatric mental health and the broader healthcare community.

Mr. Speaker, Edgar ``Pete'' Peters has been a dedicated and hardworking operations agent with Southwest Airlines for the past 27 years. In 1998, the young Army veteran joined Southwest Airlines as a ramp agent in Baltimore, Maryland. He later accepted his current position and transferred to the Southwest Airlines operations in Orlando, Florida. Pete has worked in many capacities over the years, including as a member of the Safety and Emergency Care team, a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion representative, and as a training coordinator. He has been awarded many honors, including Operations Agent of the Quarter on several occasions and Operations Agent of the Year.

His passion for helping others and giving back to the community has led him to create The Ann Hewan Foundation, which contributes to his native Jamaica from his Lake Nona community in Central Florida. Pete, as he is known throughout the area and community, is heavily involved in charity work that supports underprivileged children. Each year, Pete collects, solicits, purchases, and ships back-to-school items, such as notebooks, pencils, backpacks, restored computers, and clothing items, to Jamaica, where he partners with a local school and charity in the community. Throughout the school year, he collects and donates some of his own money to help support the Goodwill Infant and Primary School Breakfast Program, which now operates three days a week, providing breakfast to underprivileged children at school who are unable to get it at home. Pete's current project is assisting a local community charity in building a proper playing field for the kids at the Goodwill Primary and Infant School, which is almost 50% complete. The playing field will be used for recreational purposes and extracurricular activities, bringing joy and a sense of pride to the children and the community upon completion. Pete also helps out and supports local charity events around Central Florida communities and around the Southwest Airlines system.

Pete's dedication and low-key approach are what keep him going. As the son of Pinkie Hewan, who migrated to the United States in search of a better life, Pete's passion and understanding create the high octane for helping others and treating them with respect.

Mr. Speaker, recognized as one of the Top Women in PR by PRNews, Maria Isabel Sanquirico is a force in multicultural communications and a fearless advocate for representation, equity, and authentic storytelling. An award-winning communications

strategist, certified crisis communicator, and former news anchor, she is the founder and CEO of Eleven 11 Communications--a public relations firm rooted in the values of service, inclusion, and impact.

Maria Isabel's career began in media at an early age, with a passion for using her voice to inform and uplift. She made history as the first Latina to anchor a solo evening newscast in Central Florida, serving as anchor of Telemundo's Noticiero Telemundo Orlando at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. Her work in broadcast journalism gave visibility to stories that were too often overlooked--highlighting the struggles, achievements, and resilience of Florida's Latino communities.

Determined to shape narratives from beyond the anchor desk, Maria Isabel launched Eleven 11 Communications, where she has spent over a decade helping public agencies, corporations, and elected officials develop inclusive strategies that reach and reflect the communities they serve. Her portfolio spans civic engagement, health equity, crisis response, and culturally relevant outreach campaigns. Following Hurricane Maria, she became a leading voice for displaced Puerto Ricans, using media and advocacy to connect families with life-saving resources.

She has been named ``Ignitor of the Year'' by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and recognized by the University of Puerto Rico--her alma mater--as one of its most distinguished communications alumni. She has served on several influential boards, including the City of Orlando Municipal Planning Board and the Adult Literacy League, and currently sits on the boards of United Arts and the Elle Collective at Seminole State College, where she champions women-owned businesses and the next generation of leaders of color.

Based in Central Florida, Maria Isabel continues to lead with vision and heart. Her work centers Latino voices in the public conversation, not only ensuring they are heard, but that they help shape the future. A trusted strategist, changemaker, and proud Puerto Rican, Maria Isabel Sanquirico is building a more informed, inclusive, and empowered community--one story at a time.

Mr. Speaker, Roberto Smith has dedicated his career to advancing technology and improving lives within the community. With over two decades of experience in the information technology field, Roberto has been a driving force in implementing modern, secure, and efficient technological solutions.

Since beginning his IT career in 2001, Roberto has earned industry certifications in computer networking and systems engineering, solidifying his expertise in designing, managing, and optimizing IT infrastructures. In 2012, he joined the City of St. Cloud as a network engineer, where his dedication and technical acumen led to his promotion to network manager and later, IT director.

As IT director, Roberto has spearheaded numerous initiatives that have enhanced the city's technological landscape. Under his leadership, the implementation of Microsoft 365 has provided city employees with robust collaboration tools, improving efficiency and communication across departments. The adoption of Cloud-based Phone System has modernized the city's communication systems, ensuring seamless connectivity for residents and city staff alike.

Recognizing the importance of cybersecurity in an increasingly digital world, Roberto has successfully introduced Multifactor Authentication (MFA) and Zero Trust Network frameworks to safeguard city systems and protect sensitive data. These innovations have strengthened cybersecurity measures, ensuring that residents' information remains secure while allowing for safer, more resilient digital services.

Roberto's vision extends beyond technology--it is rooted in a commitment to empowering the community through innovation. His work has streamlined city operations, enhanced digital accessibility for residents, and reinforced security in public services. His dedication to improving lives through technology exemplifies the values celebrated during Caribbean American Heritage Month, making him a deserving honoree recognized for his outstanding contributions.

Mr. Speaker, Abismael Abreu is a public servant, community leader, and proud Osceola County resident who has dedicated his career to building a stronger, more connected Central Florida.

Originally from the Dominican Republic, Mr. Abreu arrived in Osceola County at the age of 14. A graduate of Osceola High School, he has grown from a young immigrant student into a trusted leader in local government, demonstrating that with opportunity, hard work,

and service to the community, anything is possible.

Mr. Abreu currently serves as the strategic initiatives administrator in the City Manager's Office for the City of St. Cloud. In this capacity, he manages the City's Strategic Planning Program, oversees critical interdepartmental initiatives, and leads high-priority projects aligned with the City's long-term goals. His leadership has resulted in over $20 million in new infrastructure projects focused on public safety and parks, as well as the successful acquisition of $2 million in grant funding for essential stormwater improvements.

Throughout his career in municipal government, Mr. Abreu has championed innovation, efficiency, and transparency. He was instrumental in launching St. Cloud's Strategic Performance Management Program, streamlining business permitting processes, and expanding access to digital services for residents and entrepreneurs. Mr. Abreu holds a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Central Florida. He is also a graduate of Leadership Osceola and a Certified Public Manager candidate.

In addition to his professional work, he serves on the Board of Directors for the Osceola County Council on Aging and holds active membership in the International City/County Management Association, the Florida City/County Management Association, and the American Planning Association. Mr. Abreu exemplifies public service grounded in community, accountability, and forward-looking leadership.

Mr. Speaker, Angelica Michelle Jones, aka Angelica Sanchez, was born in Jacksonville, Florida, on November 8, 1977.

She moved to Orlando in 1996 to live in her truth and become her authentic self.

A Black trans woman and drag performer, she has won numerous national pageants, including Miss. Continental Plus, Miss. Gay U.S. of A at Large, Miss. Duval, and Miss. Florida FFI at Large.

She's an LGBTQIA advocate as well as a Pulse survivor.

Mr. Speaker, Deputy Sheriff Summer McCray is an innovative law enforcement professional who has proudly served her hometown of Orlando, Florida, as a member of the Florida Department of Corrections, Orange County Corrections, and the Orange County Sheriffs Office (OCSO).

Deputy McCray knew she ultimately wanted to be a Deputy Sheriff, so she pursued a degree in criminal justice at the University of Central Florida. In 2022, Ms. McCray was sworn in as an Orange County Deputy, and since joining the agency, she has served the residents and visitors of Orange County in various roles. She has worked as a Patrol Deputy, an LGBTQ+ Liaison, a Public Information Officer (PIO) in Strategic Communications, and a Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Team member.

As a PIO, Deputy McCray has used her talents in content creation to spotlight the good work of the Orange County Sheriff's Office on its social media platforms. As an active member of the LGBTQ+ Liaison Group, Deputy McCray has strengthened the relationship between local law enforcement and the LGBTQ+ community by educating agency members on LGBTQ+ topics and policy. She is also a member of the Gay Officers Action League of Central Florida (GOALcfl), where, as vice president, she continues to advocate for change. In addition, she serves as an ambassador of the OCSO Safe Place Initiative, which invites businesses to display a decal identifying them as safe environments for LGBTQ+ community members to report crimes or harassment.

In 2025, Deputy McCray was featured in a Watermark Out News article that highlighted her role with GOALcfl, as well as the positive relationships she and the organization have fostered throughout the LGBTQ+ community in Central Florida.

Mr. Speaker, Julie Ruiz was born in Arizona and raised in Mexico. As a young woman, she came to Florida looking out for herself. She lived with friends who supported each other in building their lives in Central Florida, with few resources and no family here.

She began working at Disney Springs as a cashier for a restaurant run by Delaware North, making just $16 an hour and sleeping on her friends' couch. Because Julie is a fighter, she quickly began to fight for restaurant workers to be treated better--especially as a young bisexual woman who believed that she and all her coworkers should be equals. Even while sometimes working two jobs and rushing from shift to shift, she was paying rent to sleep in a living room and was classified as a part-time employee at Disney Springs with no benefits.

One day, Julie and her coworker reported their supervisor for sexual harassment, but the company left him in his position as their supervisor. She became a union leader with Unite Here Local 737, organizing her coworkers to win a better life, saying: ``We should feel safe in our restaurant. I want to be treated as a human being. We ARE their restaurants--they don't run without us.''

One week after passing out a union flyer with her story on it, Julie was fired for nothing more than wearing an earbud while walking into work. She continued to fight, telling her story of sexual harassment and worker organizing more and more publicly. She has inspired thousands of people to sign on to support her fight--not just for herself, but for her coworkers, for women and LGBTQ workers, and for workers in the tourism industry everywhere.

Mr. Speaker, Danny Garcia is a proud first-generation American, born to Costa Rican parents, and a lifelong Florida native who proudly calls Orlando home.

Danny's dedication to the LGBTQ+ community began early. As a youth, he volunteered with organizations focused on HIV awareness and support, including the Pediatric AIDS Foundation and Hope & Help.

Today, that same passion continues through his leadership as the board president of The LGBT+ Center Orlando, where he works to advance visibility, equality, and vital services for the community.

As a teenager, Danny was a member of the Delta Youth Alliance, which eventually became the Orlando Youth Alliance. It was there that he first found a sense of community, marching in his first Pride parade before he even had his learner's permit and volunteering at fundraisers and local events that supported LGBTQ+ youth.

In the late 1990's, Danny began freelancing for Watermark, Central Florida and Tampa Bay's LGBTQ+ newspaper--a publication he had followed since its founding in 1994. That role marked the start of his journey in LGBTQ+ media, leading to opportunities with other publications and platforms that elevated queer voices and stories.

In 2014, Danny joined Watermark full-time as an account manager. Through hard work and a deep understanding of the community he serves, he was promoted to become the publication's sales director.

Over the years, Danny has remained committed to uplifting LGBTQ+ voices and using media as a tool for connection, representation, and change. His story is one of advocacy, authenticity, and lifelong pride in the community he serves.

Mr. Speaker, David Romero is a U.S. Air Force veteran, LGBTQ+ advocate, and community leader recognized for his dedication to uplifting others through faith, service, and resilience in Florida's Ninth Congressional District.

A longtime resident of Celebration, Florida, David serves on the Orange County Mayor's Veterans Advisory Council as the LGBTQ+ veterans advocate. In this role, he brings forward the needs and perspectives of LGBTQ+ veterans--especially those whose contributions were historically overlooked due to discrimination. David is also an active member of the Veterans Club of Celebration, where he lives openly as a gay veteran and fosters dialogue, visibility, and community support.

In addition to his veteran advocacy, David served in a leadership role on Celebration's Technology Committee, demonstrating his consistent commitment to civic engagement and community betterment. For 14 years, he worked at the Walt Disney Company, where he contributed to multiple DEI platforms and helped shape internal policies around equity and representation. His efforts reflected both professional commitment and personal courage in the face of past trauma related to homophobia and marginalization.

A person of deep faith, David is a member of Community Presbyterian Church in Celebration, where he is open about his sexuality and his relationship with Jesus Christ. Through this openness, he serves as a role model to others navigating the intersection of faith and identity.

David's advocacy work spans mental health awareness, veteran support access, and inclusion for those discharged under unjust military policies. His voice has helped shift perceptions in veteran spaces and beyond, proving that service and identity are not mutually exclusive.

Through his integrity, leadership, and faith, David Romero has made a lasting impact on Central Florida's LGBTQ+ and veteran communities. His story is one of courage, healing, and service.

Mr. Speaker, Marc Espeso is a dedicated public servant, skilled communicator, and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Since his appointment in August 2019, he has served as special assistant to Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings. In addition, he holds the role of digital communications manager for the county. This dual position provides him with a unique perspective that combines executive insight with hands-on communication strategy.

Mr. Espeso values efficient and effective communication to Orange County's 1.5 million residents and 75 million annual visitors. In his first year as special assistant, he played a key role in disseminating critical health and safety information during the COVID-19 pandemic. By leveraging partnerships among local, state, and federal agencies, he ensured accurate and accessible updates reached LGBTQ+ residents, visitors, and the broader public across the county.

His experience in crisis communication has been an asset to the county's Emergency Operations Center. He has contributed to the development of award-winning communication plans that delivered life- saving information to residents before, during, and after major storms that impacted Central Florida, including Hurricanes Ian and Nicole in 2022 and Hurricane Milton in 2024.

In addition to promoting county programs and services that can benefit LGBTQ+ residents, Mr. Espeso has helped highlight the region's tourism and hospitality industry. When organizations consider where to host events that will ultimately benefit the local economy, he effectively highlights Orange County's ongoing commitment to fostering an environment where all individuals and businesses are treated with dignity and respect.

Beyond his government service, Mr. Espeso serves as vice president of the Board of Directors at the LGBT+ Center Orlando. Since 2021, he has helped fundraise to advance the Center's mission of empowering the LGBTQ+ community and its allies through advocacy, education, information, and support.

Mr. Speaker, Joshua Collins is a passionate entrepreneur, community advocate, and devoted father who has been making a lasting impact through creativity and activism since 2010.

As the founder and owner of Collins Creative Custom Costuming, Joshua has transformed his artistic vision into a thriving business that serves theme parks and cruise lines, as well as other performers, drag artists, theatrical productions, and individuals seeking expressive designs. His attention to detail, craftsmanship, and commitment to authenticity have made him a sought-after designer in Florida and beyond.

Joshua's contributions extend far beyond the stage. He is a longtime leader in LGBTQ+ advocacy, with commitments to creating safer, more inclusive spaces for all. For many years, he has played a key role in organizing Pride events throughout the community, helping to celebrate identity and foster connection. His work has empowered others to live boldly and speak out against injustice. He is known as a founding organizer of the Drag March to Tallahassee, a powerful movement in 2023 that brought together drag performers, allies, and advocates to protest discriminatory legislation and demand equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community. The march has become a symbol of resistance, pride, and solidarity under Joshua's visionary leadership.

In addition to his work in the arts and activism, Joshua serves as the nonprofit director of Adopt with Pride, an organization focused on supporting LGBTQ+ individuals and families throughout the adoption process by offering educational and community-building initiatives.

Joshua is the proud father of a beautiful daughter, who inspires his work every day. His passion for justice, creativity, and family fuels everything he does. Through costume design, advocacy, and leadership, Joshua continues to shape a more vibrant, inclusive, and compassionate world.