Gus Bilirakis

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the unique contributions that have been made in our community by one of my constituents, Morris Porton. Mr. Porton is to be commended for a lifetime of service and remarkable achievement that has left a lasting imprint on the lives of countless individuals. In addition to his successful career as a local banker, Mr. Porton served as a Volunteer Deputy Sheriff, Pasco-Hernando State College Trustee, founder of Hernando Progress, Executive Director of the Hernando County Chamber of Commerce, and board member for countless non-profits throughout the community. The impact that he has made on the community through his charitable endeavors, through his work to cultivate a supportive environment in which small businesses can thrive and through facilitation of economic development opportunities is immeasurable. A true leader in every sense, Mr. Porton has established an unrivaled legacy of service, patriotism, philanthropy, and support of his fellow man. It is clear that Mr. Porton has made a profoundly positive impact on our community, and I am grateful for his service.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the unique contributions of one of my constituents, Barrett Rivera who owns a local small business, Rivera's Flooring, Kitchens and More. As a Veteran, Mr. Rivera has spent many years giving back to his fellow brothers and sisters in arms who needed help. His Military Makeover program involves fixing up Veterans' homes when they can't afford the repair or maintenance that is needed. He also has sent his employees into the woods in search of a local missing child and helped elderly neighbors with needed repairs. He is not the type of person to seek recognition, he simply does whatever he thinks is right. Part of what makes our country so great is the willingness of ordinary Americans to go above and beyond to selflessly give back to others. Volunteerism is one of the cornerstones of our society and part of the fabric that unites us. It is clear that Mr. Rivera has made a profoundly positive impact on our community, and I am grateful for his service.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the unique contributions that have been made in our community by one of my constituents, Cassie Holloway. Ms. Holloway has dedicated countless hours with several youth organizations, promoting the development of soft skills and teaching a variety of skills needed in the field of agriculture. She is passionate about her mentorship and dedicated to helping future generations realize their full potential. Part of what makes our country so great is the willingness of ordinary Americans to go above and beyond to selflessly give back to others. Volunteerism is one of the cornerstones of our society and part of the fabric that unites us. It is clear that Ms. Holloway has made a profoundly positive impact on our community, and I am grateful for her service.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the unique contributions of one of my constituents, Kristie Sears of Bomhoff Law Firm, who is an outstanding volunteer with the Boys & Girls Club of Hernando County. Kristie's dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to the Club and its mission has left a lasting imprint on the lives of those she works with. Her tireless efforts have positively impacted the organization and community, serving as an inspiration for others to follow her lead. Part of what makes our country so great is the willingness of ordinary Americans to go above and beyond to selflessly give back to others. Volunteerism is one of the cornerstones of our society and part of the fabric that unites us. It is clear that Ms. Sears has made a profoundly positive impact on our community, and I am grateful for her service.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the unique contributions made to our community by one of my constituents, Mr. Ryder Gaston. Mr. Gaston has spent his life serving our country and his community. He opened a non-profit, Cryoeeze22, in New Port Richey, which serves military, veterans, law enforcement, first responders, and their families. Cryoezze22 utilizes holistic, scientific-based therapies. He and his family also work closely with each client to connect them with needed services in the community. He is committed to being part of the solution to help reduce suicide, depression, PTSD and an array of other health issues that often negatively impact our nation's heroes. Part of what makes our country so great is the willingness of ordinary Americans to go above and beyond to selflessly give back to others. Volunteerism is one of the cornerstones of our society and part of the fabric that unites us. It is clear that Mr. Gaston has made a profoundly positive impact on our community, and I am grateful for his service.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the unique contributions made to our community by one of my constituents, David Jackson. For nearly 25 years, David has served the clients and staff of Operation PAR in several capacities. David started out as a detention screener for PAR's Pasco Juvenile Assessment Center in August 2000 and worked his way up to Program Supervisor after earning his Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. In 2008, he transferred to Operation PAR's Medication Assisted Patient Services (MAPS) program in Port Richey, where he worked as a substance abuse counselor, assisting clients to learn the skills necessary to overcome their substance use and mental health issues. David went on to complete his Master's degree in Forensic Psychology and became a Master's Level Certified Addiction Professional through the Florida Certification Board. Soon after, David became Clinic Supervisor at MAPS Pasco where he worked with both clients and counselors to ensure successful treatment outcomes. In November 2015, David was promoted to Program Director at MAPS-Hernando where he has worked tirelessly to increase awareness of the dangers of opioid misuse and educate clients, families, and communities about treatment services through attending meetings, community events, and membership in the Hernando County Community Alliance. As Director, David successfully navigated the COVID-19 public health emergency to prioritize continuity of care for clients while ensuring the health and safety of his team. In 2022, David was named Operation PAR MAPS Program Supervisor of the Year and in 2023 he was named Operation PAR MAPS Clinician of the Year. It is clear that Mr. Jackson has made a profoundly positive impact on our community, and I am grateful for his service.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the unique contributions made to our community by one of my constituents, the Honorable Stephen Toner. Judge Toner exemplifies servant leadership through his extensive involvement with the Boy Scouts of America. Beginning his journey in the program as a youth, he attained the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout, a commitment he has sustained into his adult life. Noteworthy is his dedicated service to the Withlacoochee District for more than a decade, holding positions such as District Commissioner, District Vice Chair, and presently, District Chair. Furthermore, he plays an active role on the Council Executive Board for the Greater Tampa Bay Area Council. Engagement in scouting has afforded Judge Toner a constructive avenue to contribute to his community. On numerous weekends, he can be found instructing merit badge classes, engaging in service initiatives at camp, or simply conversing with scouts, serving as a positive role model for them. Judge Toner plays a pivotal role in inspiring the youth involved in the program to strive for excellence. His dedication lies in ensuring their readiness to tackle life's challenges, irrespective of their magnitude. By emphasizing focus on tasks, objectives, and goals, he instills motivation. Notably, he prioritizes the well-being of our youth over personal interests, establishing trustworthiness and fostering a sense of confidence. The Boy Scouts of America's mission is to ``prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.'' Judge Toner exemplifies this mission through his dedication to supporting the youth of our community. Leading by example, he remains steadfast in his willingness to contribute in any capacity necessary to further this noble cause. It is clear that Judge Stephen Toner has made a profoundly positive impact on our community, and I am grateful for his service.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the unique contributions made to our community by one of my constituents, Brenda Frazier, who is described as a volunteer with extraordinary integrity, empathy, and commitment to the cause. Brenda began her journey with A New Generation Pregnancy Center in June of 2014, bringing with her a knowledge and passion for ministry work. Her primary role as a volunteer is to work one-on-one with clients who find themselves pregnant and are not sure what to do. Her connectivity, understanding, and clarity in providing support, education and truth have provided hundreds of clients with the information and knowledge to help them with their decision-making process. Brenda exemplifies purity in action, deed and word. Her kind and thoughtful outlook provides a respite to many people who find themselves in unchartered territories. In addition to her client advocacy position, Brenda provides unwavering support for the pregnancy center's fundraisers. She has been an instrumental part in the planning, organization and execution of our Annual Clay Shoot. From finding sponsors to sourcing exquisite silent auction and raffle prizes, her zeal for event planning is phenomenal. She does not miss a beat, championing the center's cause along her path, and providing an avenue for individuals and organizations to understand the mission of services provided to our community. Her energy and enthusiasm for helping others knows no bounds. It is clear that Ms. Frazier has made a profoundly positive impact on our community, and I am grateful for her service.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the unique contributions of one of my constituents, Denise Aiello, a volunteer Peer Specialist with LifeStream Behavioral Center. She works with the citizens of Citrus County who have substance misuse disorders. Denise focuses her efforts with pregnant mothers, meeting them at their prenatal appointments, ensuring follow-up with maternity care, and providing resources to address treatment needs, and other material resources. Denise also works closely with Citrus EMTs responding to overdose calls as part of the CORe program, meeting consumers at the emergency room to offer connections to substance misuse treatments including MAT, counseling, or admission to residential treatment. Denise will meet with the consumer at their home or outpatient appointment to provide support, guidance, and assistance with paperwork. She will respond at night and on weekends if a call comes in. She is dedicated to helping others rehabilitate and recover. She will make repeated attempts to engage with a consumer, understanding they might need time to recognize and accept that they need help. Denise is an empathic and dedicated peer who is an asset to the LifeStream family and to the residents of Citrus County. It is clear that Ms. Aiello has made a profoundly positive impact on our community and on the lives of countless people she has worked with in the fight against the horrific crime of human trafficking. I am grateful for her service.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the unique contributions of one of my constituents, Ms. Dineen Paris, a volunteer at Hope Services, a local nonprofit on their Dream Team. This group consists of volunteers willing to provide guidance, direction, and support to the Hope Services Executive Team. As part of this work, Ms. Dineen has been instrumental with fundraising and organizing a free dance for those living with disabilities. Dineen has also dedicated hours of support and was a key participant in the planning and launch of the Hope Services Life Skills and Vocational Training Center in Land O'Lakes, Florida that opened on February 10, 2023. The Center is dedicated to providing life skills to those adults living with disabilities throughout the communities we serve. Along with her late husband, Leonard, Dineen built and donated two Little Free Libraries of books that are now located at the Wesley Chapel District Park and The Tampa Premium Outlets. These libraries are available to all residents within our community. Dineen has been a champion for Hope Services throughout the larger community it serves and is a very generous donor monetarily in addition to her time and talents. It is clear that Ms. Paris has made a profoundly positive impact on our community and on the lives of countless people she has worked with in the fight against the horrific crime of human trafficking. I am grateful for her service.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the unique contributions made to our community by one of my constituents, Kathleen Cossey. Since 1990, Kathleen, has been helping vulnerable children and has made a lasting imprint on the lives of the kids she has worked with. From 1990-2008, Kathleen volunteered 40-60 hours per week as a Guardian Ad Litem. She spent time with the kids assigned to her and advocated on their behalf within the judicial system. Since 2009, Kathleen has been volunteering with two other non-profits serving at-risk children in Citrus County, Voices for Children and Jessie's Place. Kathleen prides herself on being a consistent presence in the lives of the children she works with. She goes above and beyond in everything she does for both organizations. Kathleen is an invaluable volunteer in both organizations she serves. Part of what makes our country so great is the willingness of ordinary Americans to go above and beyond to selflessly give back to others. Volunteerism is one of the cornerstones of our society and part of the fabric that unites us. It is clear that Ms. Cossey has made a profoundly positive impact on our community, and I am grateful for her service.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the unique contributions that have been made in our community by one of my constituents, Keith Vick, an active volunteer with Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County since 2022. In his first full year as a core construction volunteer, Mr. Vick has already made an immense impact. He believes in providing a hand-up, not a hand out to partner families. As a U.S. Air Force Veteran and a retired first responder, Mr. Vick has contributed 434 hours of volunteer time. He leads by example! Mr. Vick has become a favorite of the family partners because of his compassion and willingness to share the skills he has acquired throughout life. As each home is completed, Mr. Vick takes it upon himself to go through the final checklist, or ``punch list'', to make sure homes are finished to the high standards set by Habitat. Each day Keith is out there, he's always in a great mood and ready to work and help others. He's around enough to know what needs to be done each day. Part of what makes our country so great is the willingness of ordinary Americans to go above and beyond to selflessly give back to others. Volunteerism is one of the cornerstones of our society and part of the fabric that unites us. It is clear that Mr. Vick has made a profoundly positive impact on our community, and I am grateful for his service.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the unique contributions of one of my constituents, Jacqueline Vandyke, a volunteer with the Gulf Coast Manatees Homeschool Group. Jacqueline has given so much of herself to make sure children in the program succeed. As founder of the first non-profit homeschool group in Citrus County, she finds fun and interactive ways for the children to learn. The children get to go on trips, learn hands-on life skills, all while making friends. She also is committed to helping install the value of community service in children, spearheading: food drives, feeding programs for the homeless, beautification of church grounds, creating cards for soldiers, and wrapping gifts for cancer patients. Jacqueline makes sure all kids get a moving up and graduation ceremony. Part of what makes our country so great is the willingness of ordinary Americans to go above and beyond to selflessly give back to others. Volunteerism is one of the cornerstones of our society and part of the fabric that unites us. It is clear that Ms. Vandyke has made a profoundly positive impact on our community, and I am grateful for her service.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the unique contributions of one of my constituents, Emily Harrington. She joined the Gulf Coast Manatees Homeschool Group in 2023 and has been an incredible member and volunteer that goes above and beyond expectations. Although she is somewhat new, Emily jumped right in with facilitating classes, becoming the Volunteer Coordinator and helps assist with anything needed in the group. Emily spearheads the Nature Journaling class and has a passion for teaching children. She is a natural leader. She loves to volunteer and offers ideas for the co-op. She always gets involved in each community service projects and helps with community outreach. Emily teaches the younger age group and they love her. It is easy to see the joy she feels as they learn and grow. She is truly an unsung hero, as it is important to have a great role model, friend and fellow teacher by one's side. Part of what makes our country so great is the willingness of ordinary Americans to go above and beyond to selflessly give back to others. Volunteerism is one of the cornerstones of our society and part of the fabric that unites us. It is clear that Ms. Harrington has made a profoundly positive impact on our community, and I am grateful for her service.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr, Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the unique contributions of one of my constituents, Mike Sutton. Mike has served as the CEO for Habitat's for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco since 2014. When he arrived, the affiliate had built 280 homes in our community. That number is well over 850 today, with plans for a 900th home celebration in early summer. Under his leadership, the agency has grown from 19 to 75 employees, allowing for sustainable and impressive growth. His organization has also been recognized as one of the top 3 producers of new home builds among all 1,100 Habitat affiliates in the United States for several years in a row. In addition to his work at Habitat Pinellas and West Pasco, Mike is an active community member of numerous organizations. Mike is an active volunteer for the Valspar Championship, the University of South Florida Alumni Association, the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity Education Foundation, and the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Nonprofit Leadership Center of Tampa Bay, the Habitat for Humanity State Association of Florida, and the Pinellas Park Chamber of Commerce. He also serves on the Pasco County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee and the Board of Directors for Amplify Cleanwater, formerly known as the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce, which he chaired in 2020. It is clear that Mr. Sutton has made a profoundly positive impact on our community, and I am grateful for his service.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the unique contributions of one of my constituents, Sandra Porter who has volunteered at Oasis Pregnancy Care Centers since 2009. Sandra knows what it feels like to experience an unplanned pregnancy in difficult circumstances. She reflects on her own experience and helps counsel expectant women about the support available to them in difficult pregnancy situations. Because of her leadership, Oasis Pregnancy Care Centers has grown to four locations and is known for excellence of care. The organization provides medical verification of pregnancy services that includes an ultrasound at no charge to clients. Pregnancy and parenting education services offered through Oasis promote self- sufficiency for expectant and new parents. Clients earn education points to spend on the things they need to safely welcome their baby into their home. At every visit, clients receive diapers and wipes. The organization also provides community resource referrals. Sandra works tirelessly to support the organization's development team in raising needed funds. She actively assists in two major fundraisers each year. She introduces potential donors to the non-profit and speaks in churches about its services. No job is too big or small for her. It is clear that Ms. Porter has made a profoundly positive impact on our community, and I am grateful for her service.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the unique contributions of one of my constituents, Tina Farrell. She and her husband, Steve, are co-owners of Team Farrell, located in Port Richey. Tina is a hero to the limited-income, medically uninsured patients served by Good Samaritan Clinic because her efforts on behalf of the non-profit help provide free healthcare, including prescriptions, for our medically fragile friends and neighbors throughout Pasco County. Tina has served as Chair of the organization's annual Nurses Gala and Co-chair of its annual Festival of Trees for more than 10 years. These two events raise between $125,000 and $150,000 annually for the clinic. Tina is a driving force for these events, and is hands-on in every aspect, from recruiting sponsors and participants to developing themes, menus and picking the entertainment. She is never one to rest on her laurels, challenging her committee and the community to new levels of creativity each year. Tina and Steve raised their family in Pasco, built a business there and have become philanthropic pillars of the community. Tina has a genuine love of nurses and the nursing profession for all they have done. In addition to their outstanding support of Good Samaritan, Tina, supports: The Angelus and Pasco County Sheriffs Charities. She has also created her own non-profit, Farrell Cares, to support other projects in the community. Every August, they buy shoes for kids going back to school and also help with electric and water bills. They've even built a one-of-a kind, custom air conditioned, wheelchair-accessible castle for a six-year old girl with a rare genetic condition. They step up to proactively identify unmet needs that exist and they work to find a way to solve the problem. It is clear that Ms. Farrell has made a profoundly positive impact on our community, and I am grateful for her service.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the unique contributions of one of my constituents, Ron Flaville. After growing up in a military family, Ron joined the Marine Corps after high school where he served as a Communications Center Operator, from 1996- 2000. In 2001, he joined the Pennsylvania Army National Guard deploying to Iraq in 2004. Two years later enlisted in the Army. Serving on active duty, he deployed to Iraq again in 2009. Medically retired in 2013, Ron moved to Florida with his wife and children and soon began to experience severe struggles with PTSD. Prescribed antipsychotic medications did little to alleviate his anxiety; mood swings and volatility . . . and the severity of his symptoms made his family feel unsafe. In 2013 Ron and his wife, Kellie, met Mary Peter, a nationally known Certified Dog Trainer (CDT) and founder of K9 Partners for Patriots. Under Mary's tutelage, Ron began training his German Shepherd, Sophia, to become a PTSD service dog. Working side by side with Mary as the first Veteran in K9P4P, he has since climbed the ranks from Certified Trainer to Veteran Liaison, to Treasurer; and was appointed Chief Executive Officer for K9P4P in 2019. Consideration of Ron's accomplishments is best appreciated by Veterans battling their own demons. They know PTSD has no cure and its `triggers' are often unforeseeable. Trusting his training and his K9 partner, Ron found his path forward and was able to repair relationships and re-connect with his wife and children. With each responsibility more demanding than the previous one, the challenges he tackled at K9 Partners for Patriots showed each Veteran in the program they can do it; they've got reason to hope and to believe in better days ahead. It is clear that Mr. Flaville has made a profoundly positive impact on our community and on the lives of countless people he has worked with in the fight against the horrific crime of human trafficking. I am grateful for his service.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the unique contributions made in our community by one of my constituents, David Gonzalez, who is a valued volunteer with several community organizations in Hernando County and has been a long-time employee of our community's electric cooperative, Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative. In this capacity, he has served as the face of the organization in the community, presenting millions of dollars if credit refunds to local governments and school boards. Mr. Gonzalez has also served in key leadership roles on the Board of Directors for several non-profits in Hernando with the highest levels of dedication, including: the Hernando Chamber of Commerce, Hernando Education Foundation, Hernando Economic Development Council, Oak Hill Hospital Board, and the United Way of Hernando Board. Whenever there has been a need, Mr. Gonzalez has stepped forward to address it, without concern for who gets the credit. A truly humble problem-solver, Mr. Gonzalez embodies the concept of servant leadership and has made a lasting impact on the organizations and communities he has served. While we wish him all the best in his upcoming retirement, we know that his departure from the cooperative will leave behind a void that will not easily be replaced. It is clear that Mr. Gonzalez has made a profoundly positive impact on our community, and I am grateful for his service.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the unique contributions made in our community by the lvanovsky Family. The Twistid Arts Initiative was born out of the desire to raise awareness of and increase access to all forms of visual and performing arts in Citrus County. Prior to the creation of this non-profit organization, youth in Citrus County had limited opportunities for exposure to successful arts-based careers. In response, this non-profit organization was developed to provide innovative programming, hands-on education, and immersive events throughout the community. The lvanovsky Family has jumped in to help at every Twistid Arts event that has been held to date. They are extremely dedicated to the cause and are willing to do even the most menial tasks to ensure events and programs run smoothly. Part of what makes our country so great is the willingness of ordinary Americans to go above and beyond to selflessly give back to others. Volunteerism is one of the cornerstones of our society and part of the fabric that unites us. It is clear that the Ivanovsky Family is making a profoundly positive impact on our community, and I am grateful for their service.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the unique contributions made to our community by my constituents, Brian and Stephanie Brijbag. In honor of their daughter who has autism, the couple created the Brijbag Family Foundation which has started a project called Rachel's Room. These rooms were designed with the input of a certified behavioral analyst who helps create safe and supportive learning environments for children with special needs. It is a pro- active approach to helping all kids maximize their potential while also enabling teachers to engage learners in a more functional space. The feedback and positive results stemming from this project have been phenomenal. Schools and other organizations have requesting access to a replicated version of Rachel's Room. Brian and Stephanie have also purchased $1.6 million worth of medical debt to help improve the lives of families in Pasco, Citrus, and Hernando who were struggling with the burden of medical debt. The Brijbag family is incredibly generous with their time, talents and treasure. It is clear that Mr. and Mrs. Brijbag has made a profoundly positive impact on our community, and I am grateful for their service.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the unique contributions made in our community by one of my constituents, Erin Carter-Harvey, for her efforts with Steele Tryin', a non-profit that organizes events and support for those in the community who are struggling. Most recently, she organized a ``drive-by honking'' where droves of cars paraded past the house of a local child who was dying of cancer. The activity lifted his spirits. She has also helped single moms who are struggling financially with getting their yards mowed for free. Part of what makes our country so great is the willingness of ordinary Americans to go above and beyond to selflessly give back to others. Volunteerism is one of the cornerstones of our society and part of the fabric that unites us. It is clear that Ms. Carter-Harvey has made a profoundly positive impact on our community, and I am grateful for her service.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the unique contributions made in our community by one of my constituents, Joe Marina, who is a valued volunteer with several community organizations and has been a long-time employee of our community's electric cooperative, Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative. In this capacity, he has served as the face of the organization in the community, presenting millions of dollars of credit refunds to local governments and school boards. Mr. Marina embodies the heart of a true public servant, lending his expertise, passion, time and energy into all he has been involved with. He has served in key leadership roles on the Board of Directors for United Way of Pasco, the Pasco Economic Development Council, the Boys and Girls Club, the Vincent House and several other local nonprofits. Mr. Marina doesn't just lend his name to a cause; when he commits to something, he goes ``all-in''--above and beyond to make a lasting imprint on the lives of those his work touches. For more than 25 years, whenever there has been an unmet need in the community, Mr. Marina has stepped up to the plate to make sure the job is done, and done right. He has worked tirelessly on countless large-scale community projects to enrich the lives of the people of Pasco County and to create opportunities for future residents. He has helped to transform Pasco from a bedroom community to one in which people can truly live, play and work. His compassion and his desire to empower others to realize their full potential knows no bounds. As he embarks upon his well-deserved retirement, he leaves behind a legacy of selfless service, commitment to others, and humble leadership. His shoes will be big to fill. It is clear that Mr. Marina has made a profoundly positive impact on our community, and I am grateful for his service.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the unique contributions made in our community by one of my constituents, Mayor Vincent ``Mike'' D'Ambrosio, who volunteers at least 30 hours per week in service to the Town of St. Leo. He's been on the Commission since 2020, and has been Mayor since 2022. Under his leadership, the Town has made many advances, including: Increasing Public Advocacy for Town needs by meeting with state and federal lawmakers, resulting in the Town's first appropriation in its 131-year history. Hosting seven ``Coffee with the Mayor'' events attended by more than 250 people. Facilitating improved communication and involvement with key stakeholders, including: Saint Leo Abbey, Holy Name Monastery, Discovery Fellowship, and Saint Leo University. Building partnerships to expand participation in: the Saint Leo University Tree Lighting and Christmas Village, the Greased Pig Contest at the Saint Leo University Fall Festival, and the Dade City Chamber of Commerce Access East Pasco. Purchasing land to develop a Town Center which will serve as a local gathering spot that enriches the quality of life of the residents and the community. Establishing the Town's first internship program. Mayor Mike is charitable, humble, kind, and passionate. His volunteerism with the Saint Leo Sporting Clays Team and the Church Truth Seekers has also been invaluable. While there may only be 24 hours in a day, Mayor Mike dedicates almost every hour of his days to helping others. It is clear that Mayor Vincent ``Mike'' D'Ambrosio has made a profoundly positive impact on our community, and I am grateful for his service.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the unique contributions of one of my constituents, Ms. Janine Kell. Ms. Kell is an engaged and dedicated volunteer with Warrior 321, an anti- human trafficking awareness group. Most recently, Janine was instrumental in hosting the community's second annual Light Up the Night Hernando event to bring awareness about human trafficking to the county. Janine never sleeps and has truly dedicated her life in every way to fighting on behalf of the vulnerable. In addition to her work to prevent the horrific crime of human trafficking, Janine regularly speaks at local schools, educating students on the Monique Burr curriculum. The Monique Burr curriculum is a comprehensive, evidence-based program for kids in grades K-5. It empowers children and relevant adults with information and strategies to prevent, recognize, and appropriately respond to bullying, cyberbullying, abuse, and digital abuse dangers. Beyond advocacy, Janine will often work directly with children who have been victims of abuse to help ensure they get the support they need to fully recover. Her compassion and empathy know no bounds. It is clear that Ms. Kell has made a profoundly positive impact on our community and on the lives of countless people she has worked with. I am grateful for her service.