Kathy Castor

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for yielding the time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my bill, the Ratepayer Protection Act. I am proud to lead this bipartisan bill with Congressman Evans to protect my neighbors from unfairly paying for the energy needs of large AI data centers. Mr. Speaker, all across America, families, farmers, and small business owners fear the arrival of their electric bill every month. Too many are struggling under the weight of soul-crushing energy bills, and it comes at a time especially where everything costs more--your groceries, gas, diesel, healthcare, and housing. Many of my neighbors back in the Tampa Bay area show me their electric bills. They are exorbitant, and it is gut-wrenching. They are not alone because across the country, electricity prices are up on average 15 percent, but much higher in many places. But now there is a new stressor: massive hyperscale data centers are connecting to the grid. These are energy hogs. They are massive. The descriptors know no end. When a data center or other large load comes online, it can trigger massive upgrades--new power plants, transmission lines, local transformers--and typically those costs are passed along to ratepayers, and that is not fair. Our neighbors should not be stuck paying for the energy infrastructure of the wealthiest countries in the world. The Ratepayer Protection Act says that the data center pays for its own upgrades, not the rest of us. These monumental hyperscale data centers can span hundreds of thousands of square feet. They host thousands of servers, computer storage, networks, and then they have these giant cooling systems that also require massive amounts of energy as well. Massive hyperscale data centers can continuously consume over 100 megawatts, with the largest facilities consuming over 650 megawatts. That is comparable to the energy use of tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands of homes. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, right now data centers consume about 4.4 percent of all electricity in America, but they predict that that will go up to 12 percent of the total electricity consumption in America by just 2028. Mr. Speaker, hyperscale data centers are being constructed by the wealthiest Big Tech corporations on the planet. As hardworking Americans are just trying to make ends meet, they shouldn't carry Big Tech's data center load as well. That is why we hammered out the bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act, to ensure that data centers pay the full cost of their energy demand and upgrades. It says that if a company wants to build a data center, they should pay for the power and grid upgrades they need, not the rest of us. This bill will require those data centers to cover all the costs. It is an important first step. I know some people say this is not enough. It is not enough. It is not enough, but it does provide some first steps. Congress has to do more. We should set stricter requirements for States to report their progress to Congress so we can ensure the bill is enforced. We should incentivize data centers to be empowered by clean energy and prioritize projects that can reduce demand during peak hours. But notably, this bill does allow States to do some of those things. The States now can set additional specific guardrails. For example, States can require that data centers are powered by clean energy and don't damage local water supplies. They can require investments in grid-enhancing technologies or virtual power plants. States can even require that data centers fund weatherization initiatives or deployment of energy-saving batteries, rooftop solar, and heat pumps. For example, Virginia is requiring data centers to cover new transmission and distribution capacity costs. Minnesota requires data centers to pay into an energy conservation and weatherization fund to benefit working-class neighbors. Kansas incentivized data centers to participate in demand response programs to reduce peak demand. This bill also empowers local communities to make decisions on the siting and building of data centers. It allows for robust community input, not NDAs, nondisclosure agreements, where they try to sneak in. For example, in Florida, at least 20 counties and municipalities passed or discussed very strict guardrails on data centers. In my home county, Hillsborough County, many say that is not the appropriate place for a data center because we don't have the water resources and we don't have the electricity yet to do that. There are places in America that don't want them. We need to keep working on this, but this is a very important first step. These are the wealthiest corporations in America. There is no reason why the average American should be subsidizing their electricity upgrades and costs. I am eager to keep advancing bipartisan, real solutions to invest in our U.S. power grid, which is reaching the end of its useful life, which is also raising costs on Americans. We have just got to remain clear-eyed that right now our neighbors are suffering an affordability squeeze. They deserve so much better than what they are getting right now. This Ratepayer Protection Act is a good first start, but it is a modest first start. It is about fairness on this one. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of the bill.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the remarkable career and dedicated service of the City of Tampa Chief of Police Lee Bercaw. For more than 30 years in law enforcement, including three and a half years as Chief of Police, he has exemplified unwavering commitment, integrity, and excellence. His forward-thinking, consistent leadership and steadfast commitment to safety has lifted the City of Tampa and its citizens. Chief Lee Bercaw is two-time alumnus of the University of South Florida, having earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminology in 1997 and a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Administration in 2012. In 2021, Bercaw also earned a Doctorate Degree in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Homeland Security from Saint Leo University. Chief Lee Bercaw joined the Tampa Police Department in 1996 as a reserve officer and patrolled the streets of Tampa. He then served as a police officer for six years. Bercaw worked his way up in the department before being appointed as the Chief of Police by Mayor Jane Castor in 2023. During his tenure, he implemented initiatives for advancing safety, fostering relationships and trust within the community. He will leave the Tampa Police Department as an advocate for community-oriented policing and leadership, stating, ``teaching, mentoring and developing future leaders has always been among the most rewarding parts of my career, and I look forward to helping shape the next generation of criminal justice professionals through research experience, integrity and public service.'' Bercaw's career has been rooted in mentorship and leadership and will only continue to flourish at the University of South Florida as an associate professor of instruction in the Master of Arts in Criminal Justice program. Chief Bercaw will officially retire on August 6, 2026. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the neighbors across the Tampa Bay community, I am proud to celebrate the selfless service of Chief Lee Bercaw at the Tampa Police Department. Chief Lee Bercaw is a shining example of engaging and leading the community with a culture of respect, safety and trust.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I thank Chairman Guthrie and colleagues on both sides of the aisle for moving forward H.R. 7305, the Energy Threat Analysis Center Act of 2026. I rise in support of my bipartisan bill with Representative Evans of Colorado. Madam Speaker, as you know, across the country our energy infrastructure is under attack from cybersecurity threats, and I think anyone who is tuned into this debate this afternoon understands it is very serious. Cyberattacks can cause significant disruptions to the reliable flow of energy to American homes, businesses, and communities. Protecting our energy infrastructure against these attacks is critical to keeping the lights on, the air conditioning on where I am from, and lowering energy costs for hardworking American families and businesses. I know that Chairman Guthrie agrees with me on this. The U.S. energy grid is remarkable. It is one of the largest, most interconnected systems in the world. It serves over 330 million people, includes over 7,300 power plants, and spans over 600,000 miles of high-voltage transmission lines. It underpins our economy. If it fails, it cascades into failures in multiple other sectors, like healthcare, water, transportation, and communications. Unfortunately, our energy system and our grid are also very old. About half of U.S. oil and gas pipelines are over 50 years old, and most transmission lines are well over 25 years old. They were not designed with modern technology and security in mind. These dangers are not hypothetical. In 2024, U.S. intelligence agencies reported that China had successfully infiltrated and pre- positioned on U.S. critical infrastructure, including our energy systems. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation estimates that the U.S. grid is gaining about 60 new vulnerable points per day as we use more digital services, deploy new software, and expand distributed energy. Eighty percent of U.S. energy infrastructure is owned by the private sector, so we need to make sure that they are working with the Federal Government and our intelligence community to confront the risks. Fortunately, we have taken action to address these challenges. In 2023, the Department of Energy launched the Energy Threat Analysis Center. We call it ETAC. ETAC brings together the classified intelligence community with private energy sector operational professionals in real time. It produces sector-specific threat analysis and mitigation advisories. This is the type of commonsense, bipartisan cooperation that we should all celebrate. My bill today with Representative Evans strengthens the Department of Energy's ability under ETAC to use information exchanges and facilitate greater public-private collaboration. It helps secure our critical infrastructure, keeps us safe from threats, and lowers energy costs for our neighbors back home. Madam Speaker, I urge everyone to vote in favor of this bipartisan bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Madam Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Virginia (Ms. McClellan), and I thank her for her leadership on behalf of rural and smaller municipal utilities in communities across the country.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. H.R. 7266, the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act, sponsored by the gentlewoman from Virginia (Ms. McClellan) and the gentlewoman from Iowa (Mrs. Miller-Meeks), reauthorizes a critical program from the bipartisan infrastructure law. This initiative is designed to aid municipal utilities, rural electric cooperatives, and small investor-owned utilities. The reason this is important is that the cyber threats to our Nation's power grid are growing every day, from sophisticated cyberattacks from nation-state actors to AI-enhanced cyberattacks from single criminals. The offensive capabilities of people who would attack our power grid are growing. The only solution is an investment in a robust defense of the grid. While larger utilities may have more resources to invest in cybersecurity, the smaller utilities and nonprofit cooperatives and municipal utilities may not have the resources to spend on sophisticated cyber defenses. The rural and municipal utility cybersecurity program steps in to fill the gap, ensuring that those smaller entities get the assistance and the guidance they need from the Department of Energy. In addition to reauthorizing this important initiative, the bill makes it easier for smaller utilities to access DOE's technical assistance programs, a tweak that should result in more eligible utilities gaining access to DOE's knowledge and resources. Madam Speaker, I thank Representative McClellan for her work as the co-lead on this bill. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes,'' and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. It is becoming increasingly obvious that our energy system faces numerous threats, whether it is from skyrocketing demand, climate change, or cyberattacks, and it is undeniable that our systems need support to continue delivering reliable and affordable power for Americans. H.R. 7258, the Energy Emergency Leadership Act, sponsored by Representative Lee of Florida and Representative Landsman, is an important bill. It amends the Department of Energy Organization Act. This bill elevates emergency response and cybersecurity responsibilities to the level of Assistant Secretary at DOE. It effectively ensures that the Director of DOE's Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response, or CESER, goes through Senate confirmation. As the grid becomes increasingly complex and faces a host of new challenges, it is critical that ensuring the security of the grid is managed by top officials. DOE already plays an important role in ensuring rapid response to an energy emergency. The subject matter and sector expertise concentrated at DOE is vital for ensuring that threats to the grid are handled quickly and appropriately. H.R. 7258 clarifies in statute the emergency response responsibilities that are assigned to an Assistant Secretary. This ensures that there will be a consistent and effective leader and coordinator at DOE. Finally, I also note that while this bill is focused on the leadership of DOE offices, the reality is the Department's ability to respond to threats depends on its capable career staff. The Trump administration has devastated the Department of Energy's professional staff across the board, and I don't want that to be lost in this discussion about how to enhance its response capabilities. Nevertheless, I encourage everyone to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, this is a very important step forward to protect our kids online. I really arrived here more as a parent than a Member of Congress, watching two daughters grow up at a time when the internet and social media was evolving, and I just understood from a very personal level what was happening. Being here in Congress, listening to parents whose children had suffered online harms, whether that was suicide or cyberbullying, the evidence really is overwhelming now about the online risks and the physical and mental harms suffered by kids. Over 40 percent of kids under 12 are exposed to inappropriate material within their first month on social media: cyberbullying and violent and graphic content. Excessive screen time is linked to significantly higher rates of anxiety and depression among teens. Those spending 4 or more hours online daily are more than twice as likely to report symptoms of both. My colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee and I have spent many Congresses--a number of Congresses--working with advocacy groups and parents about the best way to combat the harms experienced by young people online. The underlying record is replete with evidence from psychologists, pediatricians, and teachers about the impact that Big Tech has on our kids. I have submitted their stories, reports, and research for the Record as we update the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, a law that is outdated, that now will cover teens and provide much greater safety and privacy for young people. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record all of these stories and everything by reference here today. This includes the testimonies, coalition letters, and advisory from the Surgeon General, all showing that compulsive social media use is harmful to the health of our kids. The documents can be found at the following links: Anxious Generation: The Evidence (2026) https://www.anxiousgeneration.com/research/the- evidence; Master Complaint in Meta Lawsuit (2025) https:// www.motleyrice.com/sites/default/files/documents/Less-Redacted-Omnibus- Opposition-Brief.pdf; Pew Research Center Report: Teens, Social Media and Mental Health (2025) https://www.pewresearch.org/wp-content/ uploads/sites/20/2025/04/PI_2025.04.22_teens-social-media-mental- health_REPORT.pdf; Fairplay: Teen Accounts: Broken Promises, How Instagram is Failing to Protect Minors (2025) https:// fairplayforkids.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Teen-Accounts-Broken- Promises-How-Instagram-is-failing-to-protect-minors.pdf; FTC Report: A Look Behind the Screens, Examining the Data Practices of Social Media and Video Streaming Services (2024); https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ ftc_gov/pdf/Social-Media-6b-Report-9-911-2024.pdf; U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory on Social Media and Youth Mental Health (2023) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK594761/pdf/ Bookshelf_NBK594761.pdf; American Psychological Association: Health Advisory on Social Media Use in Adolescence (2023) https://www.apa.org/ topics/social-media-internet/health-advisory-adolescent-social-media- use.pdf As digital threats evolve, so must our laws. The bipartisan KIDS Act before us today responds to these realities with strong, commonsense safeguards. This has been a long time coming, and I really thank Chairman Guthrie for bringing it in for a landing. My good friend, Chairman Gus Bilirakis, and I have worked on KOSA. I appreciate the support from my allies on privacy, Representative Walberg and now Representative Lee who came on this Congress. I appreciate the work of Ranking Member Pallone, Representative Trahan, and the professional staff who really listened to the parents. I know it is not the be all-end all, and they have my commitment to keep pressing for the strongest privacy protections and design code protections. I hope the Senate adopts a very strong bill. It is there. The ball is going to be in their court now after the House passes the KIDS Act today, but this is an important step for kids, parents, and families in America. How do we keep up with the technological innovations? How do we keep up with what Big Tech wants to do to monetize children's time online? They deserve the protections here today. They deserve this strong step forward, and I again thank my colleagues and urge a strong ``yes'' vote.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Tampa Bay Downs, in celebration of its 100th year of Thoroughbred Racing in the Tampa Bay area. Tampa Bay Downs was built in Oldsmar, Florida, by Ransom Eli Olds, who created the Oldsmobile and developed the area of Oldsmar. Ownership passed to the West Coast Jockey Club, which opened the track and held its first race on February 18, 1926. In the early days, Tampa Bay Downs faced economic hardship due to the Great Depression and World War II. During the war, the U.S. Army took over the track, which served as a jungle-warfare training facility for troops preparing to fight overseas. By the end of World War II, a renewed interest in Thoroughbred racing developed and Tampa Bay Downs underwent new ownership by Tampa attorneys Milo Vega and Frank Hobbs. In the early 1950s, legendary sportswriters who frequented the area to cover baseball's spring training spent their days off at the racetrack. Renowned writer Grantland Rice began referring to the Downs as the Santa Anita of the South, a comparison taken with great pride in racing circles. As the Tampa Bay region continued to grow, the racetrack produced two remarkable young female jockeys who trained and won their first races at the Downs. Diane Crump, from Oldsmar, was the first professional female jockey in America. She was the first woman to ride in a pari- mutuel race in 1969 and, a year later, the first female jockey to race in the Kentucky Derby. Julie Krone, who lived with her grandparents in New Port Richey while an apprentice jockey, went on to have over 3,700 career wins and be the first female jockey inducted into the prestigious National Museum of Horse Racing and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, New York. Under the present ownership of Stella Ferguson Thayer and her brother, Howell Ferguson, who took the reins in 1986, Tampa Bay Downs has become a steadfast institution in the Tampa Bay region with an ever-growing stakes schedule and a commitment to giving back to the community. Stewards uphold integrity and fair competition to provide transparency in decisions made during the racing events. Few embody that commitment more than Charlie Miranda, one of Tampa City Council's longest-serving members and a steward for more than four decades. Charlie Miranda has helped champion a family-friendly environment for guests of all ages for generations to come. The jockeys, trainers, and dedicated employees are the pillars that support the continued movement for thoroughbred racing to thrive in the Tampa Bay area. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Tampa Bay Downs for a century of contributions to the racing industry and for being a destination for neighbors and visitors alike. Tampa Bay Downs has grown from a humble racetrack into a century of tradition built on speed, champions and cherished memories.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding more time because I want to vent the frustration that hardworking Americans are feeling, and sometimes it takes more than 5 minutes. The damage Republicans are doing, the higher costs they are inflicting on people, starting wars of choice that are now rippling across the economy with pain and destruction, and just this crushing affordability squeeze, let me say on behalf of my neighbors that I want to claim mercy. Mercy. Enough of this. Stop doing the damage and making life so much more expensive. When is it going to stop? I don't want to have to wait until an election. Mr. Speaker, you would think that the pain and frustration that the majority is hearing from their businesses and neighbors back home would be able to overcome the fossil fuel lobby in Washington, D.C. If my Republican colleagues pass this bill, I guess they are going to demonstrate to folks that, no, they are going to side with the powerful special interests, the folks who are banking millions of dollars. Mr. Speaker, this is one thing I wanted to include. Do you know who is making out like bandits right now? It is oil and gas executives. According to The Wall Street Journal, Trump's war in Iran is yielding a windfall for some of America's top oil executives, particularly CEOs. They have now pocketed over $1.4 billion over the past few months. The Chevron chief executive sold $104 million worth of shares. ConocoPhillips' CEO netted about $54.3 million in share sales in March alone. The CEO of an oil services company sold about $33 million worth of stock the same month. Do they need more handouts and giveaways while Republicans stick it to hardworking Americans? I don't think so. People deserve better. They deserve better than what my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are giving them, and it is an insult for them to bring this pro-polluter legislation to the floor on Earth Day at a time when people are just trying to scrape by. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill and send it back to where it belongs: into the garbage bin.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for yielding the time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 4690. This is a dirty and costly bill for Republicans to bring to the floor of the House on Earth Day. It would be funny if the cost of living was not so soul-crushingly expensive for families and small business owners back home. The policies of the Trump administration and this GOP Congress are really squeezing the folks who we represent, and the special interests have way too much power. Otherwise, we wouldn't be bringing a bill that keeps Federal buildings hooked up to expensive fossil fuels rather than help taxpayers save money, help lower electric bills, and help cut pollution. Let's face it, because of the policies of my Republican friends and the Trump administration, electric bills are way up, on average, over 13 percent. Back home in my home State of Florida, the three largest investor-owned utilities have now gotten the largest rate increases in the history of the country. Trump's war in Iran has sent energy shocks not just across America, including households, but it is rippling throughout the economy with huge price spikes. Energy inflation is up over 10 percent. It is the highest it has been in 20 years, Mr. Speaker. Gas prices jumped over 21 percent in March. Our folks back home understand that very well. That is the biggest increase since records began in 1967. Americans are grappling with these wildly higher gas and diesel prices, and diesel is very expensive because that is how consumer goods are transported across the country with trucks running on diesel fuel. Diesel is up 38 percent. That will lead to higher costs for consumer goods. Consumer goods are already expensive because of Trump's arbitrary and illegal tariffs. After the Supreme Court ruled that those were illegal, big companies are able to apply for refunds. Now, I haven't seen any bills here from the majority that would say those savings should go back into the pockets of hardworking Americans. This bill comes at a terrible time. It is not just Earth Day, but I noticed last week that Republicans here in the House were celebrating the big, ugly bill that not just yanked away healthcare from millions of hardworking Americans but remember what else that bill did? It rolled back many of the clean energy incentives that were included in the Inflation Reduction Act that help consumers save on their energy costs. They eliminated tax credits for cleaner, cheaper energy like solar and wind, electric vehicles, and home efficiency upgrades. They have also declared war on energy efficiency, and Ranking Member Pallone shined a light on this. Why do they keep catering to the big fossil fuel companies and stick it to hardworking Americans, making their lives more expensive and more difficult? Isn't life chaotic enough that you don't need Representatives in Washington, D.C., making life more expensive? That is what this bill does. The chaos has just come way too fast and way too hard for people who we represent back home. If you want to keep energy prices low, why in the heck is the Secretary of the Department of Energy illegally canceling energy projects that would help lower the cost of living and lower electric bills? Since taking office, Secretary Wright has illegally killed over 350 new energy projects and threatened over 300 more with termination. Many of these projects were bringing new technologies online. They were strengthening our power grid against extreme weather and natural disasters. If you haven't noticed, on this Earth Day, a large portion of the United States is in a very serious drought. We are also experiencing the hottest year on record to date, and that is saying something because high temperatures continue to escalate. It is not just the temperatures. It is the higher costs that all of this throws off. Yes, it is the air-conditioning bills in Florida. It is all of the bills in these Federal buildings that you now want to make more expensive, increasing pollution.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career and contributions of Senator Darryl Rouson, who is a fierce leader and public servant. He has continued to save the Tampa Bay area and State of Florida with such devotion and invaluable contributions. Having weathered personal adversity, Senator Rouson's experiences have shaped his long-standing advocacy and legislative priorities for addiction treatment and mental health services. Today, on behalf of our neighbors, I congratulate and thank Senator Rouson for his continued impact on the Tampa Bay community. Darryl Rouson was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on July 20, 1955, and moved to St. Petersburg at the age of three. He lived in Cromwell Heights and attended Bishop Barry High School, later known as St. Petersburg Catholic High School. He returned to New Orleans to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from Xavier University in 1977. In 1980, Rouson earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Florida Spessard Holland Law Center. After finishing his education, Rouson returned to St. Petersburg and began working at Gulfcoast Legal Services before opening his own practice. He went on to become an active leader in the community as chairman of the St. Petersburg Area Black Chamber of Commerce and served on St. Petersburg's Charter Review Commission. Rouson has been recognized as a pioneer for civil rights, health care access, and addiction recovery and social services. He has continuously supported a substance abuse ministry at Mount Zion Progressive Missionary Baptist Church. Rouson continued his advocacy efforts as the first African American prosecutor in Pinellas County and later served as President of the St. Petersburg Branch of the NAACP for five years. Beginning his legislative service, Senator Rouson was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2008 and served until his election to the Florida Senate in 2016. In the Senate, Rouson currently serves as vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, one of the chamber's most influential panels responsible for shaping the state budget. He also serves on several committees, including Agriculture, Appropriations on Health and Human Services, Children, Families and Elder Affairs, Ethics and Elections, Finance and Tax and Rules, along with the Joint Legislative Budget Commission. He was a commissioner on both the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission in 2007 as Gubernatorial appointee and the Constitutional Revision Commission in 2017 as an appointee of the Speaker of the Florida House. He will leave the Florida legislature as not only one of the most effective and powerful voices in the chamber, but as a beacon of knowledge and passion. Senator Rouson's extreme personal hardships and experiences have molded his continued advocacy and legislative priorities for addiction treatment and mental health services. In 2025, the University of South Florida named its substance abuse research institute in Rouson's honor. His courage and total commitment to improving the lives of all of us have helped not only the Tampa community, but the State of Florida as well. Florida Senate President Kathleen Passidomo commented that, ``there are moments in this chamber that are a reminder that our work is not merely the crafting of our policy but the expression of our shared humanity. Today we bid farewell to a man who embodies that truth more fully than perhaps anyone who has served among us.'' Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the neighbors of our Tampa Bay community, I am proud to honor my friend Senator Rouson for his time serving the Tampa Bay area, and thank his wife, Angela, for her support. Senator Rouson's knowledge, passion and leadership made him a trusted public servant who knew how to get things done for his state and his neighbors.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Michael Tomor and his contributions to the arts, especially as executive director of the Tampa Museum of Art. Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Tomor demonstrated unwavering dedication to the preservation, interpretation, and promotion of art and culture. His visionary leadership has advanced the mission of the institutions he has served and inspired colleagues, emerging museum professionals, and communities nationwide. From curating landmark exhibitions to fostering educational initiatives and advocating for accessibility in the arts, Tomor's impact is profound and enduring. Tomor completed his undergraduate and doctoral studies at Pennsylvania State University. After finishing his education, he returned to his hometown of El Paso, where he began his early professional work. Tomor's leadership eventually led him to Tampa where he has served as the executive director of the Tampa Museum of Art for over a decade. At TMA, Tomor led a period of significant growth and transformation. TMA acquired more than 1,500 works of art, enriching its collection and broadening the cultural resources available to the public. He also ushered the museum through a major expansion, adding approximately 32,000 square feet to the museum. Tomor is a passionate advocate for the role of art in children's education. His commitment to showcasing how museums foster learning opportunities that extend beyond the traditional classroom is a hallmark of his legacy. Tomor led initiatives to significantly expand the presence of artists in underserved school districts, tripling the number of artists working directly with students. By integrating artistic activities into preschool programs, he helped develop methods that used creative expression to strengthen literacy for young students in the community. Tomor welcomed high school art students to display their work at TMA during the annual congressional art competition-- providing budding artists with a point of pride for their work. Building on these successes, Tomor later expanded them to serve military veterans coping with post-traumatic stress. Beyond his professional accomplishments in the arts, Tomor is a steadfast advocate for civic and cultural engagement including the importance of representation and authenticity, stating, ``art is a reflection of so many things that make us human and encourages us to look beyond the surface.'' Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing and honoring Michael Tomor for his exceptional contributions to the Tampa Bay area and the greater arts community, and wishing him the very best in his well-earned retirement. He is a shining example of how the tremendous impact of hard work and service to the community can encourage others to reach their highest potential.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Black History Month to honor Marvin R. Knight, whose lifelong commitment to uniting people reflects the values he learned from both his family and the community that shaped him. Marvin Knight was born in Dade City, Florida, grew up in Zephyrhills and graduated from Leto High School in Tampa in 1979. Son of Early D. and Joyce M. Knight, and the youngest of nine, Marvin was shaped by the values of a close-knit family devoted to hard work. In Zephyrhills, he got an early start picking oranges, stacking sod and collecting chicken eggs. When he moved to West Tampa in the mid-1970s, he picked up a job at Boromei-Mirabella Seafood Co., which had its origins selling fish to hungry dock workers in the 1920s that grew into a family business that thrived in community engagement. Marvin had a front-row seat to this--a family that worked together to contribute to the local economy, build community trust and make a positive impact. Marvin started at the company cleaning floors and learned from the Mirabella family about savings, responsibility and met many of influential community members. Before long, Marvin was making candidate signs, getting involved in local campaigns, and learning the in's and out's of public policy. Marvin went on to earn a degree in electronic technology and computer electronics, and started working for TECO Energy in 1985. During his 36-year tenure at the company, he was a journeyman mechanic and then a senior transformer repairman. While he had the opportunity to join TECO management, he chose to stay in the union and remain active in union causes. Also, during his tenure at TECO, he continued helping out Mirabella Seafood Co., eventually going into partnership with the family and then buying them out in the 1990s. Marvin's Oriental Fish Co. still stands today as a family-owned business that brings people together where visitors can order up fresh seafood always with a side of friendliness. The Oriental Fish Co. is also a welcome sight when seen serving up hot plates for our community--such as in the aftermath of hurricanes or on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. While Marvin's parents were his primary influences in learning the important work of bringing people together, he also took note of this convening power on the national stage during the Civil Rights era under the leadership of Martin Luther King, Jr. He said: ``When you look at the marches, it wasn't just African Americans, there were whites, females, Italians, Cubans . . . all walks of life. He brought us together for a common cause.'' In his latest effort to continue bringing our community together, Marvin launched Positive Image Tampa Bay aimed at unity through uplifting community events. There are few causes where Marvin hasn't lent his time, talent and treasure. He has served on the HART Board of Directors, Hillsborough County Tax Collector Advisory Board, Tampa Police Development Citizens Advisory Committee, West Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency, East Tampa Civic Association, Belmont Heights Little League Advisory Board, Robles Park Boys & Girls Club, Freddie Solomon Boys & Girls Club. He is a Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Honorary Deputy, a life member of the local NAACP and a member of St. John's Progressive Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my Tampa Bay area neighbors, I extend my profound appreciation to Marvin Knight whose steadfast dedication to our community, and deliberate and consistent service reflect the values instilled in him and stand as an example for all.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Black History Month to honor a Tampa Bay native and visionary business leader, Candy Lowe Jones. As a champion of Black owned businesses and equitable economic opportunity, Candy Lowe has opened doors for connection, collaboration, and community empowerment across the Tampa Bay region. Born in Tampa, Florida, Lowe attended C. Leon King High School and Erwin Technical College. For more than 30 years, she served honorably as a licensed nurse, providing compassionate and dedicated care to patients. Yet entrepreneurship had always been her passion. After her career in healthcare, she turned that passion into reality by opening a local tea shop in 2003--a welcoming gathering place that quickly became a hub for conversation, connection, and community. As a businesswoman, Lowe built lasting relationships with her customers, earning their trust and loyalty. Business owners face many challenges, and Candy understands that engagement is essential to growth and long term success. In 2006, she founded the Black Business Bus Tour, an initiative designed to help Black owned businesses--from restaurants and boutiques to bookstores and beyond--grow and thrive. The tour was born from personal experience: Lowe knew the heartbreak of watching a business struggle, and she sought to honor the historical significance of Tampa's Central Avenue while uplifting a new generation of Black entrepreneurs. Since its inception, the bus tour has saved businesses at risk of closing and fostered meaningful dialogue and networking among small businesses throughout Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg. Business owners and residents exchange ideas, share business cards, and build relationships that strengthen the local economy. Elected officials, faith leaders, and community advocates have joined these tours, demonstrating the barriers Candy's work has broken down. The tour has reached hundreds of businesses and thousands of riders, generating revenue at every stop and inspiring plans for expansion across Florida. Lowe's work bridges economic opportunity with civic engagement. Alongside the bus tour, she launched ``Tea and Conversation,'' held every second and fourth Saturday, where community members and leaders gather to discuss the issues that matter most. Episodes are shared online, extending the conversation to an even wider audience. Candy is also a member of the NAACP, has served as a campaign manager and state representative for local elections in Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg, and founded the Independent Black Chamber of Commerce--ensuring that all business owners have equitable access to opportunity and community. Every dollar matters. Through her unwavering advocacy, Lowe has held corporations large and small accountable for their lack of meaningful diversity efforts. Her work has protected the pocketbooks of our neighbors and uplifted Black businesses and the broader Tampa Bay community. She understands that the greater good is built on the success of all. Candy is grounded by the support of her husband, Daryll ``DJ'' Jones, her grandparents, and her two children, Katisha Butler and Kendredge McKinnon Jar. She carries with her the understanding that while seasons change, humility and patience remain steadfast guides. Mr. Speaker, Candy Lowe is the embodiment of service and selflessness. She is a bridge builder whose work connects neighbors to businesses and transforms that connection into economic power. Her lifelong goal--to be remembered as a woman who uplifted African American businesses and ensured they were never overlooked--has not only been achieved, but far surpassed. Her legacy is one of empowerment, resilience, and community transformation, and Tampa Bay is stronger because of her leadership.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Black History Month to honor the Andrews family and the Florida Sentinel Bulletin, the long running African American-led newspaper based in Tampa, known for its deep roots in the community and its role as a vital source of news, culture, and advocacy. The Sentinel Bulletin's founding, legacy, and enduring impact embody the very spirit of the Black press in America. On December 1, 1945, Cyril Blythe Andrews resurrected the Florida Sentinel on historic Central Avenue in Tampa, Florida, at a time when African Americans were largely excluded from fair and accurate representation in the media. Years earlier, the original Florida Sentinel had been founded in 1919 by Gen. William W. Andrews but was later forced to close during the Great Depression. Following in his father's footsteps, C. Blythe Andrews understood that information was power and that an informed community is a community prepared to demand justice and opportunity. A scholar, athlete, businessman, and community leader, Mr. Andrews built more than a newspaper. Through his leadership in business development, housing initiatives, and civic institutions, he expanded economic opportunity for Black families across Florida. Under his direction, the Sentinel printed its own editions, developed statewide distribution networks, and became a trusted voice for African Americans navigating segregation and systemic inequality. In 1959, C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. expanded the publication, transforming it into the Florida Sentinel Bulletin and ushering in a new era of growth and modernization. A Boston University graduate with a master's degree in journalism, he strengthened the paper's editorial voice during the Civil Rights Era and the ongoing struggle for equal opportunity. Under his leadership, the Sentinel Bulletin installed modern printing presses, expanded circulation, and became one of the few Black owned newspapers in the Nation with full in house production capabilities. Beyond journalism, C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. served on numerous civic boards and advisory councils, ensuring that the concerns of Tampa's African American community were represented at every level. The Sentinel Bulletin was never simply a publication--it was a platform for advocacy, accountability, and advancement. The history of the Florida Sentinel Bulletin would not be complete without acknowledging other remarkable individuals who contributed to its legacy. Mrs. Gwendolyn Hayes has devoted 57 years to the Sentinel Bulletin, beginning as a proofreader in 1968 and rising through roles as crime reporter, typesetter, city editor, and editor. Her dedication ensured that the Sentinel maintained its standard of excellence and trained future journalists in every facet of the business. Mrs. Betty Dawkins has served the paper for 49 years, beginning as a proofreader and ultimately becoming advertising director. Through her leadership, the Sentinel strengthened relationships with local businesses and maintained the economic foundation necessary to continue publishing. Her work exemplifies the behind the scenes commitment required to sustain a Black owned newspaper for decades. The Florida Sentinel Bulletin has a unique and credible legacy that has been stewarded by generations of the Andrews family. Today, siblings C. Blythe ``Drew'' Andrews, III and Kay Andrews oversee the Sentinel Bulletin's continued service to the community. Beginning her work at the paper as a teenager, Ms. Andrews rose through the ranks to become publisher in 1996, ensuring that the Sentinel Bulletin remains responsive to the evolving needs of the community while honoring its historic mission. This past December, the Florida Sentinel Bulletin celebrated its 80th anniversary. For eight decades, the Sentinel has chronicled the triumphs and trials of Tampa's African American community. It has informed voters, exposed injustice, celebrated achievement, and preserved stories that might otherwise have gone untold. During this Black History Month, we honor this institution as a living testament to truth, entrepreneurship, and the unyielding pursuit of equality. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Florida Sentinel Bulletin and the Andrews family for their founding vision, their generational leadership, and their immeasurable impact on Tampa Bay and the State of Florida. Its pages reflect not only history, but the heartbeat of a strong and vocal community.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Black History Month to celebrate the life and legacy of Gwendolyn Henderson-- educator, business owner, Tampa City Councilwoman, daughter of West Tampa, and champion of Black history. The daughter of the late Asbury Henderson, a Korean War veteran, and the late Gladys Austin Henderson, Gwen was born and raised in Tampa, Florida, growing up in the working-class neighborhood of Carver City. She attended Roland Park Elementary, Morgan Woods Elementary, West Tampa Junior High School, and Pierce Junior High School. She later earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from the Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU), and a master's degree in education as well as education specialist's and higher education leadership degree from St. Leo University. She has also been a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority since 1994. From Carver City to West Tampa, and then to Tampa Heights for 30 years, she was poised to serve as a well-grounded Member of Tampa City Council with a big heart for East Tampa neighbors especially. However, her true love and passion was education. Whether to her ``favorite daughter'' Ariel, or to the countless Hillsborough County students she was able to touch throughout her career as a teacher and mentor. Gwen started her educational career at Sligh Middle School but later transferred to Jefferson High School where she spent 25 years of her teaching career and embodied the Dragon Spirit--``Once a Dragon, Always a Dragon.'' Gwen put incredible effort into ensuring that her students had all the opportunities to grow available to them. She implemented efforts at Jefferson High School that helped showcase her students' academic achievements and talents such as the Mr. and Miss Jefferson Scholarship Pageant, the Naturally Aware Proud and Strong (NAPS) Girl Empowerment Organization where she led by example and empowered young girls to become leaders in their communities, and the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Club, where she challenged students to consider other alternatives for higher learning and become more proud of their heritage and culture. Very shortly before passing, Gwen had launched a local, lively HBCU celebration to send-off Hillsborough County students on their way to Black colleges and universities. After decades of being an educator, mentor, and inspiration to our young neighbors in Hillsborough County, Gwen was elected to the Tampa City Council in 2023 to represent District 5. In the City Council, Gwen continued to expand efforts she worked on as a community activist for decades. Committed to restoring a Black-owned bookstore in the heart of Tampa, Gwen fulfilled a lifelong dream and founded the Black English Bookstore to curate reading options that represented the voice and culture of the Black community in Tampa and across all of America. Like a good book, Gwen brought comfort and community to neighbors across Tampa, while teaching us about ourselves, our culture, and our collective history. Her commitment to preserving and investing in Black-owned businesses was a pillar of her community advocacy. Her love for her hometown was evident in every action she took--from championing affordable housing and public safety to standing up for seniors and small businesses, and even supporting students and parents with free laptops when the COVID- 19 pandemic forced remote learning. Gwen fought for the hopes and dreams of her community, including continuing the advocacy of rebuilding and expansion of the Fair Oaks Recreation Center in East Tampa. Gwendolyn died too soon in 2025--but her legacy lives on in all the hearts of the people she inspired throughout her life. Her life is a testimony of honoring Black history, Black culture, and Black lives. She is survived by her daughter Ariel Amirah Danley, her siblings, her nieces and nephews. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my Tampa Bay Area neighbors, I commend Gwendolyn Henderson for a life dedicated to public service, the preservation of Black history, and a love for the City of Tampa and its community.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Black History Month to commemorate the Johnson family and The Weekly Challenger, an unwavering pillar of journalism that has kept our Tampa Bay area neighbors connected with uplifting local stories. Their dedication to preserving the Black community shapes a legacy for generations to come. The Weekly Challenger origin story starts with Mr. Cleveland Johnson, Jr. who was born in Thomasville, Georgia, but always considered himself a St. Petersburg native after his family moved to the area in the early 1930s. He attended Davis Elementary and Gibbs High School, was later drafted into the U.S. Army, and then met and married his wife, Ethel, in 1958. In the early years of their marriage, Mr. Johnson searched for his calling and held down many jobs to provide for his growing family. He found his purpose through friend and mentor, M.C. Fountain, who owned Fountain Printers on 16th Street South. Mr. Johnson started selling advertisements for Fountain's Weekly Advertiser in 1964. By 1967, The Weekly Challenger was founded, and Mr. Johnson led with the intent to reshape the way journalism was circulated in St. Petersburg by creating a platform to highlight and uplift the Black community. ``If you want to read about Black people doing something bad, pick up the St. Pete Times, but if you want to read about Black people doing something positive, pick up a Challenger.'' The Weekly Challenger served not only as a news source but also as a vital historical record, sharing stories often overlooked by mainstream newspapers. The Johnsons were quite a team, raised three children, while Ethel worked various jobs and assisted Mr. Johnson with The Weekly Challenger. Under Mr. Johnson's leadership, The Weekly Challenger grew from a modest publication into a robust community newspaper. The pages expanded to include color photography, full-page advertisements, and an array of stories reflecting the local Black community. With its continued success, demand led the newspaper to expand its distribution from St. Petersburg to Tampa, Clearwater, and other surrounding areas. It is evident that this success is rooted in the Johnson family's commitment and in The Weekly Challenger's praise and celebration of the local community. Mr. Johnson passed away on July 29, 2001, and his family stepped in to continue commemorating Black history and culture in Pinellas County. The Johnsons left a cherished memory of compassion, community empowerment, and entrepreneurship rooted in the heart of St. Petersburg. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize the outstanding leadership and service for six decades that The Weekly Challenger and the Johnson family have shown to the community. The Weekly Challenger remains a cornerstone of the community and will carry forward with the narrative of ``making history together.''

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Black History Month to commemorate Starling School, located in the Childs Park neighborhood of St. Petersburg, and the leadership of Carolyn Cloud as a bedrock educational institution in St. Petersburg. Founded in 1974 by Viola and Jimmy Starling, Starling School has remained steadfast in its commitment to embracing and nurturing local youth. Jimmy Starling was born and raised in Cuthbert, Georgia and Viola Starling was born and raised in Springvale, Georgia. Upon meeting and embracing their shared passion for education, they moved to Florida to make that dream a reality. Viola Starling's lifelong passion for early childhood education shaped the institution's mission. Prior to establishing the school, Mrs. Starling worked in childcare throughout Pinellas County, including at Jordan Park, in Dunedin, and alongside her cousin, Fred Williams, at a local daycare. Determined to create a center of her own, she pursued her dream despite repeated financial barriers, ultimately securing a loan from a banker at the St. Petersburg Bank in downtown St. Petersburg in 1974. This achievement marked the beginning of a service-based institution dedicated to expanding educational access and empowering generations of families. From its earliest days, Starling School has remained deeply rooted in family and legacy. Mrs. Starling not only laid the foundation of the school's legacy but envisioned its future well beyond her lifetime. The Starling family home, located adjacent to the original center in Childs Park, was intentionally incorporated into the school's design and later transformed into classrooms that now house the school's Voluntary Prekindergarten program. Each year, the center serves up to about 80 young learners through its early childhood education programs. Today, members of the second and third generations of the Starling family continue to operate and care for the center, preserving the founding values that have guided the institution for more than five decades. Passing the torch to their daughter, Carolyn Cloud, has continued to preserve and advance her parents' vision. Under Ms. Cloud's leadership, Starling School has educated generations of students, many of whom have gone on to become doctors, lawyers, and community leaders. She has witnessed former students return to support the center through donations, mentorship, and service, while parents who were once students now entrust their own children to the school. In February 2024, Mrs. Cloud was honored by the Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas County in recognition of her extraordinary 50 years of dedication to education, noting her remarkable impact on more than 26,000 children between ages 2-5. The school was also named a 2022-2023 National Beta School of Merit in recognition of its commitment to academic excellence. This continuity reflects a living legacy of trust, care, and community investment. Starling School emphasizes character, compassion, and responsibility alongside education. The center continues to reflect the foundational values instilled by the Starling family, ``train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.'' Through Cloud's leadership, the school remains a nurturing environment where children are valued, supported, and inspired to give back to the community that first invested in them. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Starling School for more than half a century of extraordinary service to St. Petersburg and to commend Carolyn Cloud for her unwavering dedication to preserving and advancing her family's vision. Through her stewardship, the legacy established by Viola and Jimmy Starling continues to uplift families, strengthen communities, and expand opportunity for generations to come. Their work reminds us that when a community invests in its children, it invests in its future. On behalf of my constituents, I congratulate Starling School on its 52nd anniversary and extend my sincere wishes for continued success and impact for many decades to come.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Black History Month to honor a captivating storyteller, entrepreneur and economic changemaker, Gypsy Gallardo. Ms. Gallardo devoted herself to leadership and advocacy for equitable economic, social, and political empowerment to benefit all Americans particularly Tampa Bay Area neighbors. Gallardo persevered through family substance abuse that tragically claimed the life of her mother. Following her mother's passing, Gallardo moved in with her grandparents in South Florida, eventually settling with her dad in St. Petersburg, and attending Gibbs High School. Feeling like a fish out of water, Gallardo left St. Petersburg right before graduation to live in Ohio, ultimately to end up in Kentucky at 19, homeless, alone and pregnant. Through resilience and determination, Gallardo forged a new path forward. At night, she worked at the Kentucky State University Admissions Office while taking classes. Gallardo graduated from Kentucky State University, earning a bachelor's degree in English and Philosophy. Continuing her education, Gallardo completed a master's degree in public policy at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. In 1997, Gallardo once again returned to St. Petersburg, bringing her experience to the table as an asset. Her commitment to advancing Black communities has remained unwavering through her professional work and community leadership. In 2005, Gallardo founded The Power Broker Magazine, a publication that highlights opportunities and challenges in underserved communities. Gallardo's outlet provides a space for economic opportunity accessible to all, with a strong pulse on community activity. Power Broker Magazine is a force, reaching approximately 10,000 African American readers each month. Beyond her magazine, Gallardo is a household name in St. Petersburg and across the Tampa Bay area. She has been an integral part of the revitalization of St. Petersburg's Black businesses and culture in the Deuces and throughout the city. In 2021, Gallardo led the City of St. Petersburg and a University of South Florida research team in a study of the relationship between racism and infrastructure inequities. As a staunch advocate for affordable housing and the preservation of Black culture and opportunity in St. Petersburg, Gallardo has worked to ensure our neighbors' pocketbooks are protected and that Black contractors are prioritized in projects such as Midtown's Tangerine Plaza, Sankofa, the Historic Gas Plant District, and the Deuces. Gallardo's work reaches every corner of Tampa Bay communities. She serves as the CEO of Urban Market Analytics, chairs the NAACP Statewide Economic Development Committee, co-chairs the PACT countywide violence and education advocacy organization, and regularly organizes networking events for Black business owners and leaders. She has also led extensive voter registration and mobilization efforts within the African American community, using her platform to amplify voices both locally and across the region. With a public servant's heart and a deep passion for progress, Gallardo credits her achievements and effective advocacy to her lived experiences. Through poverty and wealth, success and hardships, she never lost sight of the importance of a united community and collective humanity. Gallardo believes the Tampa Bay area is on a path to becoming a nationally influential African American region and reminds us to always work together, no matter where we come from or what we look like. Gallardo is a mother of four, including two nephews she helped raise, and remains deeply rooted in family and commnunity. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my St. Petersburg neighbors, I thank Gypsy Gallardo for her selfless work in our communities. Gallardo is a living testament to what you can do for your country and your neighbors. Through her leadership, perseverance, and commitment to justice and opportunity, Gypsy Gallardo is a powerful shining light every day in the Tampa Bay area.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Black History Month to celebrate the entrepreneurial legacy of Elihu and Carolyn Brayboy, owners of Chiefs Creole Cafe. Like a hearty bowl of gumbo, the Brayboy's and their beloved cafe brought comfort and community to neighbors across the Deuces corridor. Their commitment to preserving and investing in Black-owned businesses remain a pillar of their community advocacy. Carolyn was born and raised in Blakely, Georgia until in sixth grade, when she moved with her parents to St. Petersburg. Carolyn attended Perkins Elementary, now known as John Hopkins Middle School, Gibbs High School, St. Pete Junior College, and Florida State University, earning a bachelor's degree in business and master's degree in finance and marketing. Her parents were sharecroppers and were often financially strained. After school, she would get dropped off at the cotton field and was told to pick cotton. Elihu was born and raised in Wahiawa, Hawaii, where his parents were civil servants during Pearl Harbor. His grandparents agreed to raise him until he moved to St. Petersburg in seventh grade to live with his mother. He attended Immaculate Conception Catholic School, Bishop Berry High School, now known as St. Pete Catholic, and Bethune--Cookman University, earning a bachelor's degree in business administration. Elihu's mother was a nurse at the segregated Mercy Hospital. His father was a mortician at Sanchez Funeral Home. Both Carolyn and Elihu grew up in the height of the Jim Crow Era, where Black residents in St. Petersburg were forced to live in what is now called the Midtown area, just off 22nd Street South. When Elihu was attending Immaculate Conception, right next door to 16th Street Middle School, Carolyn spotted him and asked her friend who he was. They dated all throughout high school and separated in college. They were separated for 10 years during which Elihu moved to Louisiana, before deciding to move back to St. Petersburg and finding out Carolyn was now divorced. They have now been married for 46 years. The Brayboy's are proudly rooted in their faith. A year after Carolyn Brayboy had been diagnosed with stomach cancer and was recovering, her minister had a message for her from Isaiah, Chapter 61, Verse 4. ``You are to restore the ancient ruins, the wasteland and devastation of many generations.'' It was then; the Brayboy's felt the calling to their service to the Deuces community. As St. Petersburg changed and gentrification spread throughout the city, the Brayboy's were instrumental in protecting Black-owned businesses and reviving the 22nd Street South Corridor, a historic African American Business District. In 2014, Elihu and Carolyn Brayboy purchased the Sidney Harden Grocery Store building, the only grocery store serving St. Petersburg's Black community for decades and transformed it to a neighborhood corner diner. Despite the false perceptions of the Deuces and racial bias from lenders who repeatedly denied the Brayboy's business loans, Chiefs Creole Cafe served customers renowned crawfish, po-boys, rice and beans drawing customers from across the Tampa Bay area for a decade until they closed their doors in 2023. With a large mural on the outside of Louis Armstrong, the vibrancy of Black culture can still be felt without even walking through the cafe's doors. Elihu and Carolyn Brayboy were not just culinary connoisseurs, but champions for affordable housing and historic preservation of Black culture and life in South St. Petersburg. In 2008, The Brayboy's purchased the first black-owned commercial laundromat. Following the purchase of the cafe, the Brayboy's purchased the old Ninth Avenue Service Station in 2021. From service station to a 1,900 sq. ft. commercial space has been divided into three separate affordable units, neighbors are able to call this renovated space their home. The Brayboy's have additionally purchased The Dr. Gilbert H. Leggett Building, a rundown commercial building that belonged to Dr. Gilbert H. Leggett, one of the city's first African American dentists. Additionally, Carolyn looks to expand her garden with flourishing collard greens to alleviate the food desert crisis in South St. Petersburg. Through every season of their life, the Brayboy's have remained steadfast in ensuring all people, regardless of race, deserve to live, work, and play in a healthy, affordable community. The BrayBoys are proud parents to their children Augustus Aiken, III, Lynae Brayboy and Ramona, who has a servant's heart as large and warm as her parents. She is at the helm of the Deuces farmers market, Sunshine Fresh Market, which hosts local vendors who sell fresh foods, homemade goods and often, local music by Black artists. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my St. Petersburg neighbors, I commend Elihu and Carolyn Brayboy for their determination to preserve Black history while renewing meaningful investments to current residents. In a time where division seeps deep in our community, we must all take a note from the Brayboy's menu of wise lessons: ``You can solve a lot of problems if you eat together.''

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Veteran Robert James Hagarty's 90th birthday and for his service to our country and the Tampa Bay community. Robert Hagarty was born on February 28, 1936, in New Jersey, and spent his life rooted in the values of a veteran upbringing. Hagarty dedicated his life to building one of the largest private collections of war memorabilia in the world. His father, a World War I veteran, instilled in him a passion for service and patriotism. Hagarty recounted that, at age 10, his father gave him two decorative buttons from his uniform, and he traces his passion to that moment. ``Those were like gold, to me, since they were from the war; instantly, I wanted more.'' In 1966, Hagarty served in the 25th Infantry as a Vietnam Veteran, before being honorably discharged after four years in the Army. Later, Hagarty moved to St. Petersburg and not only found his hometown but also a reason to unite the community through his collection of war medals. Hagarty's work is rooted in every part of the community, ranging from being a schoolteacher, historian and Army veteran. His pride in highlighting the heroism of soldiers, their families, and veterans is evident in his endless collection and preservation of war history. Today, Hagarty continues to forge connections to the patriotic past like the buttons sewn onto his father's uniform. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the St. Petersburg community, it gives me great pride to honor and send many wishes to Robert Hagarty on his 90th birthday. Hagarty is a living testament to what you can do for your country and your neighbors. Through his leadership, perseverance, and commitment to honoring Veterans' heroism, Hagarty remains a shining example in the Tampa Bay area.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.