Darren Soto

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Israel Martin is originally from Cuba, but now lives and serves in the United States. He lives with his wife, Dody, with whom he has been married for 28 years. They have three children: Daniel, Claudia, and Helem. All three are married, and they have two granddaughters who are half-Cuban and half-Venezuelan, as well as one grandson who is also half-Cuban and half-Venezuelan. In Cuba, Israel served as a pastor, Christian leader, and educator, He was the academic dean of the Baptist Theological Seminary of Havana, the oldest Evangelical seminary in the country, and founder and president of the Cuban School of Evangelical Studies (ECETE), the last seminary established in Cuba that was legally recognized. In the United States, he serves as pastor of the Hispanic Ministry of First Baptist Orlando, a mega-church of the Southern Baptist Convention, and as president of the Baptist University of Florida in Spanish. He also teaches doctoral-level classes at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Dallas Theological Seminary, and Florida Christian University. Israel obtained an engineering degree from ISPJAE in Havana and a bachelor's degree in theology and pastoral ministry from the Baptist Theological Seminary of Havana. He also pursued master's studies in Cuba and Guatemala. Finally, he is currently working on the dissertation phase of his third doctorate, a Ph.D. in Bible Exposition at Liberty University. Previously, he had obtained a Ph.D. in Theological Education at SETECA and a D.Min. in Hispanic Ministry Leadership at DTS. Israel's favorite hobbies are reading and watching good movies. He also enjoys spending time with his family and home life.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Rafael Monteiro is a C-level executive and entrepreneur with extensive experience in business development and management in the media and entertainment industry. Monteiro also served as an executive at Discovery Networks in Miami and as the general manager of a full-service advertising agency, which serviced the multicultural market. He is also one of the pioneers of pan-regional media advertising and sales consolidation in the U.S. In 2000, Monteiro joined Terra Networks USA (NASDAQ: TRRA) and helped evangelize digital media and advertising automation in the U.S. Hispanic market. In 2007, Rafael ventured into entrepreneurship and founded Hola Networks and HOD, successfully introducing an automated digital ad network model that enabled Fortune 500 companies to efficiently enhance targeting and diversity in their marketing strategies and streaming content distribution. Rafael Monteiro also served as the president of the Digital Media Committee at the Advertising Agency Association (AHAA) and as a board member/CDO of Amcor Media.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Lymari D. Maldonado holds a bachelor of business administration in management information systems from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez campus, graduating with honors. With over 25 years of experience in software development, she currently serves as the director of enterprise applications at Valencia College. In this leadership role, she oversees major enterprise-wide technology initiatives, mentors both junior and senior developers, and ensures the reliability and performance of critical systems that support the college's mission. Since joining Valencia College, Lymari has made significant contributions to institutional advancement through her technical expertise and collaborative leadership. She is an active member of the Florida Department of Education's Management Information Systems Advisory Task Force (MISATFOR), where she helps shape statewide data reporting standards. Beyond her technical work, she plays a vital role in fostering campus community. By hosting international students at Valencia, Lymari supports global education initiatives and promotes cross-cultural understanding and inclusion. Prior to her tenure at Valencia, Lymari served as the lead applications systems analyst at the Orange County Supervisor of Elections, where she designed, developed, and maintained key election systems to ensure secure and accurate electoral processes. As a core member of the Elections Management Team, she reviewed and approved election materials in both English and Spanish and served as a bilingual ballot reader for voters requiring assistance. Often the only Hispanic woman in her field, Lymari has broken barriers while leading with integrity and professionalism. Her work has even taken her as far as Australia through international project contributions. Despite her many career accomplishments, she considers her most important role to be that of a mother to three wonderful children and a wife to a husband who shares her deep passion for community service. Her story is a vivid testament to the invaluable contributions Hispanic women bring to Central Florida.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, on the 14th day of October 1959, a meeting was held far from Earth, and it was said, ``It's time for a warrior to be born on Earth.'' This was the birth of Ronald W. Harvey, also known as Ronnie. He was born and grew up in Harvey, Illinois, where he attended Thornton High School and studied at the Metropolitan State University of Denver. He enjoyed baseball during his high school years. Later, Ronnie married the love of his life, a dedicated community leader, Mrs. Roxie Harvey. Ronnie worked for the U.S. Postal Service for over 30 years and retired. During his tenure at the post office, he played in the post office basketball league and had a fierce 3-point shot. He and his friend, Speech, secretly started a prayer circle named the Brothers of the Circle. The group was so effective and grew so large that they had to move the meeting to a bowling alley. Post retirement, Ronnie worked as a truck driver for Lucky Duck Express and Dynasty Trucking. He was later ordained and served as Pastor of the Real Love Christian Center in Illinois. He served as a mentor and went on several mission trips to help improve the lives of others. He rendered his service and passion by feeding the homeless and listening to and encouraging others in Jesus Christ. Whether it was in Illinois, Honduras, or Florida, Ronnie's impact will continue to be felt as his legacy will live on through his beloved wife, Roxie, and his seven children.

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Mr. SOTO. Mr. Chair, I want to commend the managers of the House Department of Defense Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations bill for including my amendment, No. 269, to provide a $24.1 million increase within the RDT&E-Defense Wide Account, to the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Program's (IBAS) Fan-Out Wafer level packaging program in the en bloc package. Semiconductors support nearly all Department of Defense (DoD) activities. Ensuring secure access to leading-edge semiconductors, however, is a challenge. The pandemic exposed the challenges associated with the global supply chain, the changing global semiconductor industry, and the sophistication of U.S. adversaries, who might target military electronic components. IBAS is dedicated to ensuring that the DoD is positioned to effectively address industrial base issues and support the National Security Innovation Base. This includes strengthening and protecting the domestic semiconductor supply chain to provide access to leading- edge capabilities to accelerate innovation. One of the next generation semiconductor technologies that IBAS is focusing on is called Advanced Packing. Advanced Packaging essentially removes the green circuit board, and connects each component chip onto each other, like how individual Lego pieces can be stacked on top of each other to form a Lego set. This next generation process fully integrates all component chips into a single, advanced packaged, chip. Currently, 98 percent of these advanced packaging, integrated processes, are done in Asia, where foreign entities can insert malicious processes into these integrated chips in a way that is not easily identifiable. IBAS is working to provide secure, credible, and reliable domestic advanced packaged semiconductor manufacturing capability. Fanout wafer level packaging technology is a critical leading-edge advanced packaging technology, providing a high degree of size, weight, and power performance improvements over traditional packaging processes. My amendment will allow the DoD to leverage existing public- private-partnerships to quickly expand domestic U.S. based semiconductor manufacturing development platforms for critical advanced semiconductor system integration, including fan-out wafer level packaging technology. U.S. global leadership in semiconductors depends on U.S. owned firms operating at the leading-edge of advanced packaging technologies. The next generation of electronic devices will require significantly greater functional density, in other words, packing chips together even more tightly than current technology allows. This requires technical leadership in semiconductor advanced packaging processes, including fanout wafer level packaging. I believe Congress should continue to provide the resources necessary to update our domestic microelectronics security framework. I am proud of the work being undertaken in my district's semiconductor technology district, known as NeoCity, to support domestic semiconductor manufacturing technology development as we work to address this critical supply chain. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to support this goal.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1770, the Consumer Safety Technology Act. The bill directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to launch a pilot program exploring the use of artificial intelligence so that we can track injury trends, identify hazards, monitor recalls, and identify products not meeting importation requirements. The reality is that the crooks are already using AI. The cops on the beat need to be able to use this, too. We also heard in committee that this could help make the CPSC more efficient by the use of this technology, and it is critical that we protect consumers. The bill also requires the Department of Commerce and other agencies to study blockchain technology in the context of consumer products and safety. Right now, blockchain is an exciting technology. It is new technology that can be used for data storage and helping AI to analyze major issues. In addition, it could be in the digital currency form. The next section also instructs that the FTC shall report to Congress on its efforts to address unfair and deceptive trade practices related to tokens, also known as digital currency, and make any recommendations to improve our Federal agency's ability to protect consumers and promote innovation. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chair Latta, Ranking Members Pallone and Schakowsky, and Representatives Houchin, Trahan, and Castor for joining me in this important legislation. I urge Members to vote ``yes.''

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. Hoyle) for her leadership. I rise in strong support of H.R. 900, the Sinkhole Mapping Act, a bipartisan piece of legislation which I introduced with my fellow Floridian, Gus Bilirakis. Mr. Speaker, sinkholes pose a significant problem for Florida and many States, yet we don't have a comprehensive mapping system to help first responders and community planners, as was mentioned by our chairman, Chairman Westerman. I thank him for bringing this bill today. Sinkholes cost over $300 million a year. We see that in Florida homes, community centers, and businesses being affected by this. Having a database that displays potential sinkholes in our Sunshine State and across the Nation would absolutely be critical. That is what this bill does. This bill directs the U.S. Geological Survey to study the short- and long-term mechanisms that trigger sinkholes. This includes extreme storms, prolonged droughts, shifts in water management practices, ongoing aquifer depletion, and other major water uses. It is all about having a public website displaying maps depicting zones at greater risk of sinkhole formation, helping save lives and helping us have more resilient communities. I thank Chairman Westerman, Ranking Members Huffman and Hoyle, as well as Representatives Bilirakis, Frost, Castor, Wilson, Costa, Harder, Fitzpatrick, and Bell for joining me. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to amend the rule to make in order the amendment at the desk that protects against any cuts to Medicaid and SNAP.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Andrew Browne was born in the city of Georgetown, Guyana, in South America, on August 10, 1962, into a family that valued kindness with humble means. He was the fifth of six siblings to their parents, the late Maurice and Mary Browne. He migrated with his siblings to the United States of America in 1983 and settled in Brooklyn, New York. Andrew married his fiancee, June, and arranged her migration to the USA. From this union came three offspring. In 2003, the family relocated to the state of Florida, where they currently reside in the City of Kissimmee. There are moments in every life that become turning points. For Andrew, one such moment was the World Trade Center terrorist attack in 2001. In January 2002, he was diagnosed with an enlarged heart with an ejection fraction of 10 percent. Even though he was still able to pursue a semi-normal lifestyle, he was given one year to live. He then placed his complete trust in the Most-High-God and his Savior Jesus Christ and continues to give total glory to the God he serves for keeping him alive. Andrew discovered passions that ignited his spirit. This involves helping others who need computer assistance, but most of all, being the director of his local church's food pantry, which reaches out to serve community neighbors. This brings him joy and gives him a sense of fulfillment. As he writes this, he is reminded that his autobiography is far from complete. There are chapters yet to be written. This is his story--one of resilience, growth, and hope. It is a testament to his faith in God, dreams, and the strength of the human spirit. As he continues this journey, he is reminded that the best stories are those that are shared.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Jamilah Felix is a passionate advocate for civic engagement and public service. Her love for service began while growing up in Osceola County. For over a decade, she has dedicated her professional and educational journey to service. She's often at the helm of helping lead revitalization initiatives, mentoring, and government affairs. In 2024, she received the statewide recognition of being named as a News Service of Florida's 40 Under 40 Rising Star and a trailblazer by the City of Kissimmee during Women's History Month. Ms. Felix currently serves as the manager of government relations for one of the largest health systems in Florida, AdventHealth, where she works at the intersection of healthcare and public policy--building trusted relationships with government and strategic partners, ensuring stakeholder representation. Before joining AdventHealth, Jamilah served in the Executive Offices of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, where she managed several programs and led community-driven initiatives focused on parity in infrastructure and neighborhood development. While working at the city, she successfully secured funding for a $400,000 infrastructure improvement project in an underserved neighborhood. Her career spans Fortune 500 companies, including Edward Jones Investments, where she earned the Spirit of Partnership Award, recognizing her exceptional role in fostering external partnerships and branch management. Ms. Felix holds a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in public policy from the University of Central Florida. While at UCF, Jamilah was selected as a Legislative Scholar, earning a fellowship in the Florida Senate for a ranking member of Congress. Ms. Felix is also the founder of Aminah Joy Jewelry, an online jewelry boutique. She is a graduate of Leadership Orlando and currently serves on several regional boards, including the St. Cloud Chamber Government Affairs Committee. She's passionate about helping to solve complex social issues to create lasting change.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Sophia Green, known affectionately as Sophie G, is a vibrant radio personality hosting ``The Sophie G Show'' on Cultural Vibrations Radio. Broadcasting to the Central Florida area, Sophia's show celebrates Caribbean culture, entertains, and encourages listeners with inspiring stories and discussions. Sophia has over 14 years of experience in broadcasting, establishing herself as a trusted voice in the Caribbean diaspora community. Born in Jamaica, Sophia proudly identifies as an ``Island Girl'' and brings a unique perspective to her shows. She won the Jamaica National Festival Song in 1989 with her sister Andi Green, becoming the first female duo to achieve this feat. Sophia is a dedicated mother and loving grandmother, drawing inspiration from her family and community. As a certified professional life coach, Sophia focuses on life purpose, forgiveness, and happiness. She contributes to Karibbean Under One Magazine (KUOMagazine & TV), sharing her perspectives on various topics. Sophia believes in finding the positive in life's experiences, often quoting the idea of making ``lemonade'' from life's challenges. With her witty humor and heartfelt approach. Sophie G has built a loyal following and established herself as a respected voice in the Caribbean diaspora. Through ``The Sophie G Show'' on Cultural Vibrations Radio, Caribbean Rhythms Radio Network, Sophia continues to inspire and connect with her audience in Central Florida and beyond.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Patrina M. Lawrence is a dynamic and accomplished executive who has made a lasting impact on Florida's Ninth Congressional District through her leadership in behavioral health and social services. As the founder and chief executive officer of Serving Children and Reaching Families (SCARF), a community-based mental health organization headquartered in Kissimmee, Florida, Ms. Lawrence has led efforts to deliver high-quality, culturally responsive, and trauma- informed care to children and families across Central Florida since 2013. Guided by the belief that ``safety and security don't just happen-- they are the result of collective consensus and public investment,'' as Nelson Mandela once said, Ms. Lawrence has dedicated her career to building systems that protect and uplift the most vulnerable. Through SCARF, she has expanded access to mental health services, secured funding from the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Department of Health, and Osceola County Schools, and fostered long-standing partnerships with the Department of Children and Families and regional managing entities. Through an eight-year partnership with the Florida Department of Children and Families, Ms. Lawrence was instrumental in creating a diversion program that has helped strengthen families and successfully diverted over 500 children annually from entering the foster care system. A licensed clinical social worker and seasoned clinician, Ms. Lawrence has provided direct care and clinical oversight to hundreds of clients. She has authored SCARF's operational policies and training curricula, helping to elevate standards across Florida's behavioral health workforce. Her work has not only improved outcomes but also ensured service fidelity and compliance with state regulations. Ms. Lawrence holds an advanced degree in social work from Howard University and has completed executive education at Harvard University in leadership, business strategy, and public health equity. Her work embodies a commitment to access, quality, and innovation in behavioral health for Florida's most vulnerable populations.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Maria Lawrence is a visionary leader, community advocate, and accomplished financial executive based in Florida's Ninth Congressional District. As co-founder and chief financial officer of Serving Children and Reaching Families, LLC (SCARF), she has been instrumental in expanding access to mental health and family support services throughout Central Florida. Based in Kissimmee, SCARF is a CARF-accredited organization dedicated to helping at-risk youth and families thrive. With over 15 years of experience in financial leadership, Maria has built a reputation for driving operational excellence, securing government contracts, strengthening internal controls, and improving revenue cycle processes. Her work has helped SCARF achieve full compliance in numerous federal and state audits, positioning the organization for long-term sustainability and growth. Maria's professional background includes serving as an information technology supervisor at Devereux Florida and managing a major capital project for Jacobs Engineering. Earlier in her career, she worked in financial compliance on Wall Street, where she was selected by the NASD to assist with regulatory audits following a firm closure. Outside of her professional life, Maria is deeply committed to community service. She has volunteered with Second Harvest Food Bank and the American Heart Association and participated in international mission work, including supporting church development efforts in Venezuela. Maria holds both a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University. She also maintains certifications in Microsoft Engineering and Lean Six Sigma. Through her financial expertise, servant leadership, and heart for service, Maria continues to shape stronger communities and create meaningful change for families across Florida's Ninth Congressional District.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Edgar ``Pete'' Peters has been a dedicated and hardworking operations agent with Southwest Airlines for the past 27 years. In 1998, the young Army veteran joined Southwest Airlines as a ramp agent in Baltimore, Maryland. He later accepted his current position and transferred to the Southwest Airlines operations in Orlando, Florida. Pete has worked in many capacities over the years, including as a member of the Safety and Emergency Care team, a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion representative, and as a training coordinator. He has been awarded many honors, including Operations Agent of the Quarter on several occasions and Operations Agent of the Year. His passion for helping others and giving back to the community has led him to create The Ann Hewan Foundation, which contributes to his native Jamaica from his Lake Nona community in Central Florida. Pete, as he is known throughout the area and community, is heavily involved in charity work that supports underprivileged children. Each year, Pete collects, solicits, purchases, and ships back-to-school items, such as notebooks, pencils, backpacks, restored computers, and clothing items, to Jamaica, where he partners with a local school and charity in the community. Throughout the school year, he collects and donates some of his own money to help support the Goodwill Infant and Primary School Breakfast Program, which now operates three days a week, providing breakfast to underprivileged children at school who are unable to get it at home. Pete's current project is assisting a local community charity in building a proper playing field for the kids at the Goodwill Primary and Infant School, which is almost 50% complete. The playing field will be used for recreational purposes and extracurricular activities, bringing joy and a sense of pride to the children and the community upon completion. Pete also helps out and supports local charity events around Central Florida communities and around the Southwest Airlines system. Pete's dedication and low-key approach are what keep him going. As the son of Pinkie Hewan, who migrated to the United States in search of a better life, Pete's passion and understanding create the high octane for helping others and treating them with respect.

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Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, recognized as one of the Top Women in PR by PRNews, Maria Isabel Sanquirico is a force in multicultural communications and a fearless advocate for representation, equity, and authentic storytelling. An award-winning communications strategist, certified crisis communicator, and former news anchor, she is the founder and CEO of Eleven 11 Communications--a public relations firm rooted in the values of service, inclusion, and impact. Maria Isabel's career began in media at an early age, with a passion for using her voice to inform and uplift. She made history as the first Latina to anchor a solo evening newscast in Central Florida, serving as anchor of Telemundo's Noticiero Telemundo Orlando at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. Her work in broadcast journalism gave visibility to stories that were too often overlooked--highlighting the struggles, achievements, and resilience of Florida's Latino communities. Determined to shape narratives from beyond the anchor desk, Maria Isabel launched Eleven 11 Communications, where she has spent over a decade helping public agencies, corporations, and elected officials develop inclusive strategies that reach and reflect the communities they serve. Her portfolio spans civic engagement, health equity, crisis response, and culturally relevant outreach campaigns. Following Hurricane Maria, she became a leading voice for displaced Puerto Ricans, using media and advocacy to connect families with life-saving resources. She has been named ``Ignitor of the Year'' by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and recognized by the University of Puerto Rico--her alma mater--as one of its most distinguished communications alumni. She has served on several influential boards, including the City of Orlando Municipal Planning Board and the Adult Literacy League, and currently sits on the boards of United Arts and the Elle Collective at Seminole State College, where she champions women-owned businesses and the next generation of leaders of color. Based in Central Florida, Maria Isabel continues to lead with vision and heart. Her work centers Latino voices in the public conversation, not only ensuring they are heard, but that they help shape the future. A trusted strategist, changemaker, and proud Puerto Rican, Maria Isabel Sanquirico is building a more informed, inclusive, and empowered community--one story at a time.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Charnette Munroe was born in Westmoreland, Jamaica, and immigrated to the United States in the 1980s. Proud of her Caribbean heritage, she honors the sacrifices of her Jamaican ancestors through her professional and academic achievements. Dr. Munroe earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of South Florida, followed by a master's and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University. She completed her internship and geropsychology fellowship at the Dallas North Texas Health Care System. Dedicated to serving her community, Dr. Munroe is a clinical geropsychologist with extensive experience in clinical and administrative roles. She began her federal career at Fort Bragg Army Medical Center, treating PTSD in active-duty service members. Her VA career started at the Tuskegee VA in Alabama, and in 2015, she joined the Orlando VA Health Care System (OVAHCS). At OVAHCS, Dr. Munroe has played a crucial role in geriatric mental health care, providing services for patients with dementia, hospice care, and spinal cord injuries and disorders. As the Mental Health Geriatrics and Extended Care (MH GEC) Program Manager, she oversees mental health services in the Community Living Center (CLC) and Home-Based Primary Care (HBPC). She supervises a team of psychologists and psychiatrists, ensuring clinical competence and patient access to care through program expansion, employee recruitment, and the implementation of best care practices. Dr. Munroe aims to promote favorable health behavior outcomes for geriatric consumers. She established a monthly virtual forum for geropsychology VA supervisors nationwide, offering support, training, and practice reviews. As chair of the Orlando and VISN 8 Dementia Committees, she has led the implementation of the VHA Dementia System of Care Directive, developed dementia education and training plans, and continually addresses these needs. Dr. Munroe's contributions include formal presentations on brain health and dementia prevention, which have significantly impacted geriatric mental health and the broader healthcare community.

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Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Roberto Smith has dedicated his career to advancing technology and improving lives within the community. With over two decades of experience in the information technology field, Roberto has been a driving force in implementing modern, secure, and efficient technological solutions. Since beginning his IT career in 2001, Roberto has earned industry certifications in computer networking and systems engineering, solidifying his expertise in designing, managing, and optimizing IT infrastructures. In 2012, he joined the City of St. Cloud as a network engineer, where his dedication and technical acumen led to his promotion to network manager and later, IT director. As IT director, Roberto has spearheaded numerous initiatives that have enhanced the city's technological landscape. Under his leadership, the implementation of Microsoft 365 has provided city employees with robust collaboration tools, improving efficiency and communication across departments. The adoption of Cloud-based Phone System has modernized the city's communication systems, ensuring seamless connectivity for residents and city staff alike. Recognizing the importance of cybersecurity in an increasingly digital world, Roberto has successfully introduced Multifactor Authentication (MFA) and Zero Trust Network frameworks to safeguard city systems and protect sensitive data. These innovations have strengthened cybersecurity measures, ensuring that residents' information remains secure while allowing for safer, more resilient digital services. Roberto's vision extends beyond technology--it is rooted in a commitment to empowering the community through innovation. His work has streamlined city operations, enhanced digital accessibility for residents, and reinforced security in public services. His dedication to improving lives through technology exemplifies the values celebrated during Caribbean American Heritage Month, making him a deserving honoree recognized for his outstanding contributions.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Abismael Abreu is a public servant, community leader, and proud Osceola County resident who has dedicated his career to building a stronger, more connected Central Florida. Originally from the Dominican Republic, Mr. Abreu arrived in Osceola County at the age of 14. A graduate of Osceola High School, he has grown from a young immigrant student into a trusted leader in local government, demonstrating that with opportunity, hard work, and service to the community, anything is possible. Mr. Abreu currently serves as the strategic initiatives administrator in the City Manager's Office for the City of St. Cloud. In this capacity, he manages the City's Strategic Planning Program, oversees critical interdepartmental initiatives, and leads high-priority projects aligned with the City's long-term goals. His leadership has resulted in over $20 million in new infrastructure projects focused on public safety and parks, as well as the successful acquisition of $2 million in grant funding for essential stormwater improvements. Throughout his career in municipal government, Mr. Abreu has championed innovation, efficiency, and transparency. He was instrumental in launching St. Cloud's Strategic Performance Management Program, streamlining business permitting processes, and expanding access to digital services for residents and entrepreneurs. Mr. Abreu holds a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Central Florida. He is also a graduate of Leadership Osceola and a Certified Public Manager candidate. In addition to his professional work, he serves on the Board of Directors for the Osceola County Council on Aging and holds active membership in the International City/County Management Association, the Florida City/County Management Association, and the American Planning Association. Mr. Abreu exemplifies public service grounded in community, accountability, and forward-looking leadership.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Angelica Michelle Jones, aka Angelica Sanchez, was born in Jacksonville, Florida, on November 8, 1977. She moved to Orlando in 1996 to live in her truth and become her authentic self. A Black trans woman and drag performer, she has won numerous national pageants, including Miss. Continental Plus, Miss. Gay U.S. of A at Large, Miss. Duval, and Miss. Florida FFI at Large. She's an LGBTQIA advocate as well as a Pulse survivor.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Deputy Sheriff Summer McCray is an innovative law enforcement professional who has proudly served her hometown of Orlando, Florida, as a member of the Florida Department of Corrections, Orange County Corrections, and the Orange County Sheriffs Office (OCSO). Deputy McCray knew she ultimately wanted to be a Deputy Sheriff, so she pursued a degree in criminal justice at the University of Central Florida. In 2022, Ms. McCray was sworn in as an Orange County Deputy, and since joining the agency, she has served the residents and visitors of Orange County in various roles. She has worked as a Patrol Deputy, an LGBTQ+ Liaison, a Public Information Officer (PIO) in Strategic Communications, and a Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Team member. As a PIO, Deputy McCray has used her talents in content creation to spotlight the good work of the Orange County Sheriff's Office on its social media platforms. As an active member of the LGBTQ+ Liaison Group, Deputy McCray has strengthened the relationship between local law enforcement and the LGBTQ+ community by educating agency members on LGBTQ+ topics and policy. She is also a member of the Gay Officers Action League of Central Florida (GOALcfl), where, as vice president, she continues to advocate for change. In addition, she serves as an ambassador of the OCSO Safe Place Initiative, which invites businesses to display a decal identifying them as safe environments for LGBTQ+ community members to report crimes or harassment. In 2025, Deputy McCray was featured in a Watermark Out News article that highlighted her role with GOALcfl, as well as the positive relationships she and the organization have fostered throughout the LGBTQ+ community in Central Florida.

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Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Julie Ruiz was born in Arizona and raised in Mexico. As a young woman, she came to Florida looking out for herself. She lived with friends who supported each other in building their lives in Central Florida, with few resources and no family here. She began working at Disney Springs as a cashier for a restaurant run by Delaware North, making just $16 an hour and sleeping on her friends' couch. Because Julie is a fighter, she quickly began to fight for restaurant workers to be treated better--especially as a young bisexual woman who believed that she and all her coworkers should be equals. Even while sometimes working two jobs and rushing from shift to shift, she was paying rent to sleep in a living room and was classified as a part-time employee at Disney Springs with no benefits. One day, Julie and her coworker reported their supervisor for sexual harassment, but the company left him in his position as their supervisor. She became a union leader with Unite Here Local 737, organizing her coworkers to win a better life, saying: ``We should feel safe in our restaurant. I want to be treated as a human being. We ARE their restaurants--they don't run without us.'' One week after passing out a union flyer with her story on it, Julie was fired for nothing more than wearing an earbud while walking into work. She continued to fight, telling her story of sexual harassment and worker organizing more and more publicly. She has inspired thousands of people to sign on to support her fight--not just for herself, but for her coworkers, for women and LGBTQ workers, and for workers in the tourism industry everywhere.

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Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Danny Garcia is a proud first-generation American, born to Costa Rican parents, and a lifelong Florida native who proudly calls Orlando home. Danny's dedication to the LGBTQ+ community began early. As a youth, he volunteered with organizations focused on HIV awareness and support, including the Pediatric AIDS Foundation and Hope & Help. Today, that same passion continues through his leadership as the board president of The LGBT+ Center Orlando, where he works to advance visibility, equality, and vital services for the community. As a teenager, Danny was a member of the Delta Youth Alliance, which eventually became the Orlando Youth Alliance. It was there that he first found a sense of community, marching in his first Pride parade before he even had his learner's permit and volunteering at fundraisers and local events that supported LGBTQ+ youth. In the late 1990's, Danny began freelancing for Watermark, Central Florida and Tampa Bay's LGBTQ+ newspaper--a publication he had followed since its founding in 1994. That role marked the start of his journey in LGBTQ+ media, leading to opportunities with other publications and platforms that elevated queer voices and stories. In 2014, Danny joined Watermark full-time as an account manager. Through hard work and a deep understanding of the community he serves, he was promoted to become the publication's sales director. Over the years, Danny has remained committed to uplifting LGBTQ+ voices and using media as a tool for connection, representation, and change. His story is one of advocacy, authenticity, and lifelong pride in the community he serves.

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Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, David Romero is a U.S. Air Force veteran, LGBTQ+ advocate, and community leader recognized for his dedication to uplifting others through faith, service, and resilience in Florida's Ninth Congressional District. A longtime resident of Celebration, Florida, David serves on the Orange County Mayor's Veterans Advisory Council as the LGBTQ+ veterans advocate. In this role, he brings forward the needs and perspectives of LGBTQ+ veterans--especially those whose contributions were historically overlooked due to discrimination. David is also an active member of the Veterans Club of Celebration, where he lives openly as a gay veteran and fosters dialogue, visibility, and community support. In addition to his veteran advocacy, David served in a leadership role on Celebration's Technology Committee, demonstrating his consistent commitment to civic engagement and community betterment. For 14 years, he worked at the Walt Disney Company, where he contributed to multiple DEI platforms and helped shape internal policies around equity and representation. His efforts reflected both professional commitment and personal courage in the face of past trauma related to homophobia and marginalization. A person of deep faith, David is a member of Community Presbyterian Church in Celebration, where he is open about his sexuality and his relationship with Jesus Christ. Through this openness, he serves as a role model to others navigating the intersection of faith and identity. David's advocacy work spans mental health awareness, veteran support access, and inclusion for those discharged under unjust military policies. His voice has helped shift perceptions in veteran spaces and beyond, proving that service and identity are not mutually exclusive. Through his integrity, leadership, and faith, David Romero has made a lasting impact on Central Florida's LGBTQ+ and veteran communities. His story is one of courage, healing, and service.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Marc Espeso is a dedicated public servant, skilled communicator, and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Since his appointment in August 2019, he has served as special assistant to Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings. In addition, he holds the role of digital communications manager for the county. This dual position provides him with a unique perspective that combines executive insight with hands-on communication strategy. Mr. Espeso values efficient and effective communication to Orange County's 1.5 million residents and 75 million annual visitors. In his first year as special assistant, he played a key role in disseminating critical health and safety information during the COVID-19 pandemic. By leveraging partnerships among local, state, and federal agencies, he ensured accurate and accessible updates reached LGBTQ+ residents, visitors, and the broader public across the county. His experience in crisis communication has been an asset to the county's Emergency Operations Center. He has contributed to the development of award-winning communication plans that delivered life- saving information to residents before, during, and after major storms that impacted Central Florida, including Hurricanes Ian and Nicole in 2022 and Hurricane Milton in 2024. In addition to promoting county programs and services that can benefit LGBTQ+ residents, Mr. Espeso has helped highlight the region's tourism and hospitality industry. When organizations consider where to host events that will ultimately benefit the local economy, he effectively highlights Orange County's ongoing commitment to fostering an environment where all individuals and businesses are treated with dignity and respect. Beyond his government service, Mr. Espeso serves as vice president of the Board of Directors at the LGBT+ Center Orlando. Since 2021, he has helped fundraise to advance the Center's mission of empowering the LGBTQ+ community and its allies through advocacy, education, information, and support.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Sabra Raymer is a firefighter paramedic with over six years of experience in emergency response, known for her humility, resilience, and deep committment to serving others. Like anyone else, she is navigating life's challenges while striving to leave the world better than she found it. She doesn't seek recognition for titles or accolades but takes pride in being someone who will extend a hand when others are down, bring calm to chaos, and offer comfort during life's hardest moments. Raised with strong values of integrity, respect, and love, Sabra credits her parents for shaping her character and purpose. Her journey hasn't been easy--she put herself through school, experienced personal lows, and worked relentlessly to rebuild and rise. She knows that life will test you, but believes that anything can be overcome with heart and determination. Her dedication has been recognized with a Community Service Award in March 2021, a Letter of Commendation in August 2021, and her courageous role in Hurricane Ian water rescue operations, for which she received a Campaign Ribbon in February 2024. With a heart for advocacy and inclusion, Sabra also helped design and launch Pride shirts for her county, raising awareness and fostering a culture of belonging within the department. Through this initiative, she helped raise over $900 for the Zebra Youth Foundation, supporting LGBTQ+ youth in Central Florida. Now in the process of becoming a peer support advocate, Sabra is especially passionate about mental health awareness in the fire service--an industry that can sometimes make individuals feel invisible or out of place. With the support of her County and community allies, she proudly stands up for those who need to feel seen, supported, and valued. She continues to serve not only as a first responder but as a voice, a helper, and a source of strength for those in need.