Daniel Webster

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize LifeStream Behavioral Center as they celebrate 45 years of service and Mental Health Month during the month of May. LifeStream is dedicated to their mission of supporting recovery, promoting health and creating hope. Mental Health Awareness Month is an important opportunity to highlight the progress that has been made thus far, as well as to inspire continued efforts toward building a better future for the next generation. In 1969, LifeStream began as a component of Waterman Memorial Hospital in Eustis, Florida, and became a non-profit organization in 1971. Since its founding, LifeStream has expanded to twenty-one facilities and fifty-two programs to serve and empower those who suffer from mental illness, substance abuse, and homelessness in Lake, Sumter, and Orange Counties. For 45 years, LifeStream has helped thousands of individuals in our community achieve recovery and reach their highest potential. Not only does LifeStream provide rehabilitative services and conduct research, they also engage in community outreach programs to provide families and individuals with the resources they need to live healthy lives. This is a momentous year for LifeStream, and I am honored to join my friend, Jonathan Cherry, CEO/President of LifeStream in celebrating this milestone. The community and families of Central Florida are blessed to have a committed behavioral health center such as LifeStream, and I commend them for the measures they are undertaking to support recovery and provide hope to those in need.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize the broad impact and faithful service of the Edgewood Children's Ranch during the past 50 years. As a residential facility in Central Florida that provides a home and education for boys and girls in troubled family circumstances, the Edgewood Children's Ranch has made a remarkable impression on the lives of the young people who have been under their care. The vision for the Edgewood Children's Ranch began in 1966 when Juvenile Court Judge D. Arthur Yergey identified the need for a residential home where boys could be placed after displaying negative social behaviors due to family situations. This realization led Judge Yergey into contact with John W. ``Jack'' Lynd, who subsequently opened the Edgewood Boys Ranch in Orlando, Florida. Today, 50 years later, the residents Edgewood Children's Ranch consist of both boys and girls ages 6-17, with a capacity for 70 children at a time. The Ranch encompasses 110 acres, thanks to the generous donation of ``Aunt'' Minnie Rouse in 1968. The sprawling acreage is a small symbol of the many hearts and lives that have been changed through the impact of the Edgewood Children's Ranch.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize the 110th anniversary of Pine Castle United Methodist Church in Orlando, Florida, and commend their strong heritage of service within Orange County, Florida. On July 30, 1900, a group of women in the community organized a church community that housed the Methodist, Baptist, and Missionary Alliance congregations under one roof. In December 1906, nineteen congregation members laid the foundation for what would become Pine Castle United Methodist Church. Pine Castle United Methodist Church has served as a beacon of hope in our local community. Many lives have been impacted through the church's ministry, and I am honored to recognize their long history of dedication and service. This is a momentous year for Pine Castle United Methodist Church, and they deserve to be commended for their 110 years of service to our community. It is my pleasure to join Pastor Scott George and the congregation at Pine Castle United Methodist Church in celebrating this historical milestone. I would like to thank them for their many years of faithful ministry to our community and their dedication to Christian leadership. May God continue to bless their church and ministry throughout future generations.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize the Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC) Foundation, Inc. as they celebrate their 35th anniversary on April 16, 2016. Founded in 1980, the Lake-Sumter State College Foundation supports Lake-Sumter State College's mission of developing community through education. Since its founding, the LSSC Foundation brings together individuals, businesses, and organizations to support the Lake-Sumter State College through the funding of projects that enhance the quality of teaching and learning. These projects include classroom and athletic equipment, the library, the nursing program, the computer lab, and support for students and faculty. The LSSC Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of leaders in our community who are dedicated to equipping students with the essential tools for fulfilling careers and empowering them to be leaders within their community. In the spirit of providing educational opportunities for our community's students, the LSSC Foundation, Inc. awards more than $500,000 in scholarships each year to help students invest in their futures. The LSSC Foundation has had a paramount impact on the lives of students, and many have benefited from its generous contributions. In the past 12 years, the LSSC Foundation has grown from $3 million in assets to more than $16 million in assets, bolstering the education and passions of future generations. I am thankful for the Lake-Sumter State College Foundation and their tremendous contributions to our community. The future of our nation is in the hands of our young people, and the Lake-Sumter State College Foundation's investment in them cannot be over appreciated.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize Mars, Incorporated as they celebrate the 75th anniversary of M&Ms today, March 3, 2016. Forrest Mars Sr., son of Mars founder, Franklin Mars, got the inspiration for M&Ms while running the family candy business in the United Kingdom. Mars encountered soldiers eating small chocolate candies encased in a hard shell as part of their rations. These hard shell chocolate candies resisted melting. Forrest Mars turned the concept into M&Ms and a world-renowned brand of candy. By the mid- 1950s, M&Ms had become the number one candy in the United States. Mars, Incorporated has five governing principles that deserve our recognition. First, they establish quality of their work as their first goal. Second, they require total responsibility from every member of their organization. Third, they seek out how to mutually serve everyone in a business relationship with them. Fourth, they strive to never waste resources. Fifth, as one of the world's largest family-owned companies, they embrace the freedom to do business with high standards. After visiting M&Ms and Mars facilities in Central Florida and learning about their principle-based business model, I have come to respect this company. Mars is a quality, family-owned organization, and I wish M&Ms a happy 75th anniversary.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge a special occasion for the Ocklawaha Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution of Eustis, Florida. In 1916, the Ocklawaha Chapter, named after the area Ocklawaha River basin, was established and this year they celebrate their 100th anniversary. It is my pleasure to recognize them on their Centennial. Since their establishment on March 31, 1916, the Ocklawaha Chapter's goal and focus of serving the community through efforts of volunteerism, patriotism and education has remained constant. The Ocklawaha Chapter is dedicated to supporting local schools with donations and awards, and since their inception has awarded hundreds of Good Citizen Awards to local high school students, ROTC awards to cadets, and donated to National Society Daughters of the American Revolution founded schools. They donate American flags to organizations such as post offices, courthouses, schools, and veterans' groups, in need of our flag. In 1976, the Ocklawaha Chapter created and presented Bicentennial flags to the cities of Eustis, Mount Dora, and Tavares. The Ocklawaha Chapter is dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and safeguarding America's future through better education for children. Their motto encapsulates that philosophy: ``for God, Home, and Country.'' Through the strong leadership displayed by the Ocklawaha Chapter, they have earned both state and national recognition. They have been honored with many awards including DAR Project Patriot, Celebrate America Award, Chapter Achievement Level 1 and 2, Bronze Honoring the Flag, State and National Honor Roll, Literacy Promotion, Service for Veterans, and American History. The excellence with which the Ocklawaha Chapter serves the Central Florida community is evident from their history and recognitions. I commend them for their many achievements and I am pleased to congratulate them on the celebration of their 100th anniversary. May their leadership, service and patriotism inspire many to follow in their footsteps.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, this year, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 5277, William Alfred Suggs Memorial Post in Clermont, Florida, celebrates 70 years of service to veterans and their families. The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is a strong advocate for veterans ensuring they receive their earned entitlements and the care they deserve. The history of the VFW dates back to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War and the Philippine Insurrection founded organizations to assist wounded and sick veterans with securing benefits as there was no medical care or veterans' pension. Some of these veterans collaborated and started organizations which would be known as the VFW. The first chapters, founded in Ohio, Colorado, and Pennsylvania, quickly expanded reaching over 5,000 members by 1915; by 1936, membership had grown to nearly 200,000. The VFW was an instrumental voice in the establishment of the Department of Veterans Affairs, GI Bill for the 20th century, national cemetery system, and compensation for Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange and veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome. The VFW championed the 21st century GI Bill, passed in 2008, providing educational benefits to active-duty service members, and members of the Guard and Reserves. It is my distinct pleasure to commend the VFW Post 5277 on their 70th anniversary, and I join the VFW in expressing appreciation for our veterans and those currently serving in the United States military.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize the 20th anniversary of the South Lake Chamber of Commerce, and the retirement of Ray San Fratello. On December 31, 2015, Mr. San Fratello retired as President of South Lake Chamber of Commerce. Mr. San Fratello has led the South Lake Chamber of Commerce for the past 12 years after 13 years with the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce in upstate New York. Under his leadership, the South Lake Chamber of Commerce has experienced tremendous growth with the largest membership in Lake County. He has received much recognition for his efforts including the 2013 Florida Association of Chamber Professionals, Chamber Professional of the Year. During the past century, the South Lake Chamber of Commerce has been through many phases of growth and change to create the longstanding history and tradition of successful business organization. Formed more than 20 years ago, the South Lake Chamber's footprint has expanded to Clermont, Minneola, Groveland, Mascotte, Monteverde, and Four Corners. The original Board of Trade, established in 1895, created a new vision of community and business development for South Lake County. One century later in 1995, the Clermont-Minneola and Groveland-Mascotte Chambers united for the betterment of South Lake. Today, after 20 years, the South Lake Chamber of Commerce continues to foster a spirit of cooperation and progress among the area's business community. The excellence with which the South Lake Chamber of Commerce and Mr. San Fratello serve South Lake County's business community and enterprises is evident from their history and recognition. I commend them for their many achievements and I am pleased to congratulate them on the celebration of their 20th anniversary. My sincerest wishes and congratulations to Mr. San Fratello and his family on his retirement.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the chartering of Flotilla 77 of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Division 7. Flotilla 77 was officially recognized in a chartering ceremony on January 23, 2016, in Polk County, Florida. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is the volunteer corps that assists the U.S. Coast Guard in promoting boating safety. Formed originally as the Coast Guard volunteer Reserve on June 23, 1939, the volunteer Reserve was renamed the Auxiliary two years later. During World War II, the Auxiliary rapidly expanded as Auxiliarists provided oversight assistance in many of the Coast Guard surface and air operations, which freed up active duty Coast Guardsman for wartime missions. Today the Auxiliarists support and augment the non-military and non-law enforcement operations including communication watchstanding, public education programs, marine safety, and assisting with search and rescue missions. The selflessness by which they voluntarily serve and put their lives on the line for our safety and security is inspiring. We honor these brave men and women whose dedication to our great nation have and continue to ensure the safety and security of our ports, waterways and coastal regions. It is my distinct pleasure, as a representative of the people of Central Florida, to recognize and honor the establishment of Flotilla 77 of the United States Coast Guard. I thank them and their loved ones for their dedication and service to our community and country.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on January 6, 2016, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: On roll call no. 2, 3, 4 and 5, I would have voted YES. On January 7, 2016, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: On roll call no. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19, I would have voted NO. On roll call no. 12 and 20, I would have voted YES. On January 8, 2016, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: On roll call no. 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 and 32, I would have voted NO. On roll call no. 21, 22 and 33, I would have voted YES. On January 11, 2016, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: On roll call no. 34 and 35, I would have voted YES.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize Orlando Science Center as it celebrates 60 years. Orlando Science Center has undergone many transformations over the past 60 years. In 1955, the Central Florida Museum, the original namesake of the Orlando Science Center, was officially chartered. The ``museum without walls'' borrowed spaces in bank lobbies, clubs, and the public library to host exhibits. Interest in the museum grew after the arrival of the Glenn L. Martin Company, now known as Lockheed Martin, sparking the Central Florida community's interest in science and technology. On July 2, 1960, the museum opened the first planetarium in Florida. The planetarium was a technological feat in its day; NASA astronauts used it for briefings. On March 23, 1970, the museum displayed a moon rock brought back by the crew of Apollo 11. The rock drew over 4,200 visitors making it the museum's largest single-day attendance to-date. Over the past 60 years, Orlando Science Center has achieved significant growth and continues to inspire learning. Today, Orlando Science Center hosts workshops to engage students in the Central Florida community. In partnership with Orlando Utilities Commission, Project AWESOME hosts STEM workshops for fifth grade students in Central Florida. The in-classroom workshops, focusing on renewable resources and water conservation, immerse students in real- life scenarios. Since 2010, Project AWESOME has reached 48,779 fifth graders. Sponsored by Siemens, Universal Studios, Bright House Networks and Northrop Grumman, Destination STEM is an 18-week program for middle school students focusing on STEM disciplines and career paths. The Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!), a year-long program for middle and high school students, teaches them the tools and skills needed to start and manage their own business. In partnership with Orlando, Inc., Orlando Science Center is the first and foremost science center in the nation to facilitate such a program. On behalf of the people of Central Florida, it is my pleasure to recognize and congratulate Orlando Science Center on this momentous occasion. May their 60 years of dedication to inspire science learning in the classroom and the community inspire many to follow in their footsteps.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize the 75th anniversary of Tampa Lighthouse for the Blind. Tampa Lighthouse for the Blind has been serving individuals who are blind or visually impaired since 1940. Tampa Lighthouse for the Blind is dedicated to their mission to maximize independence and provide employment opportunities for persons who are blind or visually impaired. On-site comprehensive rehabilitation services are provided in their two locations in Florida: Tampa and Winter Haven. The training programs are designed to help individuals who have recently lost part or all of their vision gain the skills needed to perform daily tasks and maintain employment. Tampa Lighthouse for the Blind opened its first Winter Haven facility in 1993 to provide rehabilitation programs to residents in Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties. In 1995, the Winter Haven facility opened its Low Vision Clinic for individuals who have some remaining vision. At the Low Vision Clinic, an optometrist specialized in low vision, works to improve visual functioning through the utilization of low vision aids, visual rehabilitation techniques, or specialized training. Over the past 75 years, Tampa Lighthouse for the Blind has enriched the lives of individuals by providing them with the opportunity to gain greater independence and quality of life, and enjoy and benefit from participation in their communities. On behalf of the citizens of Central Florida, I applaud the efforts of those involved and the investments they are making in the lives of individuals with vision loss to provide them with job training, work experience and other tools necessary to lead independent, successful lives. I wish Tampa Lighthouse for the Blind many more years of quality service to our community.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on roll call no. 655, I was unavoidably detained off of the House floor. Therefore, I was unable to cast my vote on the Motion to Instruct Conferees on H.R. 644, the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015. Had I been present, I would have voted NO.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on roll call numbers 657, 659, 660, 661, 662, and 663, I was unavoidably detained off of the House floor. Therefore, I was unable to cast my vote. Had I been present, I would have voted NO.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on Rollcall no. 665, I was unavoidably detained off of the House floor. Therefore, I was unable to cast my vote on adoption of the conference report to accompany S. 1177, the Student Success Act. Had I been present, I would have voted YES.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on roll call numbers 656, 658, and 664, I was unavoidably detained off of the House floor. Therefore, I was unable to cast my vote. Had I been present, I would have voted YES.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize a close friend and highly accomplished leader in education, Dr. Charles Mojock, on his upcoming retirement. On December 31, 2015, Dr. Mojock will retire as President of Lake-Sumter State College. Under Dr. Mojock's leadership, Lake-Sumter State College has transitioned from a community college to a state college, undergone a name change, joined the Central Florida Higher Education Consortium and DirectConnect to UCF, and launched Associate of Science degree programs in Health Information Technology, Computer Information Technology and Environmental Science. During his tenure, Dr. Mojock witnessed the growth and expansion of LSSC with enrollment increasing by 79% from 2002 to 2012. LSSC was recognized among the Top 10% of Community Colleges by the Aspen Institute and was listed as a ``Best Places to Work'' in Lake and Sumter Counties. Dr. Mojock has served on many boards including the Florida College System Council of Presidents and The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Dr. Mojock's remarkable service has also been recognized on the national and state levels. He was honored with the Phi Theta Kappa Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction and the Lake County Community Service Award. I am honored to recognize Dr. Mojock, and thank him for his hard work and many contributions to the Central Florida community. After four decades as an educator, his commitment to excellence, leadership and service is to be admired. My sincerest wishes and congratulations to Dr. Mojock and his family on his retirement.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on roll call no. 587 I was unavoidably detained off of the House floor. Therefore, I was unable to cast my vote on Part B Amendment No. 5 to Rules Print 114-32, which required the federal government to track the total number, cost, and time required for each environmental review of transportation projects when reporting the status of these projects to the public. Had I been present, I would have voted YES.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize the YMCA of Central Florida and the good work they do in our community. With its focus on Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility, YMCA of Central Florida is helping us change our approach to community health and chronic disease prevention. Today, I bring to your attention how this is happening on a local level through public private partnerships. In West Orange County as part of Metropolitan Orlando, the Roper YMCA Family Center is expanding to become the community's destination for healthy living, made possible in partnership with its local healthcare system and healthcare district. Leveraging each organization's strengths and resources, the Roper Y will be making health education more accessible to thousands more residents, offering more Y Diabetes Prevention programs, and helping residents of all ages and incomes start and stick to healthier lifestyles. On behalf of the citizens of Central Florida, I wish to thank and congratulate the Roper YMCA Family Center and its partners, the West Orange Healthcare District and Health Central Hospital--Orlando Health, for their commitment to improving the health of Central Florida.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize the West Orange Times & Observer as they celebrate 110 years of publication in Orange County, Florida. From its roots, the West Orange Times has been committed to informing, educating, and entertaining their readers. Based in Winter Garden, the paper has grown and prospered with the city region into a bustling center of news, community, and growth. I met George and Anne Bailey back in 1980, when I was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives. We didn't always see exactly alike, but we became very good friends for many years. Throughout my service in both Tallahassee and Washington, the West Orange Times has remained my hometown paper, and is still delivered to my home every week. Newspapers bring a community together as a method for informing the public, sharing the highs and lows, and advertising events that knit us together. I am grateful for the leadership and involvement of the West Orange Times & Observer, their long history in our area, and their dedication to draw our community together. West Orange is stronger because of them.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to take this opportunity to recognize a close friend of mine whose dedication to the citrus industry has greatly impacted our Central Florida community. Mr. Vic Story Jr. of Lake Wales, Florida was recently named the 2015 Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Expo Florida Farmer of the Year. Mr. Story oversees The Story Companies, his family-owned and operated business, which includes land holdings, citrus management, citrus marketing and harvesting for over 7,000 acres of citrus in Polk, Hardee, Highlands, and Hendry counties. In 1945, upon returning home from fighting in World War II, Mr. Story's parents moved to Polk County, Florida and purchased 100 acres. Mr. Story, along with his brother, Terry, helped his father plant their property with an orange and grapefruit grove until all the land was planted in citrus. Mr. Story's father, Vic Sr. grew the family's grove into a successful enterprise after surviving the major citrus freezes in 1957-58. In 1965, they began purchasing other citrus groves in the area, and by 1984, they had started a harvesting company. Today Mr. Story serves as the President and Chairman of the Board of The Story Companies for the family farm. He has passed on the management of the family business to his two sons, Kyle and Matt. This October, Mr. Story and his family will head to Moultrie, Georgia for the Sunbelt Ag Expo, where he will compete with nine other state winners for the Southeastern Farmer of the Year. He is most deserving of being named 2015 Florida Farmer of the Year. His leadership, dedication, and passion continue to be an inspiration to us all.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize one of my constituents, Ms. Sofia Bilski of Windermere, Florida, for her acceptance to the People to People World Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C. Ms. Bilski was selected for her academic excellence, leadership potential and exemplary citizenship. The mission of People to People Leadership Ambassador Programs is to bridge cultural and political borders through education and exchange. To this end, People to People offers domestic and international educational programs that promote cooperation, cross-cultural understanding and leadership. It is my hope that Ms. Bilski benefitted greatly from her participation in the World Leadership Forum, and I wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize one of my constituents, Ms. Madison King of Orlando, Florida, for her acceptance to the People to People World Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C. Ms. King was selected for her academic excellence, leadership potential and exemplary citizenship. The mission of People to People Leadership Ambassador Programs is to bridge cultural and political borders through education and exchange. To this end, People to People offers domestic and international educational programs that promote cooperation, cross-cultural understanding and leadership. It is my hope that Ms. King benefitted greatly from her participation in the World Leadership Forum, and I wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize one of my constituents, Mr. Carlos Alemany of Windermere, Florida, for his acceptance to the People to People World Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C. Mr. Alemany was selected for his academic excellence, leadership potential and exemplary citizenship. The mission of People to People Leadership Ambassador Programs is to bridge cultural and political borders through education and exchange. To this end, People to People offers domestic and international educational programs that promote cooperation, cross-cultural understanding and leadership. It is my hope that Mr. Alemany benefitted greatly from his participation in the World Leadership Forum, and I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida

Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize one of my constituents, Mr. Kyle Wedekind of Winter Garden, Florida, for his acceptance to the People to People World Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C. Mr. Wedekind was selected for his academic excellence, leadership potential and exemplary citizenship. The mission of People to People Leadership Ambassador Programs is to bridge cultural and political borders through education and exchange. To this end, People to People offers domestic and international educational programs that promote cooperation, cross-cultural understanding and leadership. It is my hope that Mr. Wedekind benefitted greatly from his participation in the World Leadership Forum, and I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.