Florida Pizza Destination

Floor Speech

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Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize something that brings people together across every generation, every background, and every community--pizza. Before I speak about Florida, I want to acknowledge the communities that have built America's remarkable pizza heritage. Places like New York, New Haven, Chicago, Detroit, Old Forge, and many others have shaped the history of pizza in the United States. Their traditions are woven into our Nation's culinary identity and deserve to be celebrated.

Florida's story, however, is different. Our state is not seeking to replace these legendary pizza destinations or claim their rich history. Instead, Florida has become something uniquely American--a place where many of our Nation's greatest pizza traditions come together. From Pensacola to Key West, Jacksonville to Tampa Bay, Orlando, Miami, and communities throughout the Sunshine State, talented pizza makers are serving extraordinary New York-style pizza, New Haven apizza, Neapolitan, Detroit-style, Sicilian, Roman, Grandma pies, bar pies, and countless other regional favorites. Many of these artisans trained in America's historic pizza cities before bringing their expertise to Florida. Others have immigrated from Italy and around the world, enriching our state's culinary landscape. Still others are homegrown entrepreneurs who have developed their own distinctive approaches, earning national and international recognition for their craftsmanship. Together, they have created one of the most diverse pizza cultures anywhere in the country.

Florida is also one of the world's premier travel destinations. Every year, millions of visitors come to our state to enjoy our beautiful beaches, world-class attractions, outdoor recreation, vibrant downtowns, and welcoming communities. Increasingly, they are also discovering Florida's outstanding independent pizzerias. These family- owned businesses are more than restaurants. They are small businesses that create jobs, strengthen neighborhoods, support local charities, and contribute to the economic vitality of communities across our state. Congress has previously recognized the cultural significance of regional pizza traditions. In 2024, our colleague, Representative Rosa DeLauro, proudly celebrated New Haven's extraordinary pizza heritage on the House floor. Today, I rise to celebrate a different but complementary story. Florida is not one pizza style. Florida is where many of America's great pizza traditions can be experienced together. It is where innovation meets tradition, where entrepreneurs continue to raise the standard of excellence, and where residents and visitors alike can experience an incredible diversity of flavors, techniques, and cultures. I believe it is appropriate to recognize the State of Florida as ``A Pizza Destination.'' This recognition honors the thousands of independent pizzeria owners, pizza makers, employees, and families whose hard work has helped make Florida one of the Nation's most exciting culinary destinations. It celebrates craftsmanship, entrepreneurship, tourism, and the small businesses that help define our communities. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Florida's growing reputation as ``A Pizza Destination'' and in celebrating the people whose passion and dedication continue to make the Sunshine State a place where great pizza--and great American small businesses--can thrive.

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