E-Newsletter: Big Win for Florida

Statement

Dear Friend,

Recently, the House of Representatives passed a bill that I cosponsored called the Success and Opportunity through Charter Schools Act, which provided expanded educational choice and opportunity for parents and students. While I was in the district last week, I visited quite a few educational facilities, including several charter schools. I met teachers, answered questions from students, and visited lots of classrooms.

On Monday, I stopped by Hope Charter School and Legacy High School in Ocoee to meet with one of the founders, Crystal Yoakum. I received a tour of their current facility and also visited their expansion site. I had the opportunity to address a couple of high school classes, observe the kindergarten students, and meet many of the teachers and administrators. The school has a 100% graduation rate so far, and is doing an exceptional job in educating their students, many of whom are disadvantaged or facing learning disabilities.

Some of the other schools I visited last week included:

- West Orange High School to present the Danniel J. Petro educational scholarship awards
- Blankner Elementary School's 4th grade class in Orlando
- Oak Ridge High School with City Year Orlando
- Cornerstone Charter Academy and High School in Belle Isle
- Treasures of Life Academy in Winter Haven
- Milestones Community Charter School in Leesburg
- Carver Middle School's 7th grade civics class in Leesburg

Last Tuesday, I toured the Lake Eustis Care Center, a skilled nursing and assisted living facility that offers therapy and medical services. I enjoyed talking with the residents, including Irene and her husband, who have been married for 77 years. Earlier that day, I also stopped by Woodlands at Church Lake to answer questions and talk to the Lake County seniors living in that retirement community.

With over one hundred brands worldwide, Mars, Inc., is a private, family-owned manufacturer of chocolates, confectioneries, petcare, and dozens of other products. On Wednesday, I met with executives in Orlando to hear more about the Mars family and corporate goals, and to explore the exclusive merchandise they offer at the M&M Retail Store in the Florida Mall.

Last week was recognized as National Small Business Week, and I had the opportunity to visit many small businesses, including Dr. Al Turri's newest office for Harmony Hearing Centers in Dr. Phillips. In 2009, Dr. Turri opened his first office in Clermont, and has now expanded to five locations in the Central Florida area.

Last Tuesday, I stopped by the Lake Technical Center to meet with local mentors from SCORE and thank them for their assistance to area entrepreneurs. Celebrating their 50th anniversary this year, SCORE offers free counseling and advice to small business owners to help them grow and succeed. Click here to learn more about SCORE.

Other small businesses I visited included:

- Family Jewelry and Pawn at their newest location in Minneola
- 4C Print Shop, a family owned and operated business in Minneola
- AW Peterson Gun Shop in Mount Dora
- TMS Treatment Centers of America in Dr. Phillips
- United Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, a family business in Auburndale
- Barton Commercial Park and Storage Facility in Auburndale
- LA Treasure, an antique store in Lake Alfred
- Luigi's Italian Restaurant in Lake Alfred

For more pictures and information on these and additional visits that I made in the district this week, you can follow me on Twitter @RepWebster or go to my Facebook page, Representative Daniel Webster.

Your servant,

Daniel Webster
Member of Congress

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