Newsletter: The Webster Wire - 10/20/2014

Statement

The Webster Wire

Listening to Central Florida

Dear Friend,

Last Saturday, I welcomed the first of the refreshing fall weather as I went out to Clermont to encourage runners and congratulate the winners in the Miles for Meals fundraising run. The Church at South Lake, who hosted the run, has been very involved in helping the Buses n' Backpack effort to raise money to feed children facing poverty and homelessness. After the run, I was honored to participate in the American Legion Post 55 parade before the flag retirement ceremony in Clermont.

Last week, I spent a day in Sorrento, visiting local businesses and shops, and meeting with members of the community. Tonya Hodak, the owner of Cool Cuts Hot Tans, showed me her salon, introduced her hairdressers, and took me next door to visit Gigi's Italian Restaurant. Many of the business men and women we met also came to the East Lake County Chamber luncheon that afternoon, where I shared an update on federal issues and answered questions from these local business leaders.

Another visit I made in Sorrento was JA Croson LLC, a plumbing and HVAC company in Lake County. Currently employing 450 people, their leadership team arranged a reception in the conference room to provide an opportunity for their employees to make comments and ask questions. One of their employees, Tina, made an incredible cake for the occasion.

Some of my other stops in Sorrento included:
- Ace Hardware
- Catherine Hanson Real Estate, Inc
- East Lake County Library
- East Lake Historical Museum

Last Tuesday, I hosted neighborhood listening sessions in the King's Ridge and Summit Greens communities. During the past few months, it has been an honor to visit so many local gatherings, community groups, and service organizations to share what is happing on a district level, as well as within our country and around the world.

This week, I visited several other groups, including:
- Leesburg Sunrise Rotary Club
- Kiwanis Club of Clermont
- Orlando Evening Rotary Club
- North Orlando Kiwanis Luncheon
- Dr. Phillips MetroWest Chamber of Commerce Friday Leads Group

On Thursday, I joined Florida Secretary of Transportation Ananth Prasad, Winter Haven Mayor Nathanael Birdsong, City Manager Deric Feacher and other local officials for the grand opening of the Central Florida Intermodal Logistics Center. This transportation system to move freight by rail will generate both jobs and economic growth, and I am excited for the expanded opportunities it is bringing to Winter Haven and the rest of the Central Florida region.

It was a beautiful morning on Friday when I met Jim Atchison, the President and CEO of SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, to take a behind the scenes tour of the park and meet their animal caretakers, watch their trainers in action, and see the successful wildlife rescue, education, and conservation services they provide at their own expense.

Your servant,

Daniel Webster
Member of Congress

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