On the recordFebruary 11, 2019
Mr. Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I want to recognize Anna M. Pinellas. Anna M. Pinellas and her husband, Louis C. Pinellas, moved to Kissimmee, Florida, in 1981, after having worked in local government in Washington, Maryland, and Virginia. Having knowledge in securing funds for various projects, she was hired by the city of Kissimmee and was able to secure grants for the infrastructure around Osceola Square Mall, the paving of Hill Street, and John Young Parkway, the first of those grants being $750,000. {time} 2015 She was also hired by Osceola County government to secure Federal funds for projects, which include bringing Head Start back to Osceola County, refurbishing the old courthouse, and the establishment of a salary plan for Osceola County employees. One of her primary goals was to pursue the establishment of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday in the city of Kissimmee, city of St. Cloud, Osceola County, and the school board. Thirty-four years ago, Pinellas founded Osceola Visionaries, Inc., a nonprofit corporation devoted to honoring and celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. before the holiday was observed. Today, Pinellas continues to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by hosting their annual banquet and holding programs for the central Florida community. And for that, Mrs. Pinellas, we honor you. Recognizing Beverlye Colson Neal
