THE BILL ITSELF
HR 8043
Puerto Rico Day in Tallahassee
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House Resolution
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A resolution designating February 25, 2026, as "Puerto
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Rico Day in Tallahassee" at the State Capitol and
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recognizing the significant contributions of Puerto
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Ricans to Florida's cultural mosaic.
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WHEREAS, Florida is home to nearly 1.2 million proud Puerto
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Rican United States citizens, fostering a sense of unity and
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shared experiences in the Sunshine State, and
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WHEREAS, Florida embraces a diverse population, including a
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thriving Puerto Rican community that contributes substantially
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to our state, and
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WHEREAS, the storied history of Puerto Rico includes the
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Spanish American War, when the island became a territory of the
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United States in 1898, shaping its relationship with the United
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States Federal Government, and
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WHEREAS, Puerto Ricans became United States citizens under
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the Jones-Shafroth Act in 1917, contributing to the historical
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ties between Puerto Rico and the United States, and
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WHEREAS, Puerto Rico, as a Commonwealth of the United
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States since 1952, holds a unique status that contributes to its
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distinctive national identity, and
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WHEREAS, the distinguished service of the 65th Infantry
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Regiment, known as the "Borinqueneers," during various
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conflicts, earned them the Congressional Gold Medal, making them
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the first all-Hispanic unit to receive the award, showcasing
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their valor and dedication to the United States, and
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WHEREAS, Puerto Rico has made remarkable achievements in
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art, with renowned artists like Francisco Oller, a leading
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figure in the 19th-century art movement, contributing to the
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cultural landscape, and
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WHEREAS, Puerto Rico has made significant contributions to
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science, with notable figures like Dr. Antonia Novello, who
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served as the 14th Surgeon General of the United States, leading
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groundbreaking advancements in public health, and
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WHEREAS, Puerto Rico has produced distinguished public
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servants, including Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Hispanic
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and first Puerto Rican Justice of the Supreme Court of the
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United States, whose tenure represents a historic milestone in
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the nation's judicial history, and
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WHEREAS, the island's rich sports legacy, epitomized by
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legendary figures like Roberto Clemente Walker, a humanitarian
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and baseball Hall of Famer, with more than 40 schools and 200
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parks named in his honor, has left an enduring impact on the
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world of athletics, and
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WHEREAS, Puerto Ricans have made significant contributions
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to Florida's political landscape, exemplified by leaders such as
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Anthony Suarez, a former Member of the Florida House of
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Representatives, who pioneered the first Puerto Rico Day at the
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Florida State Capitol in 2000, establishing a tradition of
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honoring Puerto Rican heritage and political influence, and
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WHEREAS, the cultural exchange between Puerto Rico and
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Florida has strengthened the bonds of friendship and cooperation
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and has enhanced the overall well-being of our communities, and
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WHEREAS, the celebration of Puerto Rico Day in Tallahassee
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offers an opportunity to recognize and celebrate Puerto Rico's
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rich cultural history, traditions, and achievements, fostering
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unity among all Floridians, NOW, THEREFORE,
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Be It Resolved by the Florida House of Representatives:
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That February 25, 2026, is designated as "Puerto Rico Day
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in Tallahassee" at the State Capitol, recognizing the
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significant contributions of Puerto Ricans to Florida's cultural
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mosaic.