As

a courtesy to others, please silence all electronic devices during this meeting.

Citizens desiring to speak under here, the audience shall submit a request form to the city clerk prior to the meeting.

Forms are available at the door, or from our city clerk to my right.

We'll get started with a moment of silence and the pledge of allegiance led by Vice Mayor and Lady.

Thank

you.

Thank you, Vice Mayor.

We'll proceed to the proclamations and special presentation.

City Manager.

Thank you, Madam Mayor.

Our first proclamation is for Irish American Heritage Month.

And uh, if the Commission would join our recipient, uh Mr.

Greg Sean Canning from the National I'm sorry, the Florida Ancient Order of Hiberians.

Hibernians,

sorry.

This

is a proclamation for our Irish American Heritage Month.

Whereas by 1776, nearly three hundred thousand Irish nationals have emigrated to the United American colonies and played a crucial role in America's war for independence.

And whereas five signers of the Declaration of Independence were of Irish descent, and three signers were Irish born.

And whereas Irish Americans helped to fashion a system of government for our young nation, and whereas twenty-two presidents are proudly proclaiming their Irish American heritage, and whereas in 1972, Irish-born James Hoban provided the architectural plans for the White House and served as one of the supervising architects for the construction of the Capitol.

And whereas Andrew Jackson, whose family came from County Antrim, served as Florida's military governor following the acquisition of Florida by the United States.

Patrick's Day a national holiday, people will be celebrating around this globe their heritage and proclaiming themselves Irish for the day.

This proclamation coincides with festivities that are currently underway as Irish Americans once again gathered to celebrate their heritage throughout the state of Florida.

During the month of March, Irish Floridians proudly reflect on the legacy of their Irish forebearers, who have contributed significantly in the areas of education, business, sports, literature, science, engineering, medicine, law enforcement, and the arts.

These are just some of the contributions that have been made not only by the Irish, but by so many ethnic and racial groups who came to these United States from the four corners of the world, and who have assisted in developing this great country of ours.

As the current national AOH deputy secretary, the Florida State Secretary, past National Director of the Southern States, and past Florida State President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, I would like to acknowledge the esteem honor the mayor and city commissioners have bestowed upon all Irish Americans living within this community on the great state of Florida.

Thank you and have a blessing.

Our next item on the agenda is item 3B, it's proclamation for the 50th anniversary of Lighthouse of Central Florida.

And will uh Caleb Stunkard, President of Lighthouse of Central Florida, please approach the Commission.

Whereas Lighthouse Central Florida was established in 1976 to provide services that promote independence, opportunity, and dignity for individuals who are blind or visually impaired, and whereas for 50 years, Lighthouse Central Florida has positively impacted the lives of residents throughout Central Florida, including the City of Kissimmee and Aceola County through comprehensive vision rehabilitation, education, and employment services.

And

whereas Lighthouse Central Florida and its employment division, Lighthouse Works, have demonstrated a long-standing commitment to inclusive employment and economic opportunities for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

Now, therefore, the City Commission of the City of Kissimmee hereby celebrates the 50th anniversary of Lighthouse Central Florida and commends them for 50 years of dedicated service and meaningful contributions to the City of Kissimmee.

Yes, I'd like to start by once again thanking the City of Kissimmee for recognizing this really important milestone in our organization's history.

We're the only nonprofit in Central Florida that provides comprehensive vision rehab services to individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

We serve hundreds of clients every year, many of which are residents of Kissimmee.

We serve babies, toddlers, kids, teenagers, adults, seniors, and so everything we do, we're extremely proud.

We uh as you heard too, we we have a fair number of employees, hundreds of employees who are blind, visually impaired as well, um, you know, providing valuable economic contributions to our community rather than relying on it.

But none of what we do would be possible without strong community partners like the city of Kissimmee.

And so once again, I just want to thank you all for this important recognition.

We're honored to be here.

So thank

you.

Our next item is item 3C's proclamation for women's history month, and will uh the recipients of this proclamation, uh the artists of City Hall Art Exhibit, please approach the commission.

And

we have Yenny Rojas, Madison Wilkins, Jacenia Alvarez, Grace Klein, Joan Robinson, and Amelia Monroe.

And whereas Women's History Month honors and celebrates the struggles and achievements of American women throughout the history of the United States, and whereas American women have to continue to play a critical economic, cultural, and social role in our county and city.

And whereas women have played an important role throughout the history of our nation by providing the majority of volunteer labor force.

And whereas women of all walks of life, from businesswomen to volunteers to stay-at-home moms to government officials, have improved our country and our nation.

And

whereas Women's History Month is an opportunity for us to recognize the contributions of women who've made our nation and the city of Kissimmee a great place for countless years.

Now, therefore, the city of Kissimmee, the City Commission of the City of Kissimmee hereby proclaims the month of March 2026 is Women's History Month in the City of Kissimmee.

It's fine.

Thank you.

Thank you very much.

And

our next item is item 3D, it's a proclamation for Vietnam Veterans Day proclamation.

And then our recipient for tonight will be Bill Johnson, a member of the American Legion Post-10.

Whereas the Vietnam War, also known as the Second Indochina War, military struggle has was fought in Vietnam from 1959 to 1975.