The Webster Wire

Listening to Floridians

Dear Friends:

On August 26, 2021, we marked the deadliest day in a decade for our troops in Afghanistan as 13 Service Members were tragically killed by a terrorist attack. I still weep for the heartbreak their families are experiencing. I’m continuing to pray for these families as I remember and honor the lives of their loved ones.

It is important to note, the disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal and attack at Abbey Gate was not a failure of our dedicated men and women in uniform. President Biden, Vice President Harris and their advisors failed and have never fully accepted responsibility. Please join me in expressing gratitude to our active-duty troops and veterans who have served in Afghanistan, their loved ones and our gold star families. Take time to check in with your fellow warriors and family members who served. We owe them a debt we can never repay. 

Seeing and Serving You

It was a pleasure to meet Cookie Tadlock; Sumter County Student Services Specialist, Sally Moss; Sumter County School Board Member, and Debbie Moffit; Assistant Superintendent of Sumter County Schools. Every year during the back-to-school season, I personally donate backpacks and school supplies across the district in order to serve our students and set them up for success for the new school year. I was thrilled to donate backpacks full of school supplies to Sumter County Schools for their annual supply drive!

I stopped by the Villagers Homeowners Advocates (VHA) Helping Hands office to see firsthand their operations in lending medical equipment to seniors in need in our community. During my visit, I had the opportunity to meet with volunteers and tour the storage facility where their extra equipment is housed. 

I was honored to recently join the Habitat for Humanity at a groundbreaking celebration that kicked off the 7th annual partnership with the Villages Charter High School Youth Construction Academy class of 2024-2025, sponsored by Citizens First Bank. This partnership will allow the students to gain hands-on experience and vocational education, all while building homes for local families in need. Congratulations to the Villages Charter High School Construction Academy as you begin a new school year. Thank you to the Habitat for Humanity Lake and Sumter Counties leadership team for your mission in helping our community!

I recently met with residents of Grass Roots Airpark in Lake County. Grass Roots Airpark is one of the premier Florida airport fly-in communities. Residents shared with me their appreciation for aviation, and discussed the planes they fly!

 
I also met with Stephanie van Rooyen and Vidette van Wyk with Steel Worx and Storage Worx in Groveland. They have another location in Crystal River. Steel Worx Solutions is one of the top steel and metal construction companies in the industry!

I visited recently with Philip Toppino, CEO and Founder of Where Our Families Train (WOFT) in Groveland. Philip explained to me the training and courses offered at the education center to better equip families and individuals. Thank you, Phillip, for your dedication to bettering our community.

I was honored to be the keynote speaker at the Above & Beyond Pregnancy Center 1st Annual Benefit Breakfast recently. The center exists to provide women with information on all of their options to navigate through unplanned pregnancy. They provide free pregnancy tests, confidential options counseling, and ultrasounds. Thank you, Teresa Sawyer, Founder and Executive Director for your work on encouraging woman get all the answers and facts about their unplanned pregnancy before they make an important decision.