Floor SpeechNeutral2026-08-31

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF COMMUNITY LEADER GEORGE ROMAGNOLI

EnvironmentHousingVeterans

Context

On 2026-08-31, Representative Gus M. Bilirakis (R-FL-12) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF COMMUNITY LEADER GEORGE ROMAGNOLI" in the House.

Full Text

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF COMMUNITY LEADER GEORGE ROMAGNOLI

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 137 (Monday, August 31, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 137 (Monday, August 31, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E815] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF COMMUNITY LEADER GEORGE ROMAGNOLI ______ HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS of florida in the house of representatives Monday, August 31, 2026 Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of an extraordinary public servant, community leader, affordable housing advocate, and Scouter, George Romagnoli. George devoted his life and career to serving others and strengthening the communities he called home. For decades, his leadership made a meaningful difference throughout Pasco County and across the State of Florida, particularly for families seeking the stability and opportunity that come with having a safe, affordable place to call home. George spent many years serving Pasco County, including 16 years as Director of the Pasco County Community Development Department. In that role, he helped shape the County's approach to affordable housing, community development, homelessness, and neighborhood revitalization. His work was not simply about programs and policies; George understood that behind every housing initiative was a family, a senior, a Veteran, or an individual who deserved the opportunity to live with dignity and security. His expertise and commitment earned him recognition well beyond Pasco County. George served six years as Chairman of the Florida Housing Coalition, helping provide statewide leadership on affordable and workforce housing issues. He was also appointed by both Governor Jeb Bush and Governor Charlie Crist to Florida's Affordable Housing Study Commission. George carried that same commitment into the private and nonprofit sectors. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President and Senior Credit Underwriter for Neighborhood Lending Partners, where he continued working to advance affordable housing and equitable community development. Even after leaving county government, George never stopped looking for ways to strengthen communities and expand opportunity for others. That spirit of service extended far beyond his professional career. George was deeply committed to the Boy Scouts of America, serving as a Council Vice President with the Greater Tampa Bay Area Council. He believed deeply in Scouting's mission of building character, responsibility, leadership, and service in young people. He gave generously of his time and talents because he understood that investing in the next generation is one of the most meaningful ways we can strengthen our communities. Perhaps the greatest measure of George's life, however, is not found in the positions he held or the projects he helped complete. It is found in the people and communities he impacted. Whether he was helping a family find an affordable home, advocating for stronger housing policies, mentoring a young Scout, or volunteering his leadership to a community organization, George lived by the principle that our greatest responsibility is to use our talents in service to others. That is a legacy that does not end with his passing. It lives on in the families and neighborhoods strengthened by his work, in the housing professionals and public servants who benefited from his leadership, and in the Scouts and community leaders he inspired to serve others. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring George Romagnoli for his decades of distinguished service to Pasco County, the State of Florida, and the countless people whose lives were made better because of his work. I also extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and fellow Scouts. May his memory be a blessing, and may his example of service continue to inspire us all. ____________________

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HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF COMMUNITY LEADER GEORGE ROMAGNOLI Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 137 (Monday, August 31, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 137 (Monday, August 31, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E815] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF COMMUNITY LEADER GEORGE ROMAGNOLI ______ HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS of florida in the house of representatives Monday, August 31, 2026 Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of an extraordinary public servant, community leader, affordable housing advocate, and Scouter, George Romagnoli. George devoted his life and career to serving others and strengthening the communities he called home. For decades, his leadership made a meaningful difference throughout Pasco County and across the State of Florida, particularly for families seeking the stability and opportunity that come with having a safe, affordable place to call home. George spent many years serving Pasco County, including 16 years as Director of the Pasco County Community Development Department. In that role, he helped shape the County's approach to affordable housing, community development, homelessness, and neighborhood revitalization. His work was not simply about programs and policies; George understood that behind every housing initiative was a family, a senior, a Veteran, or an individual who deserved the opportunity to live with dignity and security. His expertise and commitment earned him recognition well beyond Pasco County. George served six years as Chairman of the Florida Housing Coalition, helping provide statewide leadership on affordable and workforce housing issues. He was also appointed by both Governor Jeb Bush and Governor Charlie Crist to Florida's Affordable Housing Study Commission. George carried that same commitment into the private and nonprofit sectors. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President and Senior Credit Underwriter for Neighborhood Lending Partners, where he continued working to advance affordable housing and equitable community development. Even after leaving county government, George never stopped looking for ways to strengthen communities and expand opportunity for others. That spirit of service extended far beyond his professional career. George was deeply committed to the Boy Scouts of America, serving as a Council Vice President with the Greater Tampa Bay Area Council. He believed deeply in Scouting's mission of building character, responsibility, leadership, and service in young people. He gave generously of his time and talents because he understood that investing in the next generation is one of the most meaningful ways we can strengthen our communities. Perhaps the greatest measure of George's life, however, is not found in the positions he held or the projects he helped complete. It is found in the people and communities he impacted. Whether he was helping a family find an affordable home, advocating for stronger housing policies, mentoring a young Scout, or volunteering his leadership to a community organization, George lived by the principle that our greatest responsibility is to use our talents in service to others. That is a legacy that does not end with his passing. It lives on in the families and neighborhoods strengthened by his work, in the housing professionals and public servants who benefited from his leadership, and in the Scouts and community leaders he inspired to serve others. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring George Romagnoli for his decades of distinguished service to Pasco County, the State of Florida, and the countless people whose lives were made better because of his work. I also extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and fellow Scouts. May his memory be a blessing, and may his example of service continue to inspire us all. ____________________