HONORING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LEWIS BEAR COMPANY

On 2026-09-14, Representative Jimmy Patronis (R-FL-1) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LEWIS BEAR COMPANY" in the House.

HONORING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LEWIS BEAR COMPANY

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 144 (Monday, September 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 144 (Monday, September 14, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E907] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LEWIS BEAR COMPANY ______ HON. JIMMY PATRONIS of florida in the house of representatives Monday, September 14, 2026 Mr. PATRONIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a true Northwest Florida institution, The Lewis Bear Company, which is celebrating 150 years of serving Northwest Florida. For generations, the Bear family has been part of the fabric of the Panhandle. In 1876, Lewis Bear, opened a small grocery and chandlery shop on South Palafox Street. What he started 150 years ago has grown into a family business that continues to serve Northwest Florida today. That kind of longevity does not happen by accident. It takes hard work and a commitment to the community you call home. The Lewis Bear Company has grown and changed with Northwest Florida, but it has never lost sight of its roots. Today, five generations later, the company employs hundreds of Floridians and serves thousands of businesses throughout the region. But the Bear family's legacy is about much more than business. They have consistently given their time, resources, and energy to organizations across our community, helping make Northwest Florida a better place. As someone who is proud to serve Northwest Florida, I know how much companies like Lewis Bear mean to our region. They are a reminder that when a family builds a business, they are not just building something for themselves, they are building something for the community and for the generations that follow. For 150 years, the Lewis Bear Company has been a part of the story of Northwest Florida. I congratulate the Bear family and everyone who has been part of this incredible legacy on this remarkable milestone. I look forward to seeing the Lewis Bear Company continue its tradition of serving our community for generations to come. ____________________