Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-06-29

HONORING DR. MELANIE MELENDEZ GARCIA AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR CARIBBEAN HERITAGE MONTH

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On 2026-06-29, Representative Darren Soto (D-FL-9) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING DR. MELANIE MELENDEZ GARCIA AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR CARIBBEAN HERITAGE MONTH" in the House.

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HONORING DR. MELANIE MELENDEZ GARCIA AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR CARIBBEAN HERITAGE MONTH

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 108 (Monday, June 29, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 108 (Monday, June 29, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E629] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING DR. MELANIE MELENDEZ GARCIA AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR CARIBBEAN HERITAGE MONTH ______ HON. DARREN SOTO of florida in the house of representatives Monday, June 29, 2026 Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Dr. Melanie Melendez Garcia as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Caribbean Heritage Month. Dr. Melanie Melendez Garcia is a Puerto Rican-born emergency physician, entrepreneur, and community leader whose dedication to healthcare and service has made a lasting impact throughout Central Florida and Florida's 9th Congressional District. After earning her medical degree and completing her emergency medicine training in Puerto Rico, Dr. Melendez Garcia moved to Florida and answered a calling that extended beyond hospital walls. Recognizing the healthcare challenges faced by uninsured and immigrant communities, she founded MG Medical Center, where she provides excellent care to Latino and immigrant families. She partnered with the Office of Refugee Resettlement and became the first clinic to successfully integrate all medical services required for unaccompanied minors' immigration medical evaluations into a single visit. In 2025, her practice was recognized by the Orlando Sentinel Media Group, in Central Florida Favorites as Best Medical Facility. While continuing to serve as an emergency physician--a vocation she remains deeply committed to--Dr. Melendez Garcia has also provided care to underserved populations through the federal Indian Health Service. Believing that service extends beyond medicine, Dr. Melendez Garcia has become an advocate for entrepreneurship and community development. She currently serves as vice president of the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida, having previously served as director of the Osceola Chapter and Director of Trustees. Through her leadership, she mentors and empowers aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly healthcare professionals, helping them transform their dreams into successful businesses. Dr. Melendez Garcia was featured in Nosotras Latina Magazine in 2023 and actively participates in faith-based and community leadership initiatives dedicated to empowering others. A devoted wife, mother, physician, and servant leader, Dr. Melendez Garcia believes that the greatest measure of success is not found in titles or accomplishments, but in the lives touched and the communities strengthened through service. ____________________

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HONORING DR. MELANIE MELENDEZ GARCIA AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR CARIBBEAN HERITAGE MONTH Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 108 (Monday, June 29, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 108 (Monday, June 29, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E629] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING DR. MELANIE MELENDEZ GARCIA AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR CARIBBEAN HERITAGE MONTH ______ HON. DARREN SOTO of florida in the house of representatives Monday, June 29, 2026 Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Dr. Melanie Melendez Garcia as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Caribbean Heritage Month. Dr. Melanie Melendez Garcia is a Puerto Rican-born emergency physician, entrepreneur, and community leader whose dedication to healthcare and service has made a lasting impact throughout Central Florida and Florida's 9th Congressional District. After earning her medical degree and completing her emergency medicine training in Puerto Rico, Dr. Melendez Garcia moved to Florida and answered a calling that extended beyond hospital walls. Recognizing the healthcare challenges faced by uninsured and immigrant communities, she founded MG Medical Center, where she provides excellent care to Latino and immigrant families. She partnered with the Office of Refugee Resettlement and became the first clinic to successfully integrate all medical services required for unaccompanied minors' immigration medical evaluations into a single visit. In 2025, her practice was recognized by the Orlando Sentinel Media Group, in Central Florida Favorites as Best Medical Facility. While continuing to serve as an emergency physician--a vocation she remains deeply committed to--Dr. Melendez Garcia has also provided care to underserved populations through the federal Indian Health Service. Believing that service extends beyond medicine, Dr. Melendez Garcia has become an advocate for entrepreneurship and community development. She currently serves as vice president of the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida, having previously served as director of the Osceola Chapter and Director of Trustees. Through her leadership, she mentors and empowers aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly healthcare professionals, helping them transform their dreams into successful businesses. Dr. Melendez Garcia was featured in Nosotras Latina Magazine in 2023 and actively participates in faith-based and community leadership initiatives dedicated to empowering others. A devoted wife, mother, physician, and servant leader, Dr. Melendez Garcia believes that the greatest measure of success is not found in titles or accomplishments, but in the lives touched and the communities strengthened through service. ____________________