Bob Morgan didn’t expect to be on the stage with a member of Congress on April 6.
The Brooksville retiree is a regular at numerous government meetings and a participant in activities like the county DOGE panel. When there are items on a local government agenda, he often comes forward to speak and delivers straight and well-researched facts about an item he supports or opposes.
Morgan was among a group of 40 people and organizations that 12th District U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis honored at the Elks Lodge on County Line Road.
Morgan was recognized for his work with Habitat for Humanity. His membership on the county’s DOGE panel also was noted.
At the April 7 County Commission land use meeting, commissioners congratulated Morgan for his recognition.
County Commissioner Brian Hawkins, who attended the ceremony, mentioned it at meeting.
“He’s in the Congressional Record now for eternity,” Hawkins said.
Morgan keeps commissioners on their toes, County Commissioner Steve Champion said. “He sends information and he’s on top of every one of these things,” Champion said. “You come forward and give us the facts, and I appreciate that.”
On the record
Before handing out awards, Bilirakis told attendees he had entered his remarks on each honoree into the Congressional Record, making them a part of the permanent historical record.
Summer Blevins, his aide, read the complete speech Bilirakis had submitted for each person, though he paused partway through to let her take a short break.
Every recipient received a certificate with a copy of Bilirakis’ speech listing their volunteer accomplishments.
A link to each remark in Congress is available at https://tinyurl.com/5yz5rxac.
Hernando County volunteers
Volunteers from organizations in Hernando, Pasco and Citrus counties were recognized. Here is a list of the Hernando County honorees:
- Robert (Bob) Morgan and Lynn Skelton of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside.
- Sgt. Dustin Adkins, Deputy Jason Deso, Deputy Chris Morito, Deputy Ashley May, Deputy Lauren Janezic, Deputy Victor Latty, Deputy Brian Timothy, Deputy Ben Witherell, Deputy Jack Evans and Deputy Juan Perez of the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office.
- Chris Hogarth, Christine Smith and Mary Christopher of Habitat for Humanity of the Nature Coast.
- Mike Tutko of the United Way of Hernando County.
- Freddie Hinson Jr. and Martha Maner of the Hernando County Family YMCA Togetherhood Program.
- Katie Henry and William Bair of the Hernando County Family YMCA.
- Ellen Frank of People Helping People Hernando County.
- Kaitlyn Berleth and Jessica Scalise (HT-VOLUNTEERS17-04152026) of You Thrive Children’s Advocacy Center.
- Brittney Forcino, John Loetscher and Brandon Mowatt of Brooksville Main Street.
- Otis Greene III of the Ridge Manor Community Project.
- Jamie Mick of the Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind.
- Sally Wellman of Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services of Florida Inc.
- Tammy Brinker of the Hernando County Education Foundation.
- Robert “Bob” Hinson of the Elks.
