PRESERVING THE PAST FOR THE FUTURE IN NASSAU COUNTY, FLORIDA

PRESERVING THE PAST FOR THE FUTURE IN NASSAU COUNTY, FLORIDA

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 55 (Tuesday, March 24, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 55 (Tuesday, March 24, 2026)] [House] [Pages H2637-H2638] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] PRESERVING THE PAST FOR THE FUTURE IN NASSAU COUNTY, FLORIDA (Mr. Bean of Florida was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, sometimes the best way to preserve the past is to prepare for the future. That is exactly what has happened in Nassau County, Florida. This year, Nassau County will be recognized by the United States Environmental Protection Agency with not one, but two national awards for the American Beach Water and Sewer Conversion Project, earning distinction for both community engagement and innovative financing. Out of the thousands of projects across the country, Nassau County, Florida, stood out in two categories. At the heart of this recognition is American Beach, a place with a unique and important history. American Beach on Amelia Island, Florida, was founded during a dark time in history: segregation. It was a place where Black families could gather, rest, and build community along Florida's First Coast. That legacy still matters today, making the success of this project all the more significant. This effort, Mr. Speaker, wasn't just about the infrastructure. It was about doing the job the right way: listening to residents; many community engagements; respecting the community's history; and delivering modern, safe, and clean-for-the-environment reliable systems that will serve families for generations. It is especially near and dear for me. I was in the State legislature some 6, 7 years ago when this project first started, and I was instrumental in bringing in the State of Florida as a partner for this project. Today, I recognize the Nassau team that made it possible, including the county commissioners: Commissioner John Martin, Commissioner ``Hupp'' Huppman, Commissioner Jeff Gray, Commissioner Alyson McCullough, and Commissioner Klynt Farmer. The Nassau team also was recognized, including County Manager Taco Pope, Brandy Carvalho, and Amy Bell, and the many others, Mr. Speaker, that worked together to make it happen. Mr. Speaker, Nassau County didn't just complete a project. They set a standard, and I am happy that the Nation is now taking notice. Is It Real or Is It Fake Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, we have all been there before, watching a video online, and we pause to ask, is this real or is this fake? What if, Mr. Speaker, there was a way that would tell us instantly? Is there a way to know is this fake or is it real? Hold your phone, Mr. Speaker. Help is on the way because today, I am proud to announce a group of students from the free State of Florida who are helping meet this challenge with creativity and skill. Yes, they are the winners of Florida's Fourth Congressional District App Challenge from Stanton College Preparatory School in Jacksonville. They are: Sushaan Kandukoori, Jackson Miller, Avaneesh Parvathareddy, and Grishma Madukuri. Together, these students developed TruthSnap, a mobile app that uses--get this--artificial intelligence to instantly verify the accuracy of any video content--and here is the kicker--without the users having to leave the platform they are already on. By combining strong technical skills with thoughtful problem-solving, the team created a tool that empowers users to make informed decisions, learn the truth, and promotes greater digital literacy. Their work is a clear example of how students and student innovation can drive real- world impact and strengthen our communities. [[Page H2638]] Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Sushaan, Jackson, Avaneesh, and Grishma for their dedication to responsible information sharing and powerful use of technology. Mr. Speaker, the next time someone sees a video and says: Is this real? Be confident that smart kids from northeast Florida are helping us find the truth. ____________________