Honoring an Unsung Civil Rights Leader – Rep. Darren Soto

Honoring an Unsung Civil Rights Leader

Dear friends and neighbors,
We all know of Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks and Malcolm X, each household names for their involvement in Civil Rights Movement. But have you heard of Polk County’s very own Althea Margaret Daily Mills?
Ms. Mills was an unsung hero in the fight for desegregation in Florida. In 1963, at a time when Polk County Schools were still segregated, she led a successful lawsuit to desegregate schools. She did not accept the idea that her own son might receive an inferior education due to the color of his skin, nor that any other child should.
She later became the first Black career employee for United States Postal Service in Winter Haven, and the first post office station manager at Florence Villa Station. Now, the very post office she once managed is one step closer to being named in her honor. This week, the House passed my legislation to rename Florence-Villa United States Post Office in Polk County to the Althea Margaret Daily Mills Post Office Building.

In the DistrictMaking Sure Central Florida is Counted

I was thrilled to join the U.S. Census Bureau to help promote the upcoming census deadline of September 30th and provide food to families in need. Fill out the census to help fund our schools and hospitals, fix the traffic and protect our environment!In WashingtonSupporting Recovery Month

This week, I wore purple to support our Central Florida community members who have struggled with addiction. If you or someone you know is struggling with addition, click here.Casework CornerCitizenship Day

America was founded by immigrants who over generations have enriched our communities, our economy & our culture. Every time an immigrant becomes an American citizen, our union grows stronger.

This week, we celebrated Citizenship Day by recognizing our recent citizens in FL-09!
Originally from England, Katrina and her husband became citizens in 2019 after living in the United States for 12 years. Her son later followed in their footsteps and is now proud to serve our nation in the Air Force. Our office was proud to help this family become citizens!
If you live in Florida’s 9th Congressional and need help with a federal agency, please do not hesitate to contact my casework team.

We’re here to help!Committee Clip of the WeekAddressing Lack of Internet Access During COVID-19Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, I’ve seen the struggles of my wife, Amanda, an academic coach and former teacher. Our educators don’t have the proper tools to teach and too many students don’t have proper devices or sufficient internet access. We can’t let our students fall through the cracks.

During this time of stress and uncertainty, each of you should know that I am here to support you. On behalf of the hard-working families of Central Florida and all Americans, I will continue to work tirelessly with the House Democratic Majority and across the aisle to put you first and protect Americans’ health, safety and economic security. For an up to date resource guide on coronavirus or coronavirus related help, please visit my website here. Feel free to reach out to my offices in Central Florida or Washington, D.C. to voice your concerns or for any other help. 
In Community,

Rep. Darren Soto

9th District, Florida ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Contact Me
Washington D.C.1507 Longworth House Office Building

Washington, D.C. 20515
Kissimmee

804 Bryan StreetKissimmee, 

FL 34741Phone: (407) 452-1171
Haines City620 E Main Street

Haines City, FL 33844

Lake Wales

201 West Central Avenue

Lake Wales, FL 33853
Veteran’s Affairs Office

Lake Nona VA Medical Center

13800 Veterans WayAcross the Patriot’s

BrewOrlando, FL 32827
Winter Haven451 3rd St.

NWWinter Haven, FL 33881