State House Resolution 8069 by Representative Daisy Morales recognizes April 2nd, 2022 as Puerto Rican Heritage Day in Florida

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida State Representative Daisy Morales (D-Orlando)’s House Resolution 8069 was published in the Florida House of Representatives’ journal March 3, 2022 to recognize April 2nd as “Puerto Rican Heritage Day.”

The resolution recognizes contributions Puerto Ricans have made to the history of the state of Florida.  The resolution recognizes Juan Ponce de Leon, the first Governor of Puerto Rico, who sailed with a crew from Puerto Rico, exploring and naming Florida on April 2, 1513.

The resolution also highlights contributions made by Puerto Ricans who served in the US military during the American Revolution to help the US win its independence as well as the Borinqueneers who have been awarded the Congressional Gold Medal and the Governor’s Veterans Service Award for their service.

“April 2, 2022 marks the 509th anniversary of the founding of Florida by Puerto Rican ancestors and the beginning of their contributions to the state,” said Representative Morales, who is of Puerto Rican descent and the highest elected Puerto Rican woman in Florida.

“The military recognition holds a special significance for me as a military mom,” Morales said. “And I will continue sponsoring legislation supporting the men and women of our military.”

HR 8069 recognizes the 5.8 million residents on the island of Puerto Rico and the 1.2 million residing in Florida. Puerto Ricans are the second largest Hispanic group in the United States, and have sacrificed and contributed to building and fighting for the nation.

“This resolution provides a day when all Puerto Ricans, from the founding of the state of Florida to present, can be recognized for their contributions to the state and our nation,” added Representative Morales.

Central Florida has the largest Puerto Rican population of any region in the state and Morales represents the larges Puerto Rican population in Orange County.