Castor, Kathy RSS Articles

Castor Announces 2026 Congressional Art Competition Winner “A Million Paths To Take”

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

TAMPA, Fla. – Out of 124 submissions from Tampa Bay area high school students, Blake High School Senior Cora Bowen was awarded the top prize at U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor’s annual Congressional Art Competition with the Mixed Media piece “A Million Paths To Take”. Cora’s artwork will be featured for one year in the U.S. Capitol alongside other Congressional Art Competition winners from across the country.

“The arts unite us and help us see the world through one another’s experiences. At a time when we need more connection and inspiration, these students delivered powerful, deeply personal work that also speaks to the challenges they face. I’m so proud of the talent across Tampa Bay and can’t wait to see Cora represent our community in the national competition,” said Rep. Kathy Castor.

“Senior year to me feels like an open road. A million paths to take, which one will you choose? That’s the question about 60 million eighteen-year-olds are being asked across the United States, what will you do for the rest of your life? To me, rather than something overwhelming and burdening, I feel a lot of optimism, nothing guaranteed, but something will happen, and that’s exciting to me. In my piece, I wanted to utilize untraditional mixed-media techniques, like combining collage with classic glass mosaic, to express these feelings of winding, combining, parallel, linear and exponential paths, each unique in its own way. As a magnet art student at Blake, I previously participated in Rep. Castor’s Congressional Art Competition with digital media and a sculpture. This year, I was excited to use a combination of mediums to create a unique Mixed Media piece that showcases my interest across the art disciplines,” said Cora Bowen.

A photo of Cora’s art can be found here.

Tampa and St. Petersburg are blessed with a broad range of artists and art lovers who provide a substantial economic benefit. The Arts Council and Americans for the Arts demonstrated this recently in their detailed study of the economic impact of nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties.

The results of the Hillsborough study found that in 2022, arts and culture generated $387.5 million in economic activity, supported 6,764 jobs and generated more than $76 million in tax revenue to local, state and federal governments.

The results of the Pinellas study found that in 2022, arts and culture generated $294.7 million in economic activity, supported 4,528 jobs and generated more than $58.9 million in tax revenue to local, state and federal governments.

Photos of the students’ art can be found here.

Photos from the Art Show can be found here.

U.S. Rep. Castor’s annual Congressional Art Competition is an opportunity to celebrate the art and artists of Hillsborough and Pinellas County public and private high school students. The contest features drawings, paintings, photographs and sculptures. This year, 124 entries were submitted by high school students from Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties, and 56 were chosen to be displayed at the Tampa Museum of Art. The panel of judges is made up of local artists and experts from the Tampa Museum of Art and Tampa Bay Businesses for Culture and the Arts.

U.S. Rep. Castor Blasts Trump for Selling Out Florida Families to Big Oil, Again

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

TAMPA, Fla. — U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) today blasted the Trump Administration’s latest proposal to weaken endangered species protections in the Gulf of Mexico to benefit Big Oil. Castor warned that the move risks repeating the costly damage of past disasters while doing nothing to lower prices for Americans already facing rising costs driven by the Trump Administration’s policies.

“The Trump Administration is once again bending over backward for polluters at the expense of Florida’s families, our ocean wildlife, and the coastal economy that depends on clean water and healthy beaches. The so‑called ‘God Squad’ proposal to dismantle endangered species protections is reckless, dangerous, and costly. Floridians remember the billions in damages from the BP Deepwater Horizon disaster—we refuse to let history repeat itself.

“This proposal will do nothing to address the high prices families are paying at the pump as a result of Trump’s war in Iran. Big Oil already sits on thousands of unused leases and receives billions in taxpayer subsidies. They don’t need another giveaway—especially when Trump’s policies are already making life more expensive for hardworking Americans. I will continue fighting to permanently ban drilling in the Eastern Gulf and protect our coastal way of life.

“The Gulf is central to life in Tampa Bay—supporting tourism, national security, and the livelihoods of families across our region and down Florida’s coast. Weakening these protections is a direct threat to our pocketbooks at a time when people are already being squeezed by Trump’s policies. Despite bipartisan efforts and overwhelming public support to keep drilling away from Florida’s shores, President Trump continues to put our communities at risk, selling off our treasured lands and waterways to the highest bidder.”

Dr. Michael Tomor

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the retirement of Dr. Michael A. Tomor after 40 years of working at and leading art museums across the nation, including more than a decade as Executive Director at the Tampa Museum of Art. Dr. Tomor has left a lasting impact on the Tampa Bay region through his dedication and civic leadership.

Tomor completed both his Master’s and Ph.D. studies in Art History at Pennsylvania State University. After finishing his education, he returned to his hometown of El Paso, where he began his professional career. Tomor’s work curating exhibitions, leading art education programs and directing art institutions has impacted millions, from students of all ages to artists and art lovers worldwide.

During his tenure, Tomor has been a passionate advocate for the role of art in children’s education and in uniting communities. His commitment to showcasing how museums foster learning and connection beyond the classroom reflects his dedication to enriching lives through art as a source of vitality and well-being.

Tomor’s guiding vision led him to serve as Executive Director of the Tampa Museum of Art, where he expanded the presence of artists in underserved school districts, tripling the number working directly with students. By integrating artistic activities into preschool programs, he helped develop methods that used creative expression to strengthen literacy. He later expanded these programs to serve military veterans coping with post-traumatic stress.

At the Tampa Museum of Art, Dr. Tomor oversaw a period of significant growth and transformation, reshaping the art landscape in Tampa by launching a major renovation and expansion project during its centennial year. The efforts enriched the museum’s collection by more than 1,500 works, broadened the cultural resources available to the public by adding approximately 32,000 square feet to the facility, and set the stage for an upcoming 51,000-square-foot expansion.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Tomor has remained steadfast in advocating for civic and cultural engagement. He has often spoken about the importance of representation and authenticity in leadership, stating, “art is a reflection of so many things that make us human and encourages us to look beyond the surface.”

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Dr. Michael Tomor on his retirement and thank him for his dedication and service to the Tampa Bay area. He is a shining example of how hard work and service can inspire others to reach their highest potential. His legacy will continue to shape and strengthen our community for generations to come.

Castor Praises Introduction of the Energy Bills Relief Act by SEEC Leaders

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) and 122 House Democrats, led by House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) Clean Energy Deployment Task Force Co-Chairs U.S. Reps. Sean Casten (IL-06) and Mike Levin (CA-49) introduced the Energy Bills Relief Act, a family- and consumer-focused approach to United States energy policy that ensures Americans have access to the most reliable and low-cost source of power available – renewable energy.

The SEEC Energy Bills Relief Act incorporates legislative priorities to lower energy costs for hardworking American families that U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor has championed in Congress, including policies to connect more clean energy to the grid, deploy advanced technologies, and protect families and small businesses from rising power demand.

“Trump and Congressional Republicans are making electric bills unaffordable for our neighbors back home,” said Castor. “American families deserve better than a constant struggle with the high cost of living. Clean energy is the fastest, lowest-cost resource we can add to our electric grid to help lower bills. I’m thankful for Reps. Casten and Levin’s leadership, and I’m proud to support legislation that lowers costs and commits to clean energy innovation.”

Text of the legislation can be found here.

A section-by-section can be found here.

A one-page summary can be found here. A three-page summary can be found here.

Statements of support from key issues advocacy organizations and industry leaders can be found here.

The Energy Bills Relief Act prioritizes consumers and ensures access to low-cost energy for our homes, businesses, and economy by:

Reinstating tax credits for home and system-wide energy improvements that were ended by President Trump and Congressional Republicans
Incentivizing utility companies to save consumers’ money by rewarding them for making their systems more efficient, thereby lowering bills
Providing financial assistance to American families to make sure their power isn’t shut off
Cracking down on price gouging, so energy companies can’t take advantage of you to boost their profits
Ensuring that facilities like data centers are paying for their own costs because it’s not fair for their expenses to be pushed onto your household if one opens in your area
Giving a voice to the American people so they can benefit from energy projects in their community

Electricity rates are surging nationwide, and millions of households are struggling to pay their rising energy bills. The most effective way to lower utility costs for American households is to expand access to renewable energy — the most reliable and low-cost energy source.

We have the tools to power America with abundant, reliable, American-made clean energy. The missing link between those tools and expanded access to that low-cost and efficient energy is a consumer-first energy policy.

For too long, U.S. energy policy has boosted the profits of energy producers at the expense of energy consumers. The Energy Bills Relief Act shifts our focus to lowering costs and increasing reliability for American homes and businesses by deploying more renewable energy. It is firmly rooted in the American values of choice and competition. It prioritizes consumers and ensures access to low-cost energy for our homes, businesses, and economy.

The Energy Bills Relief Act is what American families need to see costs go down, reliability go up, and ensure our electric grid can meet rising demand.

Last September, Reps. Casten and Levin released a discussion draft of the legislation under the name of the Cheap Energy Act.

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor Calls for Urgent Action to Support Freedom, Human Rights, & Economic Opportunity for the Cuban People

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

TAMPA, Fla. — U.S. Representative Kathy Castor (FL) today issued a call for swift humanitarian assistance to the Cuban people and for a broad international effort to advance fundamental freedoms and long‑overdue economic reforms on the island.

As Cuban families face shortages, repression, and blackouts, Rep. Castor urged the Trump Administration and Cuban government to act—speed food and aid, restore power, and pursue real reforms. The need has grown more urgent with the recent energy grid collapse, which plunged the country into darkness.

“The Cuban people have endured decades of hardship under communist rule, and their courage in the face of repression continues to inspire,” Rep. Castor said. “They deserve the basic freedoms, human rights protections, and economic opportunities that people across our hemisphere enjoy. The international community must stand with them at this pivotal moment.”

Rep. Castor stressed that coordinated action with allies, the Cuban diaspora, and the Catholic Church is key to peaceful change. She emphasized pairing humanitarian relief with a clear commitment to democratic principles, warning that inaction risks instability and a refugee crisis.

“Humanitarian aid is needed now, but a broad economic and political transition is essential,” Castor said. “Progress will come when the Cuban people are free to speak, organize, innovate, and build a modern economy that reflects their talents and aspirations.”

Rep. Castor reaffirmed her longstanding support for policies that promote human rights, expand economic opportunity, and strengthen connections between Cuban families and Florida communities.

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor Statement on Congressional Republicans Putting Americans’ Safety at Risk

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) released a statement following House Republicans’ failure to reform Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) without any guardrails or protections to keep Americans safe following well-documented abuses:

“President Trump and Congressional Republicans refuse to reform ICE to increase public safety after the murders of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in the streets of Minneapolis. House Republicans are enabling significant abuses of power and holding hostage the rest of the Department of Homeland Security, including TSA, Coast Guard and FEMA. Republicans should at least pass legislation I cosponsor to fund these agencies while negotiations over ICE reforms continue.

“I cannot sanction taxpayer dollars being misused to brutalize U.S. citizens and immigrant families. The Trump Administration and Republicans in Congress must come to the negotiating table on ICE funding and policies, and until they do, they must pass House Democrats’ legislation to fully fund the law-abiding components of DHS, including FEMA, TSA and the United States Coast Guard.”

Read Rep. Castor’s statement on the January 22 vote here.

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor Statement on Iran War Powers Resolution

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor released the following statement after voting in favor of House Democrats’ bipartisan Iran War Powers Resolution:

“The United States Constitution is clear: Congress—not a president acting alone—is vested with the responsibility to make the grave decision to enter into war when there is no imminent threat to the nation. The bipartisan War Powers Resolution is necessary to ensure that the American people—through their representatives in Congress—have a voice in decisions that send our troops into harm’s way and draw heavily on taxpayer money.

“Donald Trump launched the United States into a dangerous war with Iran without making the case to Congress or the American people. At a moment when families are struggling with rising grocery prices, health care bills and rent, the American people deserve honesty about the financial, strategic and human consequences of another war in the Middle East. Any action that draws America further into conflict must be grounded in law, guided by a clear strategy and built around a defined endgame—not an open-ended war that risks American lives and drains billions of taxpayer dollars away from urgent needs here at home.

“The Iranian regime’s brutality, violation of human rights and sponsorship of global terrorism are well known, but it appears that Trump did not learn the lessons of Iraq, Afghanistan or Libya. Military successes can lead to chaos and failed states if there is no long-term plan. The Iranian people deserve the freedom and dignity that a broad-based plan with countries in the region would provide.

“I’m grateful for the leadership of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) at MacDill AFB, and for the brave men and women serving in the Middle East carrying out the mission they were assigned. I do not want to see one more American soldier lose their life in a conflict that Congress never debated and never approved. This resolution is about reining in a reckless escalation and requiring the Trump Administration to come to Congress, as required by the Constitution.”

U.S. Rep. Castor Statement on Trump Admin Strikes in Iran

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

TAMPA, Fla. – Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) released the following statement on the Trump Administration’s strikes in Iran:

“I am deeply committed to protecting the safety of American service members and civilians in the Middle East at a moment when the president has initiated a new war without authorization from Congress or the consent of the American people.

“Across the country, Americans have made clear that they do not want to be drawn into another open-ended, costly conflict in the Middle East. They deserve full honesty about the financial, strategic, and human consequences of a major military escalation—especially at a time when families are struggling with rising grocery prices, health‑care costs, and rent. Any mission undertaken in their name must be grounded in law, guided by a coherent strategy, and built around a clear endgame. It cannot be an open-ended commitment that risks American lives and diverts billions of taxpayer dollars away from urgent needs here at home.

“Iranian hardliners are brutal, and their violations of human rights and sponsorship of global terror are well documented. The world wants freedom for the people of Iran, but right now, the Administration has left us with more questions than answers.

“The American people have repeatedly rejected the idea of another ‘forever war.’ History shows that the consequences of entering conflicts without defined objectives or a realistic plan to conclude them cost our nation dearly.”

Gwendolyn Henderson

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Black History Month to celebrate the life and legacy of Gwendolyn Henderson – educator, business owner, Tampa City Councilwoman, daughter of West Tampa, and champion of Black history.

The daughter of the late Asbury Henderson, a Korean War veteran, and the late Gladys Austin Henderson, Gwen was born and raised in Tampa, Fla., growing up in the working-class neighborhood of Carver City. She attended Roland Park Elementary, Morgan Woods Elementary, West Tampa Junior High School, and Pierce Junior High School. She later earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU), and a master’s degree in education as well as education specialist’s and higher education leadership degree from St. Leo University. She has also been a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority since 1994.

From Carver City to West Tampa, and then to Tampa Heights for 30 years, she was poised to serve as a well-grounded Member of Tampa City Council with a big heart for East Tampa neighbors especially. However, her true love and passion was education. Whether to her “favorite daughter” Ariel, or to the countless Hillsborough County students she was able to touch throughout her career as a teacher and mentor. Gwen started her educational career at Sligh Middle School but later transferred to Jefferson High School where she spent 25 years of her teaching career and embodied the Dragon Spirit – “Once a Dragon, Always a Dragon.”

Gwen put incredible effort into ensuring that her students had all the opportunities to grow available to them. She implemented efforts at Jefferson High School that helped showcase her students’ academic achievements and talents such as the Mr. and Miss Jefferson Scholarship Pageant, the Naturally Aware Proud and Strong (NAPS) Girl Empowerment Organization where she led by example and empowered young girls to become leaders in their communities, and the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Club, where she challenged students to consider other alternatives for higher learning and become more proud of their heritage and culture. Very shortly before passing, Gwen had launched a local, lively HBCU celebration to send-off Hillsborough County students on their way to Black colleges and universities.

After decades of being an educator, mentor, and inspiration to our young neighbors in Hillsborough County, Gwen was elected to the Tampa City Council in 2023 to represent District 5. In the City Council, Gwen continued to expand efforts she worked on as a community activist for decades.

Committed to restoring a Black-owned bookstore in the heart of Tampa, Gwen fulfilled a lifelong dream and founded the Black English Bookstore to curate reading options that represented the voice and culture of the Black community in Tampa and across all of America. Like a good book, Gwen brought comfort and community to neighbors across Tampa, while teaching us about ourselves, our culture, and our collective history. Her commitment to preserving and investing in Black-owned businesses was a pillar of her community advocacy. Her love for her hometown was evident in every action she took—from championing affordable housing and public safety to standing up for seniors and small businesses, and even supporting students and parents with free laptops when the COVID-19 pandemic forced remote learning. Gwen fought for the hopes and dreams of her community, including continuing the advocacy of rebuilding and expansion of the Fair Oaks Recreation Center in East Tampa.

Gwendolyn died too soon in 2025 – but her legacy lives on in all the hearts of the people she inspired throughout her life. Her life is a testimony of honoring Black history, Black culture, and Black lives. She is survived by her daughter Ariel Amirah Danley, her siblings, her nieces and nephews.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my Tampa Bay Area neighbors, I commend Gwendolyn Henderson for a life dedicated to public service, the preservation of Black history, and a love for the City of Tampa and its community.

Marvin Knight

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Black History Month to honor Marvin R. Knight, whose lifelong commitment to uniting people reflects the values he learned from both his family and the community that shaped him.

Marvin Knight was born in Dade City, Florida, grew up in Zephyrhills and graduated from Leto High School in Tampa in 1979. Son of Early D. and Joyce M. Knight, and the youngest of nine, Marvin was shaped by the values of a close-knit family devoted to hard work. In Zephyrhills, he got an early start picking oranges, stacking sod and collecting chicken eggs. When he moved to West Tampa in the mid-1970s, he picked up a job at Boromei-Mirabella Seafood Co., which had its origins selling fish to hungry dock workers in the 1920s that grew into a family business that thrived in community engagement. Marvin had a front-row seat to this – a family that worked together to contribute to the local economy, build community trust and make a positive impact. Marvin started at the company cleaning floors and learned from the Mirabella family about savings, responsibility and met many of influential community members. Before long, Marvin was making candidate signs, getting involved in local campaigns, and learning the in’s and out’s of public policy.

Marvin went on to earn a degree in electronic technology and computer electronics, and started working for TECO Energy in 1985. During his 36-year tenure at the company, he was a journeyman mechanic and then a senior transformer repairman. While he had the opportunity to join TECO management, he chose to stay in the union and remain active in union causes. Also, during his tenure at TECO, he continued helping out Mirabella Seafood Co., eventually going into partnership with the family and then buying them out in the 1990s. Marvin’s Oriental Fish Co. still stands today as a family-owned business that brings people together where visitors can order up fresh seafood always with a side of friendliness. The Oriental Fish Co. is also a welcome sight when seen serving up hot plates for our community – such as in the aftermath of hurricanes or on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.

While Marvin’s parents were his primary influences in learning the important work of bringing people together, he also took note of this convening power on the national stage during the Civil Rights era under the leadership of Martin Luther King, Jr. He said: “When you look at the marches, it wasn’t just African Americans, there were whites, females, Italians, Cubans .. all walks of life. He brought us together for a common cause.” In his latest effort to continue bringing our community together, Marvin launched Positive Image Tampa Bay aimed at unity through uplifting community events.

There are few causes where Marvin hasn’t lent his time, talent and treasure. He has served on the HART Board of Directors, Hillsborough County Tax Collector Advisory Board, Tampa Police Development Citizens Advisory Committee, West Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency, East Tampa Civic Association, Belmont Heights Little League Advisory Board, Robles Park Boys & Girls Club, Freddie Solomon Boys & Girls Club. He is a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Honorary Deputy, a life member of the local NAACP and a member of St. John’s Progressive Missionary Baptist Church.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my Tampa Bay area neighbors, I extend my profound appreciation to Marvin Knight whose steadfast dedication to our community, and deliberate and consistent service reflect the values instilled in him and stand as an example for all.