Commissioner Diane Velazquez says goodbye to the Apopka City Council

Apopka City Commissioner Diane Velazquez closed out her final meeting on the City Council with this statement during the City Commissioner's Reports:

Commissioner Diane Velazquez

"I want to thank everyone who has made this journey a wonderful experience for me. I'm privileged and honored to have served our community. There were so many things I wanted to accomplish. I felt that I did and one of them is just having so many of you come to these Council meetings and just having more of our community aware of the process of city government. I love the opportunity to go out in the community and connect with you at events, family meetings, and going to all types of services. It's something I really enjoyed. I really wanted to be a part of Apopka and make it my home. And one of the things I'm most proud of is assisting Christopher Lamphere with his Eagle Scout project to bring the 9/11 memorial to Apopka. It's something that my husband Ed and I are proud of and it's historical. I'm honored to have been a part of that. It's been a pleasure working up here with all the commissioners and the mayor. And they're right, you don't always see eye-to-eye on things, but I always had a lot of respect for each of the commissioners and the mayor. They all bring different strengths to this Council. I love that they share their knowledge and wisdom. It's something that I think that is important to being a public servant. I just want to say thank you to everyone who was a part of my life these past four years, especially my husband Ed. It's been a privilege to serve the City of Apopka."

Earlier on a Facebook post before the City Council meeting, she posted this statement:

Tonight is the last City Council public meeting I will serve as Commissioner representing our families & businesses of our hometown, Apopka. Thank you for the privilege of allowing me to serve and represent you. My former profession, 21 years in law enforcement, provided me with the experience, wisdom & knowledge to continue to grow as a public servant. These past four years has been a journey I embraced knowing the time & dedication it required to succeed. Apopka is my hometown. This has been a wonderful & enriching experience. Thank you to the entire City Staff; All the First Responders & Council members for their support & sharing their knowledge & expertise these past 4 years. Congratulations to Vice Mayor Billie Dean retirement with 25 years of dedicated service to the City of Apopka. Congratulations to the newly elected council taking over the leadership & planning the future success of Apopka. Thank you for the privilege to serve you, Apopka. A special recognition to my husband, Ed, for his support & dedication throughout my public service.

Stay with The Apopka Voice for more details today and in the coming days on Velazquez, Mayor Joe Kilsheimer, and Commissioner Billie Dean's terms in office, as well as the swearing-in of Mayor-Elect Bryan Nelson and Commissioners-Elect Alice Nolan and Alexander Smith.