The Webster Wire

Listening to Floridians

Dear Friends:

Congratulations to Trivin Dao, of Legacy High School for being selected as the 1st Place Winner of my 2025 Congressional Art Competition! Trivin’s “A Sunshine State of Mind” was drawn with colored pencil and will be shipped to Washington, DC for display along with winning artwork from other districts nationwide. The judges and I were in awe of the artwork submitted by 99 high school students from across District 11.   

2025 District 11 Winners:

• 1st Place Overall Winner: Trivin Dao, Legacy High School
• 2nd Place Overall Winner: Gabrielly Villegas, South Sumter High School
• 3rd Place Overall Winner: Ashlyn Cunningham, Montverde Academy

Individual County Winners:

• Orange County Winner: Simaran Thomas, Orlando Science High School
• Sumter County Winner: Madisyn Haugabrook, South Sumter High School
• Lake County Winner: Alicia Brown, Lake Minneola High School

I look forward to displaying the artwork from this year’s winners in my district and Washington, D.C. offices.

Standing Up for American Farmers

Recently, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced its intent to withdraw from the 2019 Tomato Suspension Agreement with Mexico – a long-overdue decision that marks a significant victory for Florida farmers and American consumers alike. The original agreement was intended to protect American tomato growers by requiring Mexican producers to sell their tomatoes at fair-market prices. However, Mexico continued to undermine this agreement, flooding our market with produce that undermined American farmers, distributors, and consumers.  

As one of the nation’s leaders in tomato production, Florida’s delegation has consistently opposed the 2019 agreement. Through numerous letters sent to the Department of Commerce, I have called for the termination of the agreement in defense of the American tomato industry. Thanks to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and the leadership of President Trump, we have finally taken the first step to establish new trade policies that will ensure the protection of the U.S. tomato industry and the farmers who put food on tables across the globe!

Seeing and Serving You

It was great to be in the district last week meeting with students, small business owners, and community leaders.

On Tuesday, I attended the Lake County Sheriff’s Volunteers and Sheriff Citizens Academy Alumni Appreciation Dinner alongside Sheriff Peyton Grinnell. I was proud to deliver a message of heartfelt thanks to the dedicated volunteers who give so generously of their time and talents to serve our community. Their hard work and commitment saved Lake County taxpayers an extraordinary $696,391 through their volunteer service. Thank you to the many volunteers and law enforcement who continue to keep our communities safe.

In Winter Garden, I visited Ed and Rose Serano of Serrano’s Farm. Working alongside Mark Pester of Backyard Farm Express, who was hired to design and manage the farm, the Serranos have built a thriving open-air agricultural operation. The farm features aquaponic farming systems, various fruit trees, and a lively flock of Jersey chickens. Beyond growing healthy fruits and vegetables for families, the Serranos have made a commitment to giving back to the community.

It was great to speak to members of the Rotary Club of Lake Buena Vista and share an update on my recent votes, bills introduced and other actions taken in D.C. and answer questions.  After the meeting, I toured the Wyndam Lake Buena Vista Hotel which hosts the Rotary Club.

Congrats to the winners of the Lake-Sumter Homebuilders Association 2025 Parade of Homes.  It was a pleasure to meet the winners and members of the homebuilders association.  I shared an update of my recent actions in Washington and answered questions.

Your servant,

Daniel Webster
Member of Congress