LaBelle City Commissioner Hilda Zimmerly was stunned Saturday, April 2, when she received a very special presentation from US Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart. A small group of family and well wishers had gathered at City Hall for the surprise event, where Mrs. Zimmerly learned she was recognized in a March 23 speech by the Congressman during the commemoration of Women’s History Month.

The award is permanently a part of the Congressional Record - there as long as the United States of America stands tall - in recognition of one woman’s efforts to better her community.

Commissioner Zimmerly had no idea she was to receive the award and was stunned when she found she was the center of attention. The Congressman’s speech touched on highlights of Mrs. Zimmerly’s life as she struggled to get through school, worked hard and raised her family, finally fulfilling her dream of becoming a teacher. In more recent years, Mrs. Zimmerly has extended her role into government as a LaBelle city commissioner for the past ten years.

He had concluded his Congressional speech, which is accessible on line, this way: “I am privileged to know Mrs. Zimmerly, and admire her commitment to the community through a career of education and dedicated public service. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Mrs. Zimmerly for her continued service to Southwest Florida, and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this remarkable individual.”

City Commissioner Hilda Zimmerly and US Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart. Photo by Patty Brant/Caloosa Belle