Seminole County, FL, Commission Meeting
10 February 2026
Melanie Chen (207 words)

Good morning. As we begin this meeting, let us pause for a moment and recognize the shared work before us.

This month, Seminole County marks Black History Month, an opportunity to reflect on the many individuals whose efforts, skills, and perseverance helped shape the communities we live in today.

Their contributions are part of our local history, present in our institutions, our neighborhoods, and the everyday work of building a place people are proud to call home.

Writer James Baldwin reminded us, “We are responsible for the world in which we find ourselves.”

Let us take that idea seriously, as a reminder that communities are shaped by the choices people make over time.

Let us remember that care in small decisions, a willingness to listen, and steady attention to the work at hand all matter.

As this meeting moves forward, let us approach our roles as participants in a shared civic process.

·       May we listen thoughtfully.

·       May we weigh ideas carefully.

·       And may we consider both immediate needs and long-term impact. At its best, public service is an act of stewardship, grounded in responsibility and trust.

Let the work done here reflect care for this county and for the people who live and work here.

Thank you.