Above: the new office in Kissimmee

By the Caribbean Journal staff

The Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration has opened a new regional office in Kissimmee, Fla.

Governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla opened the new centre this weekend; it will replace the former Orlando office that was closed in 2009.

Garcia Padilla said the new office would help “keep, maintain and strengthen ties” with the nearly 900,000 Puerto Ricans living in the state of Florida.

“We want to help with the proceedings of the government of Puerto Rico, such as birth certificates, as well as assist with negotiations with local and state governments,” Padilla said.

He said Puerto Rico would also look to increase exports to Central Florida consumers, particularly in the agricultural sector.

“We are pleased to respond to the call of the Puerto Rican community in Florida to reopen our office in this state that is the new epicentre of our diaspora in the United States,” said Juan Eugenio Hernandez Mayoral, executive director of the PRFAA. “This office will not only provide services, but will serve as a catalyst organization to improve the quality of life of our citizens, whether living in the town of Rio Piedras or in the heart of downtown Kissimmee.”