The 110th Congress opened with much fanfare Thursday. The first order of business for the new Democratic-controlled House was the election of Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California as the first female Speaker in U.S. history.

All 435 members, including about 50 freshmen, gathered at the Capitol to hear Pelosi's speech. Also seated in the audience were actor Richard Gere and his wife, actress Carey Lowell, (formerly of Law and Order) and singers Tony Bennett and Carole King.

Florida welcomed five new members. Freshmen Kathy Castor (who replaced Jim Davis) was joined on the House floor by her two daughters. Castor's husband and mother, Betty Castor, watched from the gallery. Tampa Bay's other new member, Gus Bilirakis, sat with his father, former Rep. Mike Bilirakis, and his four children. Ron Klein, Tim Mahoney and Vern Buchanan also expect to be sworn in this afternoon.