The Dunbar-Jupiter Hammon Public Library, serving residents since April 21, 1974, has reached a significant historical milestone as it commemorates the 50th anniversary of library service; and

Whereas, the Dunbar-Jupiter Hammon Public Library is named after Paul Laurence Dunbar, an American poet, novelist and short story writer, and Jupiter Hammon, the first African American poet to be published in the United States; and

Whereas, the library features the area’s largest collection of African American literature and materials focusing on African-American culture and history; and

Whereas, the library has served the community in its present location since 1996, flourishing and growing to 10,000 square feet, housing a collection of more than 21,000 items, and offering the community meeting space and access to public computers; and

Whereas, the Dunbar-Jupiter Hammon Public Library is dedicated to improving opportunities for children, families, and all residents of the Dunbar Community.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida does hereby commemorate this milestone, and we invite Lee County citizens and visitors to participate in the event planned in honor of the Dunbar-Jupiter Hammon Public Library’s 50th anniversary on Saturday, April 20, 2024, and visit this impactful community library.

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April is International Autism Acceptance Month, a time when our nation reflects on the unique skills individuals with autism spectrum disorder share with our community; and

WHEREAS, Family Initiative is instrumental in serving children, adolescents, and young adults on the autism spectrum through support programs, clinical services, education, and advocacy. This work is done in collaboration with the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, the Department of Children and Families, and the Agency of Health Care Administration; and

WHEREAS, Family Initiative proudly offers these services throughout Southwest Florida with the support of the Collaboratory and the United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades, and Okeechobee Counties; and

WHEREAS, Family Initiative reports serving over 2,600 unique families throughout Southwest Florida each year and continues to grow to meet the needs of the autism community; and

WHEREAS, it is critical that we provide individuals on the autism spectrum access to the resources and opportunities they need to reach their full potential and assist them in being successful in all environments; and

WHEREAS, each year in April Family Initiative hosts numerous county wide events to recognize and support individuals on the autism spectrum throughout our community, along with the invaluable business, philanthropic, and community stakeholders who support our mission.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, does hereby proclaim April 2024 as AUTISM ACCEPTANCE MONTH in Lee County.

The Gopher Tortoise has been living on the earth for 500,000 to 2 million years; and

Whereas, the Gopher Tortoise is currently listed as a threatened species in the State of Florida, and in parts of the United States they are federally listed as threatened; and

Whereas, the Gopher Tortoise is considered a keystone species, due to the protection their burrows provide to more than 350 other species, some of which are also listed as threatened; and

Whereas, a thriving population of Gopher Tortoises in our region helps to sustain the  area's ecology and provide our citizens with a source of joy and appreciation for nature; and

Whereas, recent efforts by the State of Florida are underway to help ensure that gopher tortoises are restored with secure, viable populations throughout their range in Florida.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida hereby proclaims April 10, 2024 as GOPHER TORTOISE DAY in Lee County and encourages all citizens to raise their awareness of the guidelines and conservation measures in place to help protect this species.

The Lee Board of County Commissioners recognizes the Guard and Reserve are essential to the strength of our Nation and the well-being of our communities.

Whereas, in the highest American tradition, the patriotic men and women of the Guard and Reserve serve voluntarily in an honorable and vital profession. They train to respond to their community and their country in time of need. They deserve the support of every segment of our society.

Whereas, these volunteer forces continue to serve our Nation, increased public understanding is required of the essential role of the Guard and Reserve in preserving our national security.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT The Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida proclaims March 19, 2024 as EMPLOYER SUPPORT FOR THE GUARD AND RESERVE DAY
in Lee County, as we join other employers in pledging our support and urge all employers in Lee County to join us in our support of Guardsmen, Reservist, transitioning Service members and Veterans.

Food is the substance by which life is sustained; The type, quality, and amount of food that individuals consume each day plays a vital role in their overall health; and

Whereas, there is a need for continuing nutrition education and a wide-scale effort to enhance healthy eating practices; and

Whereas, National Nutrition Month is an annual nutrition education and information campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; and

Whereas, the campaign celebrated each year, during the month of March, focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits; and

Whereas, the overall health and well-being of our residents is of paramount importance to Lee County and Lee Health;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida proclaims the month of March NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH in Lee County, FL and encourages all citizens to join the campaign and become concerned about their nutrition and the nutrition of others in the hope of achieving optimum health for both today and tomorrow.

The American Red Cross fulfills a unique and vital role in our community, providing help and hope, in the face of emergencies and disaster, and is a true reflection of the humanitarian and volunteer spirit of the American people; and

Whereas, for over seventy-nine years, United States Presidents have called upon people to support the American Red Cross and its humanitarian mission.  President Franklin D. Roosevelt was the first to proclaim March as Red Cross Month in 1943.  Since that time, every president has issued proclamations designating March as Red Cross Month; and

Whereas, the American Red Cross has been helping people for one hundred and thirty-nine years, responding to disasters and assisting members of the military, teaching lifesaving skills, and serving as one of the largest blood suppliers in the United States; and

Whereas, nationally, the American Red Cross responds to an average of nearly two hundred disasters every day.  The organization provides a round-the-clock link between those in the military and their families, and supplies blood and blood products to approximately three thousand hospitals and transfusion centers across the country; and

Whereas, we applaud the American Red Cross’ mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies, and our community depends on the American Red Cross, which relies on volunteers and the generosity of the public to perform its mission.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida proclaims the month of March as AMERICAN RED CROSS MONTH in Lee County and encourages all citizens to support the work of service and relief organizations that help support our community.

There are thousands of children and adults in Lee County who have intellectual and developmental disabilities; and

Whereas, the Lee Association for Remarkable Citizens, known as LARC, has been advocating for and serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Lee County since March 12, 1954, and celebrated 70 years of service on March 12, 2024; and

Whereas, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities frequently require specialized services, training and support for extended periods of their lives, and due to improved care their lifespans often exceed that of their parents and caregivers; and

Whereas, the support provided by family members, caregivers, friends, professionals and concerned citizens enable individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to participate more freely in education, employment, and community living; and

Whereas, this month we join with LARC to recognize and support individuals   with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their right to achieve the universally desired goals of self-fulfillment, purposeful engagement and inclusion in their communities so that they may reach their fullest potential;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida does hereby proclaim March 2024 as INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY AWARENESS MONTH in Lee County and recognizes the many achievements made by these citizens and their potential to achieve to continue to grow and contribute as remarkable members of our community.

Each year the month of March is identified as Women’s History Month and is a time when our nation reflects on the valuable contributions women make to our society; and

Whereas, Pace Center for Girls believes that all young women are tomorrow’s leaders full of immense potential, talent, and promise; and

Whereas, Pace Center for Girls is instrumental in helping provide a better future through education, counseling, training and advocacy and envisions a world where all girls and young women have power, in a just and equitable society; and

Whereas, Pace Center for Girls recognizes the unique needs of young women and collaborates with the Florida’s Department of Children and Families, Department of Education, and Department of Juvenile Justice to learn and be supported by communities that believe in their value; and

Whereas, Pace Center for Girls reports a 100% success rate of keeping girls out of the juvenile justice system; and

Whereas, February 5th, 2024, marked the seventeenth anniversary of Pace Center for Girls providing services in Lee County.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida proclaims that March 2024 shall be known as BELIEVING IN GIRLS MONTH in Lee County and encourages all residents to honor the female spirit and promote the potential within all girls and women.

By 1776 nearly 300,000 Irish nationals had emigrated to the American colonies and played a crucial role in America's War for Independence; and

Whereas, Irish Americans helped to fashion a system of government for our young Nation with five signers of the Declaration of Independence being of Irish descent, three signers being Irish-born, and twenty two Presidents having proudly proclaimed their Irish American heritage; and

Whereas, in 1792 Irish-born James Hoban provided architectural plans for the White House and served as one of the supervising architects for the construction of the Capitol; and

Whereas, Irish-born Commodore John Barry, who fought the last sea battle of the American Revolution off the coast of Florida, was recognized by the United States Congress in September of 2002 as the "First Flag Officer of the United States Navy"; and

Whereas, the Irish first came to Spanish "La Florida" in the 1500s - first as missionaries and mercenary soldiers and then as planters, traders, businessmen, doctors and administrators; and

Whereas, three of the Spanish Governors of "La Florida" were actually Irish military officers; and

Whereas, Fr. Richard Arthur, an Irish-born priest from Limerick who was appointed parish priest for St. Augustine in 1597 and ecclesiastical judge of "La Florida," established the first public school in America and opened it to both boys and girls of all races; and

Whereas, Andrew Jackson, whose family came from County Antrim, served as Florida's military governor following its acquisition by the United States; and

Whereas, Irish Americans, since America's inception, have provided and continue to provide leadership and service to this nation's political, business and religious establishments; and

Whereas, it is fitting and proper to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and the many valuable contributions of Irish Americans

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida proclaims that March 2024 shall be known as IRISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH in Lee County.

Recognizing Sheriff's Office Staff and Sheriff Carmine Marceno

Engineers help to design, construct, and maintain the infrastructure and facilities that contribute to the quality of life of all the residents of Lee County; and

Whereas, maintaining the quality of life in Lee County during periods of substantial growth and uncertain economic times depends on engineers developing innovative, creative, and high-quality solutions to technical problems; and 

Whereas, engineers, above all else in the practice of their profession, hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public; and

Whereas, through the celebration of Engineers Week each year, the Florida Engineering Society and its Calusa Chapter are dedicated to sustaining and growing a dynamic engineering profession by ensuring a diverse and well-educated future engineering workforce and raising public understanding and appreciation of engineering contributions to society; and

Whereas, the Board of County Commissioners wishes to recognize and honor those individuals who live and work in Lee County and who practice the profession of engineering in an honorable, responsible, ethical, and competent manner; and to recognize and honor those students who have chosen to be educated to follow a career path in the field of engineering.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida does hereby proclaim that the week of February 18 through February 24, 2024 be designated as ENGINEERS WEEK in Lee County.

Lee County welcomes the Minnesota Twins and their fans back for their 34th Spring Training season in Lee County at the newly-renamed Lee Health Sports Complex; and Lee County welcomes the Boston Red Sox and their fans back for their 32nd Spring Training season in Lee County, and the 13th at JetBlue Park; and

Whereas, Lee County is incredibly proud of the three-decade-long partnership with both teams; and with winter raging on in both Minneapolis and Boston, we welcome fans to enjoy America's favorite pastime in the sunshine and to help our community continue to thrive in our restoration efforts from the impacts of Hurricane Ian in September 2022; and

Whereas, The Red Sox and Twins are exemplary community partners, aligning themselves with many local non-profits and youth organizations, as well as showing immense support for hurricane relief efforts including the use of spring training facilities for various volunteer staging, relief efforts and fundraising activities; and

Whereas, the 2024 Spring Training season will mark another step to getting back to normalcy as Lee County continues to recover and rebuild, with Lee County again being a special part of Twins Territory and also a second home to Red Sox Fans.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida - along with Lee County's Parks & Recreation Department, Visitor & Convention Bureau, Sports Development Office and Facilities Construction & Management Department - do hereby proclaim its full support for both the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins organizations, and we send our most sincere best wishes for success in the upcoming 2024 baseball season.

Lee Health Partner in Wellness

Fairs are an American tradition that bring together neighbors and strengthen the social fabric of communities; and

WHEREAS, Lee County has a rich history of excellence in agriculture, education and industry; and

WHEREAS, the Southwest Florida Ag Expo showcases this heritage while providing entertainment, education and competition in a fun, family-friendly setting at the Lee County Civic Center Complex; and

WHEREAS, this year’s extravaganza also includes numerous exciting events, such as Creative Living’s arts and crafts, and livestock shows and sales; and

WHEREAS, the Southwest Florida Ag Expo also features an expanded carnival with spectacular Reithoffer Shows’ midway rides and kiddie attractions, free concerts, and promotional days for families; and

WHEREAS, the growth and success of the event, anticipated to draw thousands of people daily, is a testament to the quality of programming and the dedication of the staff, volunteers, community, and the youth participants of 4-H, FFA and PeeWees of Southwest Florida; and

WHEREAS, the 2024 Southwest Florida Ag Expo will be held for 11 consecutive days, and this year’s theme “Let the Good Times Roll” celebrates community, youth competitions, entertainment and fun for everyone.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, does hereby declare February 29 – March 10, 2024, as Ag Expo Days in Lee County and urges all residents and visitors to celebrate the county’s rich heritage by attending this exciting event and enjoying the rides, food, entertainment, exhibits and fellowship.

We, the community members, proudly acknowledge the unwavering dedication and sacrifices of our local service members and their families, as well as our esteemed veterans; and

Whereas, a team of over 15 volunteers, with heartfelt commitment, stands united to support and uplift our military community during deployments and beyond; and

Whereas, these dedicated volunteers actively engage in supporting veterans by offering referrals, assistance with various organizations such as Lee County Human & Veteran Services, United Way MISSION UNITED™, Red Cross, American Legion posts, VFW posts, Home Base Veteran Family Care, and more; and

Whereas, the volunteer team diligently works to ensure that vulnerable veterans and their widows receive the benefits and resources they need, leaving no room for them to fall between the cracks; and

Whereas, for the past two decades, this remarkable team has sent 125,000 pounds of care boxes to our local service members deployed overseas, supporting over 2,300 local men and women in the military; and

Whereas, the team actively participates in the VA Food Pantry, extending their outreach by attending twice a month to provide essential items needed by the clients of the VA Clinic; and

Whereas, the collaborative efforts of Lee Health, the American Red Cross, the United Way’s MISSION UNITED™, and Home Base Veteran Family Care have resulted in the creation of the Veteran Visitation Program at Cape Coral Hospital, setting an inspiring example as the first program of its kind in a civilian hospital; and

Whereas, the team's commitment extends beyond hospital visits, encompassing activities such as organizing Suite Support for the Military with the Florida Everblades, promoting the Collier-Lee Honor Flight, assisting returning home veterans and their families with community resources through United Way and MISSION UNITED™, and actively participating in fundraisers for the Military Support Program during holidays;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida expresses our deepest gratitude and appreciation for the selfless efforts of these dedicated volunteers. Their commitment to supporting our military and veteran community is a testament to the strength and compassion that binds us together. We acknowledge and commend their outstanding contributions, fostering a community where service members, veterans, and their families are valued, supported, and never forgotten.

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