Pathways to Opportunity (PTO) has been serving the Fort Myers community for 10 years, providing invaluable support and resources to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD),

Whereas, PTO has positively impacted the lives of over 223 individuals, offering comprehensive life skills development programs aimed at enhancing independence, promoting inclusion, and fostering personal growth,

Whereas, there are approximately 14,000 students in Exceptional Student Education (ESE) in the Lee County School District, highlighting the significant need for specialized support and services,

Whereas, PTO has been a beacon of hope and empowerment, offering tailored programs and initiatives such as financial literacy training, employment support, and community engagement activities,

Whereas, PTO has demonstrated unwavering dedication to its mission of creating pathways to independence and opportunity for individuals with IDD, and has consistently strived to break down barriers and promote inclusivity,

Whereas, there are 22,372 individuals on the pre-enrollment waitlist for Agency for Persons with Disabilities services in our region, underscoring the critical demand for the types of services and support that PTO provides,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida proclaims June 18, 2024 as Pathways to Opportunity Day And urges all residents to join in recognizing the significant contributions of PTO to our community and in celebrating the achievements of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Let us continue to support and uplift one another as we work towards a more inclusive and compassionate society.

Parks and recreation is an integral part of communities throughout this country, including Lee County; and

Whereas, parks and recreation promotes health and wellness, improving the physical and mental health of people who live near parks; and

Whereas, parks and recreation promotes time spent in nature, which positively impacts mental health; and

Whereas, parks and recreation encourages physical activities by providing space for popular sports, hiking trails, swimming pools and many other activities designed to promote active lifestyles; and

Whereas, park and recreation programming and education activities, such as out-of-school time programming, youth sports and environmental education, are critical to childhood development; and

Whereas, parks and recreation increases a community’s economic prosperity through increased property values, expansion of the local tax base, increased tourism, the attraction and retention of businesses, and crime reduction; and

Whereas, parks and recreation is fundamental to the environmental well-being of our community; and

Whereas, parks and recreation is essential and adaptable infrastructure that makes our communities resilient in the face of natural disasters and climate change; and

Whereas, our parks and natural recreation areas ensure the ecological beauty of our community and provide a place for children and adults to connect with nature and recreate outdoors; and

Whereas, the Parks & Recreation Department is actively recovering from over $28 million in damages from Hurricane Ian, impacting every single site and facility; and

Whereas, Lee County Parks & Recreation recently organized the inaugural Southwest Florida Ag Expo in which over 80,000 people attended; and

Whereas, the U.S. House of Representatives has designated July as Parks and Recreation Month; and

Whereas, Lee County recognizes the benefits derived from parks and recreation resources.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida the Board of Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, does hereby proclaim July 2024 as NATIONAL PARK & RECREATION MONTH in Lee County and urges all citizens to visit the parks, especially on the weekend of July 27th & 28th, 2024, when parking fees will be waived at Lee County regional parks, beaches and boat ramps and admission will be free at the county community pools.