The Old Lee County Courthouse, one of Lee County's most significant historic resources, was completed in December 1915; and

Whereas, the Old Lee County Courthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on March 16, 1989; and

Whereas, the Old Lee County Courthouse has been a center of the County's social and civic life for a century; and

Whereas, the Old Lee County Courthouse is historic but is also a vital part of life in the County today as the home for the Lee County Board of County Commissioners and the Commission Chambers;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida today celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the Old Lee County Courthouse for the role it has served in Lee County's rich history but also for its place in the county's future.

We as citizens of this community, recognize the worldwide problem of violence against women occurs even here in Lee County, Florida; and

Whereas, violence against women is traumatic to the body, mind and spirit and can prevent people from being fully active participants at home and in the world; and

Whereas, in spite of some progress, we need only to look at our newspapers or watch a television newscast to see the unfortunate truth that violence against women has not yet been eliminated here in Lee County or around the world; and

Whereas, violence against women costs the nation billions of dollars annually in medical expenses, police and court costs, shelters and foster care, sick leave, absenteeism and non productivity; and

Whereas, we applaud the efforts of individuals and organizations such as the Zonta Club of Fort Myers, the Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva, and the Zonta Club of Bonita Springs, to raise awareness, stimulate discussion, and advocate for local solutions that will curb violence against women;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida does hereby recognize the work of these Zonta Clubs, along with the United Nations and Zonta International in their campaign, “Zonta Says No to Violence Against Women” which works to reduce violence against women through education and awareness.

4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills; and

WHEREAS, the Lee County 4-H Youth Development Program exists to develop young people, ages 5 through 18, and has served young people in our state since 1909; and

WHEREAS, the 4-H Program has molded itself to meet the needs of our citizens by focusing on developing rural, suburban and urban youth and, through the Florida Cooperative Extension, teaches youth by utilizing the research and knowledge base of our state’s land grant institutions, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Florida; and

WHEREAS, through “learning by doing” experiences, young people in the 4-H Program practice life skills with the guidance of caring adult volunteer mentors and Cooperative Extension faculty and staff; and

WHEREAS, 4-H provides Lee County youth the opportunities to develop positive relationships, competencies and attitudes that will assist them in making positive choices for their lives, thereby effectively preparing them to meet the challenges of becoming productive citizens.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida does hereby proclaim the week of November 2 through November 8, 2015 as 4-H WEEK in Lee County.

There are an estimated 2,816 homeless in Lee County.  The homeless count completed in January 2015 indicated that of the sampling, 28% were chronic homeless, 10% were veterans, 56% reported having a disabling condition and 6% were families with children; and

Whereas, the primary cause of homelessness is poverty and the lack of housing that is affordable to very low income people, further complicated by domestic violence, substance abuse and mental illness; and

Whereas, the mission of the Lee County Homeless Coalition is to advocate, educate, and promote awareness of issues and obstacles facing homeless individuals in Lee County through community collaboration, planning and implementing solutions; and

Whereas, the month of November is designated as Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Month to educate the public and bring awareness to the needs of the homeless; and

Whereas, the Lee County Homeless Coalition will sponsor the “Homeless Challenge- Walk a Mile in their Shoes” as an educational program providing awareness to those who participate. The Challenge will take place on November 14.  During this event participants will become familiar with the social services network and methods of everyday survival for those who live on the streets. This Challenge will provide a life-altering experience with the power to effect change.
 
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida that we do hereby proclaim the month of November 2015 as:

“HUNGER and HOMELESSNESS AWARENESS MONTH”

in Lee County and recognize that this is a month of special importance and encourages all citizens to recognize that many people do not have housing and need support from citizens, and private/public nonprofit service entities.

Education is a vital part of the well-being of our county, and teachers help to provide education for people of all ages; and

WHEREAS, our education system is full of devoted educators who dedicate their career to sharing their knowledge and passion for learning with students; and

WHEREAS, citizens in Lee County entrust teachers to educate and mold their children to become productive citizens and successful contributors to our community; and

WHEREAS, Lee County is home to many retired educators who have spent much of their lives giving their time, energy, and best efforts to empower and strengthen our students.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida does hereby recognize November 15, 2015 as

RETIRED EDUCATORS DAY

in Lee County to celebrate and acknowledge Lee County's retired teachers for their dedication to educating our students.

10-20-15 Length of Service Awards

Florida’s future prosperity depends on nurturing the healthy development of over four million children currently living, growing, and learning within our many diverse communities; and

WHEREAS, the abuse and neglect of children can cause severe, costly, and lifelong problems affecting all of society, including physical and mental health problems, school failure, and criminal behavior; and

WHEREAS, research also shows that parents and caregivers who have social networks and know how to seek help in times of trouble are more resilient and better able to provide safe environments and nurturing experiences for their children; and

WHEREAS, individuals, businesses, schools, government, and faith-based and community organizations should make children  a top priority and take action to support the safety, physical, social, emotional, and educational development and well-being of all children; and

WHEREAS, October 24th is the Tenth Annual Walk to Prevent Child Abuse, and Children’s Network of SWFL, in collaboration with the Florida Department of Children and Families, will be engaging communities throughout Lee County in a coordinated effort to prevent child abuse and neglect through promoting awareness and gaining support for families in need within our community;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, does hereby proclaim that October 24, 2015 shall be known, designated, and set aside as

STEP UP ~ PROTECT OUR KIDS WALK TO PREVENT CHILD ABUSE DAY

in Lee County and urges all residents to engage in the Walk to Prevent Child Abuse to strengthen families and communities by raising awareness.

Among Floridians 65 and older, falls account for more than 75 percent of all fractures treated in emergency departments; and

Whereas,  falls are the leading cause of death and non-fatal injuries among Florida’s senior population  and result in significant physical, personal, social and economic burden; and

Whereas, it is estimated that annually there are more than 150,000 hospital-treated injuries from falls among Floridians 65 and older, with medical charges exceeding 3 billion dollars; and 

Whereas, injuries from falls are a preventable community health problem; and

Whereas, falls prevention education is a key first step to increasing public awareness regarding elder falls prevention and home safety; and

Whereas, cost-effective home modification and community strategies are available to improve safety and lessen the likelihood of falls and the debilitating injuries that can result; and

Whereas, the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, the Florida Department of Health, Lee Memorial Trauma Center, and Area Agencies on Aging, in partnership with the Lee County Injury Prevention Coalition and the “Step WiseLee” program, are working to increase awareness of this issue and encourage Florida residents to take steps to protect those who are at risk of falling.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, does hereby proclaim September 23, 2015 as

FALLS PREVENTION AWARENESS DAY

in Lee County and urges all citizens to join in this special observance.

Diaper Need, the condition of not having a sufficient supply of clean diapers to ensure that infants, toddlers, and seniors are clean, healthy, and dry, can adversely affect the health and welfare of these fragile and vulnerable populations; and

Whereas, national surveys report that one in three mothers experiencing diaper need at some time while their children are less than three years of age and forty-eight percent of families delay changing a diaper to extend their supply; and

Whereas, diapers cannot be bought with food stamps, WIC vouchers, or Medicare, therefore obtaining a sufficient supply of diapers can cause economic hardship to families; and

Whereas, the people of Lee County recognize that addressing Diaper Need can lead to economic opportunity for the state’s low-income families and can lead to improved health for families and their communities; and

Whereas, Lee County is proud to be home to various community organizations, including Destiny Diaper Bank,  that recognize the importance of diapers in helping provide economic stability for families and distribute diapers to poor families through various channels;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of County Commissioners of Lee, County, Florida does hereby proclaim the week of September 28th through October 4th, 2015 as

DIAPER NEED AWARENESS WEEK

and encourages the citizens of Lee County to donate generously to Destiny Diaper Bank.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disorder is a severe medical condition and is the most commonly inherited peripheral neuropathy affecting 1 in 2,500; and

Whereas, this disorder, named after the three physicians who discovered it in 1886 (Jean-Martin Charcot, Pierre Marie and Howard Henry Tooth), is characterized by a slow and progressive degeneration of the muscles in the feet, lower legs, hands, and arms, causing loss of normal function and/or sensation that can be severely disabling and may be accompanied by chronic pain and overwhelming fatigue; and

Whereas, symptoms can develop during childhood, young adolescence or as adults, there are many citizens who may be undiagnosed, misdiagnosed or even unaware of the slow progression of this insidious and degenerative neuromuscular disorder; and

Whereas, patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth must constantly advocate on their own behalf to doctors, medical professionals, and educators who are often unaware of or insufficiently educated about the disorder, its symptoms, and the obstacles faced by those affected by the disorder; and

Whereas, Charcot-Marie-Tooth Awareness Month is designed to promote the signs and symptoms of CMT to both the public and medical communities, although there is no set cure for CMT, research is under way in hopes of finding a cure and stopping the progression;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, does hereby recognize the month of September as CMT Awareness Month in Lee County.

Lindsey Sampson, Director of Lee County’s Solid Waste Division, has dedicated 24 years of service to Lee County and to the residents and visitors of Southwest Florida; and

Whereas, Lindsey Sampson is retiring from the county and will leave behind a nationally-recognized solid waste management system that serves both Lee and Hendry Counties; and

Whereas,  During his tenure Mr. Sampson oversaw both the original construction of the waste-to-energy plant and its expansion in 2007, the construction and expansion of the Lee/Hendry landfill, implementation of curbside recycling and later, the move to single-stream recycling, the development of a compost program and a recycling facility for construction and demolition debris – all with a spotless environmental record; and

Whereas, Sampson is a Florida registered professional engineer and an active member of the Solid Waste Association of North America, the Local Government Coalition for Renewable Energy and the Energy Resource Council. He was recognized by his peers as Solid Waste Professional of the Year in 2013 and can be particularly proud of Lee County’s 2010 receipt of the prestigious  Columbia University Award for Sustainable Waste Management in the U.S.; and

Whereas, Lindsey Sampson leaves us with a legacy of professional excellence and serves as an example of the successes that can be achieved with hard work and dedication to your career, your customers and your fellow employees.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, conveys its grateful appreciation to Lindsey Sampson for his outstanding contributions and dedication to Lee County and praises his commitment to making it a better home for all of us.

Norma Jeanne Bochette (nee Thaggard) is a lifelong resident of the State of Florida, born on November 13, 1929, in Tampa; and

Whereas, she has been a pioneer in the Arts, Business, and Civic organizations throughout Southwest Florida for all of her 86 years; and

Whereas, she was an award winning Academic and Social leader in High School and College as State Champion in Swimming, Head Majorette, President of student government, Honors Society, Sorority President and a Degree in English with Honors from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida; and

Whereas, Norma pursued her interests in the field of Dance and Dance Education to the highest levels with the New York City Ballet, The Rockettes, The Royal Ballet, and The Imperial Society of London; and

Whereas, she opened and operated a Ballet and Dance school open to all people regardless of race, creed, color, age, or gender in Florida since 1951 as well as bringing dance programs into the Public School System in several counties of Florida; and

Whereas, she has faithfully served on Symphony, Theatre, and Educational Boards in order to promote the quality of life in Southwest Florida while enlisting a wide body of followers to cultural programs; and

Whereas, she founded and has lead the Gulf Coast Ballet Foundation for more than 40 years in cooperation with other community resources to provide educational opportunities to youths through dance, and

Whereas, Norma has dedicated her life to teaching thousands of young ladies to live their dreams and pursue their highest goals through 3 full generations of students guiding many women to leadership positions; and

Whereas, she has been declared a "Grande Dame" of Southwest Florida, been awarded many Professional Service Awards, received several lifetime achievement Citations and of recent been named a Finalist for the State of Florida Women's Hall of Fame; and

Whereas, she is admired, respected, and beloved by countless men and women for her significant contributions through the Arts and Education to the Value of Life for the Citizens across the State of Florida;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, thanks Norma Jeanne Bochette (nee Thaggard) for her exemplary service to her fellow citizens during her lifetime, and commends her for her never ceasing demonstration to her fellow man as to what great citizenship is all about, and furthermore, does hereby proclaim this 4th day of August, 2015, as Norman Jeanne Bochette (nee Thaggard) Day in Lee County, and encourages all citizens to join in the celebration of the fact that we have all been blessed by her presence here for the last 86 years.

Breastfeeding promotes and protects the physical and emotional health and nutrition of baby and mother, preserves the environment, conserves financial resources and makes the world a more secure place now and in the future; and
 
Whereas, breastfeeding is a natural and beneficial source of nutrition and provides the healthiest start for an infant; in addition to the nutritional benefits, breastfeeding offers protection against respiratory illness, ear infections, asthma, eczema, atopic dermatitis and gastrointestinal diseases; and
                                                                              
Whereas, exclusive breastfeeding is ideal nutrition and sufficient to support optimal growth and development for approximately the first six months after birth; and

Whereas, employers should continue to encourage Exclusive Breastfeeding by providing appropriate facilities, adequate time in the work place for breast pumping and appropriate family support; and

Whereas, the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action is pleased to announce the slogan and theme for WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK 2015: “BREASTFEEDING AND WORK- LET’S MAKE IT WORK“;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, does hereby proclaim the week of August 1-7, 2015 as BREASTFEEDING AWARENESS WEEK in Lee County.

MANGO MANIA Tropical Fruit Festival was originated by the Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce and held at the Catholic Church on Pine Island in July 1995; and

Whereas, establishing the Festival was an effort to help the growers on Pine Island sell their fruit and plants during harvest time when the location of Pine Island was known by very few people; and

Whereas, the Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce decided not to hold the Festival for the next two years due to the fact there was no suitable site on the island.  By popular request of Pine Islanders, the MANGO MANIA Tropical Fruit Festival was reinstated in 1998 utilizing the facilities of the KOA Campground in St. James City; and

Whereas, the Festival is used as fundraisers by the Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis, M.O.T.I. and Calusa Land Trust to enable them to make contributions to Pine Island Elementary School, scholarship programs, F.I.S.H. and other charities; and

Whereas, MANGO MANIA was such a success that by 2001 it had outgrown the KOA facilities, and since there were no other suitable locations on the island, the decision was made to move the Festival to the German-American Club to allow for continued growth that saw more than 10,000 attendees last year.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, does hereby extend their best wishes for a successful 2015 MANGO MANIA Tropical Fruit Festival being celebrated July 18-19, 2015.

The National Recreation & Parks Association has declared July as National Parks & Recreation Month; and

Whereas, Lee County Parks and Recreation touches the lives of individuals, families, groups, and the entire community, positively impacting upon the social, economic, and environmental quality of our county; and

Whereas, parks, greenways, and open spaces provide a welcome respite from our fast paced, high tech lifestyles while protecting and preserving our natural environment; and

Whereas, parks, playgrounds, nature trails, open spaces, community and cultural centers, as well as historic sites make a community attractive and desirable places to live, work, play and visit; and

Whereas, Lee County Parks and Recreation activities, and leisure experiences provide opportunities for young people to live, grow, and develop into contributing members of society; and
 
Whereas, Parks and Recreation agencies provide outlets for physical activities, socialization and stress reducing experiences;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of County
Commissioners of Lee County, Florida does hereby proclaim
July 2015 as

PARKS & RECREATION MONTH

in Lee County and urges all citizens to visit the parks, especially on the weekend of July 25th and 26th when all parking fees will be waived at Lee County regional parks and boat ramps.  There will also be free admission at the county pools.

Frank A. Pavese Sr. was born in Fort Myers in 1923; and on February 29th, celebrated his 24th birthday, although the United States Social Security Administration insists he is 92, as they do not take into consideration he was born in a leap year; and

Whereas, Frank A. Pavese, Sr., and his wife Marlene, were proud parents of five children, none of whom ever embarrassed the family name; and

Whereas, Frank A. Pavese, Sr. served 12 years as elected Lee County Prosecutor; and

Whereas Frank A. Pavese, Sr. also served 10 years as Lee County Attorney; and

 Whereas, Frank A. Pavese, Sr. founded the Pavese Law Firm in 1949, which today is the third oldest firm in Lee County and one of Southwest Florida’s largest firms; and

Whereas, Frank A. Pavese, Sr. served honorably in combat as a U.S. soldier during World War II, and is known to have been the single most influential infantryman in the capture of an entire German regiment in Italy in 1944; and

Whereas, as an avid outdoorsman and hunter, Frank A. Pavese Sr. has done his part
to lessen the risk of wild turkey’s taking over Lee County’s neighborhoods and parks; and

Whereas, Frank A. Pavese, Sr. has served his community unselfishly in ways far too numerous to count for his entire life; and

Whereas, it is entirely fitting that Frank A. Pavese, Sr. be recognized for his lifetime of contributions to his community, his state, and to the United States of America;

NOW,  THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of County Commissioners
of Lee County, Florida, thanks Frank A. Pavese, Sr. for his exemplary service to his fellow citizens over his entire lifetime, and pauses to commend him for his never ceasing demonstration to his fellowman as to what great citizenship is all about, and furthermore, does hereby proclaim this day June 2, 2015 as Frank A. Pavese Sr. Day in Lee County, and encourages all citizens to join in the celebration of the fact that we have been blessed by his presence here for these last 92 years.

Food insecurity is a widespread problem both in the United States and around the world and it is estimated that 925 million people across the world are in chronic hunger; and

Whereas, a child dies every six seconds from hunger-related causes according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations; and

Whereas, ECHO, celebrating its 34th anniversary on June 1, 2015 based in Lee County, is working to reduce hunger and improve lives of small-scale farmers around the world by strengthening the work of development workers and community leaders around the world; and

Whereas, ECHO is a growing network for sharing information, ideas, techniques and solutions to problems through experience, education, resources and seed packets; and

Whereas, ECHO continues to expand its services, opening Regional Impact Centers in Thailand, Tanzania and Burkina Faso and maintaining a Latin America/Caribbean connection from the North Ft. Myers, Florida location and serves the local community through establishing and promoting community gardens;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, does hereby recognize ECHO for 34 years of ministry and for their outstanding work to reduce hunger and improve lives worldwide. 

Recreational boating is fun and enjoyable, and we are fortunate that we have sufficient resources to accommodate the wide variety of pleasure boating demands; and

 Whereas, not knowing or obeying the Navigation Rules or the nautical “Rules of the Road,” drinking alcohol or taking drugs while operating a boat, or choosing not to wear your life jacket when doing so are all examples of human error or a lack of proper judgment; and

Whereas, one particular behavior that can reduce the number of boaters who lose their lives by drowning each year by approximately 80% is the wearing of a life jacket; and

Whereas, on average, 700 people die each year in boating-related accidents in the U.S.; approximately 70% of these are fatalities caused by drowning; and

Whereas, today's life jackets are more comfortable, more attractive, and more wearable than styles of years past and deserve a fresh look by today’s boating public; and

Whereas, if people are aware of the risk, they are likely to take the precautionary measures to protect themselves, their friends, and their family; and

Whereas, we must continue to spread the messages of boating safety not only during National Safe Boating Week but also throughout the entire year;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, supports the goals of the North American Safe Boating Campaign and does hereby proclaim
May 16-22, 2015, as National Safe Boating Week in Lee County and urges those who boat to “Wear it.” and practice safe boating habits.

Emergency medical services (EMS) is a vital public service; and

WHEREAS, the members of emergency medical services teams are ready to provide lifesaving care to those in need 24 hours a day, seven days a week; and

WHEREAS, access to quality emergency care dramatically improves the survival and recovery rate of those who experience sudden illness or injury; and

WHEREAS, the emergency medical services system consists of first responders, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, firefighters, educators, administrators, emergency nurses, emergency physicians, and others; and

WHEREAS, the members of emergency medical services teams, whether career or volunteer, engage in thousands of hours of specialized training and continuing education to enhance their lifesaving skills; and

WHEREAS, it is appropriate to recognize the value and the accomplishments of emergency medical services providers by designating Emergency Medical Services Week;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, does hereby proclaim the week of May 17-23, 2015, as

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WEEK

with the theme, EMS Strong, and encourages the community to observe this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies and activities.

Many Lee County residents own bicycles and surveys indicate that the majority of Southwest Florida drivers ride a bicycle at least once a year and over one-third ride a bicycle at least once a month; and

Whereas, a bicycle is recognized as a vehicle and is a viable means of transportation for many types of trips and destinations; and

Whereas, national health organizations, environmental agencies, and physical fitness activists believe increased bicycling to be of national interest for health purposes; and

Whereas, an increase in the use of bicycles in place of motor vehicle use will correspondingly decrease greenhouse gas emissions in Lee County; and

Whereas, Lee County has an interest in encouraging the use of bicycles, increasing education and awareness of bicycle safety; and

Whereas, since 1998, Lee County has invested millions of dollars to construct approximately 659 miles of bicycle facilities as part of roadway improvements and retrofitting of existing roadways; and

Whereas, the Board of County Commissioners adopted a Complete Streets Resolution on November 10, 2009; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, does hereby declare May 2015 to be Bike Month, with Wednesday, May 6, 2015 as Bike-to-School Day, and the week of May 11-15, 2015 as Bike-to-Work Week, and with Friday, May 15, 2015 as Bike-to-Work Day in Lee County.

Mary Gibbs, Director of Lee County’s Department of Community Development,  has dedicated more than 30 years of service to Lee County and to the residents, part-time residents and visitors of Southwest Florida; and

Whereas, Mary Gibbs is retiring from the county and will leave an innovative and service-oriented Department of Community Development distinguished by the automation of permitting and record keeping systems, and streamlining of application and review processes for planning, zoning and permitting; and

Whereas, Mary Gibbs met service levels through cycles of peak demand and recessions, all while tackling large projects including Hertz, JetBlue and Hammond Stadium at CenturyLink, and large Developments of Regional Impact; and

Whereas, Gibbs is a nationally certified planner, a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners since 1982 and a member of the American Planning Association since 1980, a past president and treasurer of the Florida Planning and Zoning Association and a frequent speaker at professional conferences; and

Whereas, Mary Gibbs is an excellent example of the successes that can be achieved with hard work and dedication to your career, your customers and your fellow employees;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, conveys its grateful appreciation to Mary Gibbs for outstanding contributions and dedication to Lee County and praises her commitment to making it a better home for all of us.

The Fort Myers Miracle, the Class “A” Team of the Minnesota Twins, captured the Florida State League Championship, bringing this prestigious title back to the Lee County community. This title is the first in the team’s 22-year history of play at the CenturyLink Sports Complex, and the first since the Fort Myers Royals achieved the same goal in 1985; and

Whereas, the entire community encouraged the team and its coaches to compile an overall record of 87 wins and 58 losses. The Miracle proudly welcomed 123,904 fans in 68 home games, drawing a per-game average of 1,822
people for the 2014 season at Hammond Stadium and JetBlue Park; and

Whereas, the dedicated fans of the Miracle also should be recognized for the time and commitment to excellence that allowed these young men and coaches to perform like champions; and

Whereas, the coaching staff comprising Manager Doug Mientkiewicz, and Coaches Jim Dwyer and Gary Lucas, and Head Athletic Trainer Alan Rail, rallied the team to the championship game to defeat the prestigious squad of the Daytona Cubs in a 4-2 win in 11 innings at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona Beach, on Sept. 8, 2014; and

Whereas, the Miracle ownership group of the Miracle, Jason Hochberg - President of SJS Beacon Baseball LLC, Steve Gliner - COO, Andrew Seymour - General Manager, as well as dozens of dedicated staffers who play an integral role in providing great baseball and family friendly entertainment and special events in the Southwest Florida Community; and

Whereas, this championship season will be part of Lee County sports history forever;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE RESOLVED THAT the Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, wishes to recognize SJS Beacon Baseball, LLC, the Fort Myers Miracle and the Minnesota Twins for their commitment to the sport of baseball and their pride in their community. Furthermore the Board would also like to thank the fans, sponsors and employees of the Fort Myers Miracle for helping to bring this Florida State League Championship to Lee County.

The letter carriers are conducting their annual food drive on May 9th, 2015; and Whereas, on that day, mail carriers are requesting that citizens leave non-perishable food by their mailbox; and Whereas, the food will be collected, and in our community it will be distributed by the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida; and Whereas, the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida will distribute the food to over 150 agencies that feed people in need. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, does hereby proclaim May 9, 2015 as LETTER CARRIERS NATIONAL FOOD DRIVE DAY in Lee County and urges our citizens to participate in this worthy cause.

April marks the anniversary of the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968, which sought to eliminate discrimination in housing opportunities and to affirmatively further housing choices for all Americans, and which enunciates a national policy of Fair Housing without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, sex, familial status, and handicap, and encourages fair housing opportunities for all citizens; and

WHEREAS, the ongoing struggle for dignity and housing opportunity for all is not the exclusive province of the Federal government; and

WHEREAS, vigorous local efforts to combat discrimination can be as effective, if not more so, than Federal efforts; and

WHEREAS, illegal barriers to equal opportunity in housing, no matter how subtle, diminish the rights of all;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, in the pursuit of the shared goal and responsibility of providing equal housing opportunities for all people, does hereby join in the national celebration by proclaiming April, 2015 as

FAIR HOUSING MONTH

in Lee County and encourages all agencies, institutions and individuals, public and private, in Lee County to abide by the letter and the spirit of the Fair Housing law.

4-21-15 Length of Service

Gulfshore Opera strives to make opera accessible to the general public by maintaining affordable ticket prices and a wide range of performance experiences suitable for diverse audiences; and
  
Whereas,  Gulfshore Opera has scheduled 12 performances of concerts and operas in the tri-county service area, bringing high quality operatic performances to all of Southwest Florida at prices accessible to a broad base of the general public; and

Whereas, in their first season they have made a commitment to drawing attention to the downtown re-development by scheduling a full scale opera, The Mikado, at First Christian Church, on March 1st and a major opera concert, Viva Verdi, at Harborside Event Center, on November 9th; and

Whereas, cultural activities include several performances at the new Bonita Center for the Performing Arts and a holiday family show at the Alliance for the Arts on December 20th; and

Whereas, the influx of concert goers to downtown restaurants and shops brings added interest and revenues to Lee County;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, does hereby recognize Gulfshore Opera for their outstanding work to enrich the community through high quality opera theater and classical vocal music.

April 12th through April 18th, 2015, marks National Volunteer Week; and

Whereas, our Neighborhood Accountability Board volunteers represent one of our most important resources; and

Whereas, it is important to recognize that 71 volunteers have given approximately 953.75 hours from October 1, 2013 to date; and

Whereas, the vast majority of youth who do get into trouble are successful when provided positive community support and guidance; and

Whereas, all segments of the community – parents, neighbors, schools, social service agencies, youth serving organizations, faith based organizations, law enforcement agencies, juvenile justice agencies, the court system, civic and community leaders, mentors, Neighborhood Accountability Board volunteers, and others - play a role in helping youth to be successful; and

Whereas, it is important for the community to invest time and resources, and to support policies that nurture our community’s children;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, does hereby proclaim
April 7, 2015 as Neighborhood Accountability Board Volunteer Day in Lee County and urges all citizens, government agencies, public and private institutions and businesses to invest in the youth of our community, to keep our youth and community safe, and to give our youth the skills and opportunities to grow into healthy, ethical, and productive adults.

03-17-15 Paulette Burton Award

American women of every race, class, and ethnic background have made historic contributions to the growth and strength of our county and Nation in countless recorded and unrecorded ways; and

Whereas,  American women have played and continue to play a critical economic, cultural, and social role in every sphere of the life of the Nation by constituting a significant portion of the labor force working inside and outside of the home; and

Whereas,  American women have played a unique role throughout the history of the Nation by providing the majority of the volunteer labor force; and

Whereas,  American women were particularly important in the establishment of early charitable, philanthropic, and cultural institutions in our county and nation; and

Whereas,  American women of every race, class, and ethnic background served as early leaders in the forefront of every major progressive social change movement; and

Whereas,  American women have been leaders, not only in securing their own rights of suffrage and equal opportunity, but also in the abolitionist movement, the emancipation movement, the industrial labor movement, the civil rights movement, and other movements, especially the peace movement, which create a more fair and just society for all; and

Whereas,  despite these contributions, the role of American women in history has been consistently overlooked and undervalued, in the literature, teaching and study of American history;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, does hereby proclaim that March is designated as “Women’s History Month” and calls upon the people of Lee County to observe March as Women’s History Month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

Surveyors and mappers are counted among the founding leaders of our country and were instrumental in the formation of the layout of property boundaries in the United States which have provided our citizens the enjoyment of property ownership; and

WHEREAS, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and other former Presidents of the United States, served their fellow colonists as surveyors; and

WHEREAS,  the citizens of Florida recognize the valuable contributions of the surveying and mapping profession to history, development, and quality of life in Florida and the United States of America and make important decisions based on the knowledge and expertise of licensed surveyors and mappers; and

WHEREAS,  the surveying and mapping profession requires special education, training, the knowledge of mathematics, the related physical and applied sciences, and requirements of law for evidence; and

WHEREAS,  surveyors and mappers are uniquely qualified and licensed to determine and describe land and water boundaries for the management of natural resources and protection of private and public property rights; and

WHEREAS,  the continual advancements in instrumentation have required the surveyor and mapper not only to be able to understand and implement
the methods of the past, but also to learn and employ modern technology in finding solutions to meet the challenges of the future;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, in conjunction with National Surveyors Week, does hereby proclaim the week of March 15-21, 2015 as

   FLORIDA SURVEYORS & MAPPERS WEEK

 in Lee County and recognizes the many contributions and the ongoing dedication of surveyors and mappers to the citizens of Florida and the United States.

Juliette ‘Daisy’ Gordon Low founded the Girl Scouts of the USA on
March, 12, 1912; and

Whereas, Girl Scouting is continuing a legacy of creating  gender balanced leadership in the United States and the world in its second century of service to girls, by providing girls with the tools to become leaders dedicated to making this country and the world a better place; and

Whereas, in keeping with the fast-pace of the modern world, and the Girl Scout Mission to provide girls with learning opportunities for the future, Girl Scouts launched Digital Cookie in December, 2014, adding a digital layer to the iconic Girl Scout cookie program that teaches vital 21st century business skills, including e-marketing, digital money management, online dashboard usage, and ecommerce; and

Whereas, Girl Scouts outdoor experiences are an integral part of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience for girls of all ages. Outdoor activities are woven into the core leadership development program in such a way that girls feel comfortable trying new things and testing their limits, and gain confidence and acquire new skills in a safe and supportive all-girl environment; and

Whereas, Girl Scouts is committed to ensuring every girl has the opportunity to explore and build an interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), helping them to develop critical thinking skills, problem solving skills, and collaborative skills which are vital throughout life; and

Whereas,  through the dedication, time, and talent of volunteers of different backgrounds, abilities, and areas of expertise, the Girl Scout Program is delivered to nearly 7,000 girls in grades K-12 throughout 10 counties across Southwest Florida served by the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida Council; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, does hereby applaud the commitment Girl Scouting has made to support the continued advancement of girls in their roles as leaders here in our State of Florida and declares March 12, 2015 to be “Girl Scout Week” in Lee County.

T. Geron “Jerry” Bell has been a mainstay at the Minnesota Twins since 1987, when he was named the third president in club history; and

Whereas,  he went on to serve the Twins in capacities such as chairman of the executive board and president of Twins Sports Inc., and his vision and persistence were central to the development of the model public-private partnership which would ultimately lead to the approval, design, construction and opening of Target Field in Minneapolis; and

Whereas,  Jerry was central to the development of the model public-private partnership that would lead the Twins relocation of spring training operations to Lee County, and his sage counsel and wisdom were central to the Twins and Lee County extending the long-standing partnership and state-of-the-art renovations to the CenturyLink Sports Complex and Hammond Stadium; and

Whereas,  his past professional activities included him as a member of Major League Baseball’s Professional Baseball Association Committee/Baseball Operations Committee, and the Hall of Fame Veteran’s Committee for Major League Baseball; and

Whereas,  his all-time favorite restaurants include Lee County’s The Prawnbroker, and his all-time favorite golfing partner is former Lee County Deputy County Manager Bill Hammond; and

Whereas,  Jerry officially retired from the Twins on July 31, 2014, but is here today to mark the opening of the 2015 spring training season in Fort Myers;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of County Commissioners
of Lee County, Florida, recognizes and salutes Jerry Bell’s contributions to Major League Baseball and particularly gives thanks for his contributions to Minnesota Twins Spring Training baseball in Lee County and his participation and support of the long standing partnership between the club and the county.

Lee County welcomes the Minnesota Twins and their families back to the 25th    Spring Training at the newly renovated CenturyLink Sports Complex and Hammond Stadium; and

Whereas,  Lee County Government officially welcomed the Twins into Hammond Stadium in 1991, and has worked diligently to keep the complex as modern and up-to-date as possible.  In 2013, Lee County along with the Minnesota Twins, architect firm Populous and builder Manhattan, started a $48 million renovation of the facility; and

Whereas,  this 2015 Spring Training season marks the completion of Phase 2, which features renovations to the Major League Clubhouse and training areas, expanded and upgraded concourses throughout the stadium, improved concession services, restroom renovations, premium seating improvements, additional shade options for fans, skybox relocation and renovations and a new retail store; and

Whereas,   the completion of the renovation triggered a new 30-year lease agreement with the ballclub, thereby guaranteeing that Lee County will have a 50-year cumulative partnership with the Twins organization; and

Whereas,  we have well-established ties to the Twin Cities with a significant number of tourists visiting us each year from the Upper Midwest region.  The Twins are also beneficial community partners with many local not-for-profits and youth organizations, and just celebrated a decade of hosting free youth baseball clinics in partnership with Lee County Parks & Recreation; and

Whereas:  the 2015 Spring Training season will mark the second year of competition between the Minnesota Twins and the Boston Red Sox to win the newly re-branded “Chairman’s Cup”;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida – along with Lee County’s Parks and Recreation Department, Visitor and Convention Bureau, Sports Development Office, and Facilities Construction and Management department  – does hereby proclaim its full support for the Minnesota Twins organization, and we send our most sincere best wishes for success in the upcoming 2015 baseball season

Lee County welcomes the Boston Red Sox and their fans back to their 23rd  Spring Training in our community and the fourth season at JetBlue Park; and

Whereas, JetBlue Park at Fenway South opened in 2012 and sits on 106 acres, featuring a 10,000-seat stadium and a six-field Player Development Complex.  The stadium dimensions are exactly the same as Fenway Park and the facility features its own “Green Monster” wall with seating both on top of and behind the wall; and

Whereas,  we are now in the fourth year of a 30-year lease agreement with the ballclub, thereby guaranteeing that Lee County will be the Spring Training home of the Red Sox through at least 2041; and

Whereas, Lee County is privileged to be associated with an organization of the Boston Red Sox caliber.  We recognize and place significant community value on the fact that the Red Sox have helped to raise millions of dollars for Lee County not-for-profits, in fact just completing their fifth annual Week of Service on March 2; and

Whereas, the Boston Red Sox’s popularity and ongoing excellence has brought the world’s media attention and tens of thousands of fans to Lee County, which in turn generates a significant impact for our tourism industry; and   

Whereas,  the 2015 Spring Training season will mark the second year of competition between the Boston Red Sox and the Minnesota Twins to win the newly re-branded “Chairman’s Cup”;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida – along with Lee County’s Parks and Recreation Department, Visitor and Convention Bureau, Sports Development Office, Facilities Construction and Management Department – does hereby proclaim its full support for the Boston Red Sox organization and we send our most sincere best wishes for success in the upcoming 2015 baseball season.

03-03-15 Commissioners Cup Presentation

02-17-15 Candy Pitro Award

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

Whereas, maintaining the quality of life in Lee County during periods of both substantial growth and these uncertain economic times depends in part on engineers developing innovative, creative and highly efficient solutions to a myriad of technical problems; and

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

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

Whereas,  this Board wishes to recognize and honor all engineers who live and work in Lee County and who practice the profession of engineering in an honorable, responsible, and competent manner and those students who have chosen to be educated in the field of engineering.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida does hereby extend greetings and best wishes to all observing Engineers Week, February 22-28, 2015.

The Gulf Coast Symphony is celebrating the 20th Anniversary Season of bringing our community together through music; and
 
Whereas,  Gulf Coast Symphony is the largest community orchestra in the United States, and one of the most innovative and dynamic symphonies in the country; and
 
Whereas, the Gulf Coast Symphony is the fourth largest non-profit performing arts group in Lee County; and
 
Whereas, it continues to provide expansive community outreach, engagement and educational activities throughout the community; and
 
Whereas, it has provided over 15,000 volunteer hours to produce 15 Pops, Classical, Family, Holiday concerts, and special events.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida does hereby recognize the Gulf Coast Symphony for 20 years of outstanding service to the citizens of Lee County and Southwest Florida.

1-20-15 Length of Service Awards