Date: 2/3/2026 |
 Whereas, United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades formed as an organization in 1957 to be a grassroots, volunteer-driven, neighbor-helping-neighbor movement that solves community problems and continues with that same philosophy today; and Whereas, the United Way 211 of Lee, Hendry, and Glades program was created in August 2003; and Whereas, United Way 211 provides a free, confidential service available 24/7 that connects individuals and families to essential resources and services they need, including assistance with housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and more; and Whereas, United Way 211 serves as a vital lifeline for residents in Lee, Hendry, and Glades counties, offering access to hundreds of local programs and services that strengthen our community and support those in need; and Whereas, United Way 211 works with the County Emergency Operations Center and network of agencies to ensure the community has access to resources in times of disaster; and Whereas, 211 specialists are trained to provide compassionate, expert guidance in finding local support, empowering individuals to navigate challenging circumstances and access life-changing resources; and Whereas, February 11th is recognized nationwide as 211 Day, a reminder of the essential role 211 plays in connecting people to help and hope; and Whereas, on this day, we celebrate the incredible impact United Way 211 has had in our region, helping thousands of individuals and families find the services and support they need to overcome life’s challenges. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida does hereby proclaim February 11, 2026 as 211 Day in Lee County and encourages all residents to learn more about the resources available through United Way 211 and to use the service when in need. Duly executed this 3rd day of February 2026.
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 Whereas, cardiovascular disease continues to be the leading cause of death in the U.S.; and Whereas, cardiovascular disease affects men, women, and children of every age and race in the United States (U.S.); cardiovascular diseases are the number one killer of women in the U.S., killing more women than all forms of cancer combined; and cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of maternal death in the U.S., and Whereas, women, especially Black and Hispanic women, are disproportionally impacted by heart disease and stroke and research shows heart attacks are on the rise in younger women; and Whereas, the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® movement has led the charge in educating women about cardiovascular disease, advancing scientific research, advocating for equitable healthcare, and empowering women to take charge of their heart health; and Whereas, the American Heart Association and the Florida Department of Health in Lee County encourage all residents to learn the signs and symptoms of heart disease and stroke in women; support prevention and early detection; and improve women’s cardiovascular health through awareness, education, and action. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida does hereby recognize the importance of the ongoing fight against heart disease and stroke, and proclaims Friday, February 6, 2026 to be
National Wear Red Day® in Lee County and urge all citizens to show their support for the fight against heart disease by commemorating this day and wearing the color red. By learning the signs and symptoms of heart disease and stroke in women; support prevention and early detection; and improve women’s cardiovascular health through awareness, education, and action. Duly executed this 3rd day of February 2026.
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 Whereas, Lee County Emergency Medical Services provides response, emergency medical treatment, and transportation to more than 100,000 incidents each year; and Whereas, the County’s EMTs and Paramedics, combined with the work of 911 Calltakers and Dispatchers, ensure that emergencies are addressed promptly and the best medical care is available to our residents and visitors; and Whereas, at its 2025 Public Safety Awards Ceremony, more than 175 employees were recognized with the Phoenix Award, a prestigious recognition for first responders who successfully resuscitate a cardiac arrest patient, bringing them back from death with full neurological recovery; and Whereas, the Florida Department of Health recognized Lee County Emergency Medical Services as the 2025 EMS Provider of the Year, underscoring the organization’s commitment to high-quality emergency medical care that impacts our community each day; and Whereas, the staff of the Department of Public Safety, including Emergency Medical Services and Emergency Communications, work tirelessly, day and night, to make Lee County a wonderful place to live, work, and play. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, does hereby recognize Lee County Emergency Medical Services and the entire staff of Public Safety for its invaluable impact on our community. Duly executed this 3rd day of February 2026.
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Date: 1/20/2026 |
 Whereas, the Lee County Genealogical Society (LCGS) was founded in 1975 and has served the residents of Lee County for fifty years by promoting the study of family history, encouraging the preservation of historical records, and supporting genealogical education; and
Whereas, for five decades LCGS has provided public programs, workshops, seminars, and special interest groups that have assisted thousands of individuals—local, national, and international—in tracing their heritage and understanding the role of genealogy in preserving family and community history; and
Whereas, LCGS has contributed significantly to the cultural and educational life of Lee County through its long-standing partnership with the Lee County Library System, its volunteer-based research assistance, its public outreach initiatives, and its commitment to support beginner and advanced genealogists alike; and
Whereas, genealogical research fosters intergenerational connections, strengthens community identity, helps develop critical thinking skills, and supports the preservation of Lee County’s diverse heritage, making LCGS an important civic and cultural resource; and Whereas, as the Society enters its 50th year, LCGS seeks to honor its founders, celebrate its accomplishments, and expand public awareness of genealogy through programs, publications, and events planned for 2026; and
Whereas, the Lee County Board of County Commissioners recognizes the significant role of the Lee County Genealogical Society in promoting historical knowledge, lifelong learning, and community engagement.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, does hereby recognize the 50th Anniversary of the Lee County Genealogical Society honoring its fifty years of service to the residents of Lee County and designates 2026 as the Lee County Genealogical Society’s Golden Anniversary Year, encouraging all residents to recognize the importance of genealogy in preserving family stories, local history, and the shared heritage of our community. Duly executed this 20th day of January 2026.
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 Length of Service Awards
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 Whereas, Valerie’s House was founded in 2016 in Fort Myers by Fort Myers native Angela Melvin, inspired by her personal experience of losing her mother, Valerie Melvin, also a Fort Myers resident, at a young age; and
Whereas, what began as a single grief support group has now grown into a regional leader in children's bereavement care, with Valerie’s House offering free, compassionate programs for grieving children and families throughout Southwest Florida; and
Whereas, over the past decade, Valerie’s House has served thousands of these children and caregivers through its welcoming, healing environment where individuals can express emotions, share memories, and find hope after the death of a loved one; and
Whereas, with locations established in Lee, Collier, and Charlotte Counties, Valerie’s House remains one of the only organizations in the region solely dedicated to children’s grief support, filling a critical gap in mental health care and addressing the unique needs of youth experiencing traumatic loss; and
Whereas, the success of Valerie’s House has been made possible, in part, by its dedicated and trained staff and volunteers, as well as individual and business supporters, and the successful partnerships forged with local schools, hospitals and Lee County government; and
Whereas, the organization’s VALs Pals program provides additional one-on-one mentorship to children, pairing them with positive adult role models to build trust, support emotional growth, and reinforce community bonds; and
Whereas, the year 2026 marks the 10th Anniversary of Valerie’s House, a significant milestone that not only honors its history of compassionate service but also highlights the ongoing need for grief support services in our Lee County community and the importance of collaborative efforts to expand awareness, resources, and healing.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, does hereby recognizes and commends Valerie’s House for its unwavering dedication and 10 years of service to grieving children and families in our region. The Board encourages all residents of Lee County to join in honoring this milestone and to support the continued mission of Valerie’s House to ensure that no child grieves alone. Duly executed this 20th day of January 2026.
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