Date Picture Taken: 05/21/2013
|
5-21-13 500th Anniversary of La Florida
2013 marks a significant historical milestone for the state of Florida as it commemorates the 500th Anniversary of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León’s landing on the coast of Florida, the first European explorer documented to set foot on the continental United States; and
Whereas, Juan Ponce de León landed on Florida’s east coast on April 2, 1513 and bestowed the name La Florida on this lush new land in honor of the Spanish Feast of Flowers celebrating Easter season; and
Whereas, Juan Ponce de León’s expedition entered the Calusa Indian domain on May 23, 1513, spending more than three weeks in the area and documenting stababa, the Calusa capital town at Mound Key; and
Whereas, ancestors of the Calusa Indians inhabited coastal southwest Florida for several thousands of years and contributed to the more than 12,000 year history of American Indians in Florida; and
Whereas, Juan Ponce de León’s voyage of discovery began a new era in which native peoples, Europeans and other nationalities under many different flags formed the foundation that created the state of Florida; and
Whereas, a countless number of different cultures have contributed to Florida’s heritage and continue to live, work and thrive together today; and
Whereas, the Florida Department of State designated 2013 as Viva Florida 500 to commemorate our cultural legacy and reflect on the achievements of all who have contributed to Florida’s dynamic growth, rich diversity and economic prosperity; and
Whereas, to commemorate this milestone, we invite Lee County citizens and visitors to participate in the many enriching programs and events planned in honor of Viva Florida 500 throughout 2013.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, does hereby designate 2013 as the 500TH ANNIVERSARY OF LA FLORIDA.
|
5-21-13 Emergency Medical Services Week
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is a vital public service; and
Whereas, access to quality emergency care dramatically improves the survival and recovery rate of those who experience sudden illness or injury; and
Whereas, EMS plays a critical role in public outreach and injury prevention, and is evolving in its role as an important member of the healthcare community; and
Whereas, first responders, emergency medical technicians and paramedics stand ready to provide compassionate, lifesaving care to those in need 24 hours a day, seven days a week; and
Whereas, emergency medical responders are supported by emergency medical dispatchers, firefighters, law enforcement officers, educators, administrators, researchers, emergency nurses, emergency physicians and others; and
Whereas, the members of EMS teams, both career and 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 EMS practitioners by designating Emergency Medical Services Week.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida does hereby proclaim the week of May 19-25, 2013, as:
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WEEK
with the theme “EMS: One Mission. One Team”. We encourage the community to observe this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies and activities.
| Date Picture Taken: 05/14/2013
|
5-14-13 Together We Mean Community
The purpose of the nomination-based Together We Mean Community program is to recognize those employees who have gone above and beyond their assigned duties to make an outstanding contribution to the Lee County community; and
Whereas, the employee selected as the Together We Mean Community award recipient for 1st Quarter is Fred Given, a Para-transit Bus Driver who has been employed with Lee Tran since January of 2005; and
Whereas, as detailed on the submitted nomination, on Wednesday, October 24th, Fred attempted to pick up one of his regular, Cape Coral customers, and found it unusual when this always punctual rider was not ready; and
Whereas, with growing concern, upon picking up his next passenger, Fred decided to return to the first customer’s house to check on her. Arriving at a dark house, one of Fred’s current riders, a friend of the absent customer, found her lying on the bathroom floor; and
Whereas, already dialing 911, Fred stayed with her until the ambulance arrived and ensured that all doors to her home were secured before continuing with his route; and
Whereas, this single act of compassion clearly represents Fred’s outstanding commitment to provide exemplary service to the citizens and visitors of Lee County on a daily basis.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, does hereby recognize and praise Fred Given, and congratulates him as the selected employee for the Together We Mean Community program for 1st Quarter, 2012/2013.
|
5-14-13 Small Business Week
Every year since 1963, the President of the United States has proclaimed National Small Business Week to recognize the contributions of small businesses to the economic well-being of America; and
Whereas, Florida Gulf Coast University - Small Business Development Center (SBDC) recognizes May 20th through May 24th as Small Business Week and celebrates the spirit of entrepreneurship and small business owners through-out Southwest Florida; and
Whereas, the SBDC recruits volunteers who are leaders in the business community to share their real-world experiences with small business owners of the Lee County; and
Whereas, the SBDC provides free one-on-one confidential consulting, training and support that promotes a healthy business environment and provides the necessary tools for entrepreneurs to succeed in a global workforce; and
Whereas, the Board recognizes the need for on-going awareness in the business community and commends the outstanding contributions that the SBDC has given entrepreneurs and small business owners here and all across the United States to succeed and grow in an ever expanding global economy.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, does hereby proclaim the week of May 20th through May 24th as Small Business Week in Lee County.
|
5-14-13 Salvation Army Week
A love for God and a desire to help others is the motivation behind the men and women of The Salvation Army; and
Whereas, The Salvation Army in Lee County, Florida, provides much more than spiritual counseling and basic human necessities to the needy and hurting on a daily basis; and
Whereas, The Salvation Army serves as a symbol of compassion, but more so an active participant in the provision of services to thousands of Lee County men, women and children; and
Whereas, The Salvation Army has been providing these programs to residents for 62 years; and
Whereas, The Salvation Army provides its services to people in need without regard to race, color, creed, sex or age.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, does hereby proclaim May 13-19, 2013, as:
THE SALVATION ARMY WEEK
in Lee County and urges all our citizens to join us in honoring the dedicated men and women who work or volunteer for this fine organization and touch the lives of so many.
| Date Picture Taken: 05/07/2013
|
5-7-13 International Compost Awareness Week
The Composting Council of the United States has declared the first week of May to be the annual International Composting Awareness Week; and
Whereas, composting is an effective form of waste reduction, reuse and recycling and is one of the methods used to meet the State of Florida’s goal of 75% recycling by 2020 since organic materials represent over 25% of material that require disposal each year; and
Whereas, materials such as yard trimmings, grass clippings, vegetable cuttings, biosolids, manure, and shaving can be processed and converted into a beneficial product known as compost; and
Whereas, compost improves soil structure, reduces erosion, supplies soil with a variety of macro and micro nutrients, decreases the dependence on chemical fertilizers, and reduces water consumption when used as an amendment to soils; and
Whereas, this year’s national theme, “Compost: Nature’s Way to Grow”, is a great way to promote the message of compost and its many benefits to the soils in Lee County; and
Whereas, the Lee County Composting Facility has been successfully composting organic material and providing for sustainable agricultural, landscaping, and gardening practices through the production of OrganicLee® Compost.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, does hereby recognize the efforts of the US Composting Council, Southwest Florida Extension Agents, households, landscapers, farmers, recyclers, public workers, composters, gardeners, and plant growers and proclaim the week of May 6th – May 12th, 2013, as:
INTERNATIONAL COMPOST AWARENESS WEEK
and encourages our citizens to use compost to amend their soils because compost IS nature’s way to grow.
|
5-7-13 Bike Month
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 450 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
Whereas, the month of May is being promoted by the League of American Bicyclists as National Bike Month, with Wednesday, May 8, 2013 as Bike-to-School Day, and the week of May 13-17, 2013 as Bike-to-Work Week, and Friday,
May 17, 2013 as Bike-to-Work Day.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, does hereby declare May 2013 to be Bike Month, with Wednesday, May 8, 2013 as Bike-to-School Day, and the week of May 13-17 as Bike-to-Work Week, and with Friday, May 17, 2013 as Bike-to-Work Day in Lee County.
|
5-7-13 National Public Gardens Day
The Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation is celebrating National Public Gardens Day to raise public awareness about the importance of public gardens on May 10, 2013; and
Whereas, the Foundation’s mission is to support Lee County Parks and Recreation through philanthropic and voluntary efforts promoting ongoing community awareness and support of the recreational and educational value of Lakes Park and its continuing evolution, to include a botanic garden and other enhancements, resulting in an even more attractive natural environment for the community to enjoy; and
Whereas, the Foundation’s vision for the Botanic Garden at Lake Park is a park that is highly regarded and enjoyed by the community for its beautiful native Florida environment, its programs and services, and its cultural events and contributions, all of which add to the quality of life of all Lee County residents and visitors; and
Whereas, public gardens play a very significant role in sustainable community development.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, and on behalf of the citizens of our community, takes great pride in recognizing
May 10, 2013 as:
NATIONAL PUBLIC GARDENS DAY
|
5-7-13 Letter Carriers National Food Drive Day
The letter carriers are conducting their annual food drive on May 11th, 2013; 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 11, 2013 as:
LETTER CARRIERS NATIONAL FOOD DRIVE DAY
in Lee County and urges our citizens to participate in this worthy cause.
| Date Picture Taken: 04/23/2013
|
4-23-13 Trauma Awareness Month
Trauma Awareness Month is designed to raise regional attention to trauma and what must be done to reduce the devastating impact of traumatic injuries; and
Whereas, trauma is the leading cause of death for all Floridians between the ages of 1 and 44 every year; with someone in Florida being traumatically injured every 12 minutes; enough to fill Germain Arena 6 times; and
Whereas, motor vehicle crashes and falls resulting in blunt force trauma make up more than 80% of all trauma cases treated in our trauma district area each year; and
Whereas, in 2011 more than 2,200 Floridian residents and visitors in our Lee County Trauma Services District area were treated at the trauma center at Lee Memorial Hospital; and
Whereas, national studies show that patient mortality is reduced by 15 – 20% when the patient is treated for traumatic injuries in a Trauma Center rather than in a non-trauma center; and
Whereas, there are more than 1.2 million residents in the Lee County Trauma Services District comprised of Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee Counties; serviced by the only Trauma Center on the Florida Gulf Coast between Tampa and Miami; and
Whereas, recognition is due for our Lee County Trauma Services District for its accomplishments and contributions to improve public welfare by providing quality trauma care for all residents and visitors; injury prevention outreach, education, and research; disaster preparedness and response; and demonstrating that an effective trauma center saves the lives of our residents and visitors.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, does hereby extend greetings and best wishes to those observing Trauma Awareness Month during the month of May 2013.
|
4-23-13 PowerTalk21 Day
Lee County recognizes the importance of parents talking with their teens about alcohol; and
Whereas, high school students who use alcohol or other substances are five times more likely to drop out of school or believe good grades are not important; and
Whereas, teen alcohol use kills about 5,000 people each year, more than all other illegal drugs combined; and
Whereas, the majority of kids say their parents are their primary influence when it comes to decisions about drinking alcohol; and
Whereas, PowerTalk 21® day is established on April 21, 2013, to encourage parents and caregivers to embrace their important role in influencing America’s youth and their decisions about drinking alcohol; and
Whereas, to equip parents to talk with their teens about alcohol, Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) Southwest Florida in April will offer free community parent workshops to give parents the tools in a parent handbook to effectively talk to their teens about alcohol; and
Whereas, these local parent workshops, also replicated across the country, will offer parents a research-based parent handbook to help them talk with their teens about alcohol and encourage adults to consider creating a safer community by becoming involved in reducing underage drinking; and
Whereas, the Board urges all citizens to join in the local and national efforts to raise awareness of the importance of parents and teens talking together about alcohol in order to reduce the risks and dangers posed to teens and communities.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, does hereby proclaim Sunday, April 21, 2013 as: POWERTALK 21® DAY in Lee County.
|
4-23-13 Length of Service Awards
4-23-13 Length of Service Awards
| Date Picture Taken: 04/16/2013
|
04-16-13 National Library Week
Libraries are the heart of their communities, campuses and schools; and
Whereas, librarians work to meet the changing needs of their communities, including providing resources for everyone and bringing services outside of library walls; and
Whereas, libraries and librarians bring together community members to enrich and shape the community and address local issues; and
Whereas, librarians are trained, tech-savvy professionals, providing technology training and access to downloadable content like e-books; and
Whereas, libraries offer programs to meet community needs, providing residents with resume writing classes, 24/7 homework help and financial planning services to teens applying for student loans to older adults planning their retirement; and
Whereas, libraries continuously grow and evolve in how they provide for the needs of every member of their communities; and
Whereas, libraries, librarians, library workers and supporters across America are celebrating National Library Week.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, does hereby proclaim
April 14-20, 2013, as
NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK
and encourages all residents to visit the library this week to take advantage of the wonderful library resources available at our library. Communities matter at your library.
|
|