Recent Board Recognitions
(recognitions in the past 30 days)

 Date Picture Taken:
05/08/2012


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5-8-12 American Heart Association Fit Friendly Award

5-8-12 American Heart Association Fit Friendly Award



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5-8-12 Letter Carriers National Food Drive

The letter carriers are conducting their annual food drive on May 12, 2012; 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 12, 2012 as: LETTER CARRIERS NATIONAL FOOD DRIVE DAY



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5-8-12 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 59 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 14-20, 2012 as: The Salvation Army Week in Lee County and urge 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:
05/01/2012


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5-1-12 Barbara Manzo Retirement

Barbara Manzo has dedicated 22 years of service to Lee County and its residents, snowbirds and tourists; and Whereas: Her leadership with the county began in 1990 when she brought her force of energy from a thriving career in New York to the sandy shores of Southwest Florida; and Whereas: She is retiring from her position as Director of Parks & Recreation, which manages more than 29,400 acres with diverse sites including Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins spring training facilities, state-of-the-art recreation centers, a progressive Conservation 20/20 program recognized nationally, and pristine Gulf-of-Mexico beach parks; and Whereas: She led this county department to attain national accreditation and re-accreditation, oversaw its recognition with National Recreation and Parks Association and helped it nab many other awards as she pursued an ambitious vision of intertwined blueways and greenways with recreational opportunities like none other; and Whereas: Her strength and spirit buoy Lee County Parks & Recreation, a progressive and highly professional agency that is proud of its staff and facilities; and Whereas: Her colleagues describe her as a determined, passionate straight-shooter known for acknowledging the kudos of her staff – and sometimes mentoring them in an Italian, matronly manner; and Whereas: We will miss hearing her say, What, What do you mean and her ability to cultivate humor even during challenging times, saying Its Parks & Recreation: Its supposed to be fun! and Whereas: We know now that even in retirement we will still be hearing from her because reluctance to share opinions and enthusiasm for parks is not one of her short-comings. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida conveys its grateful appreciation for outstanding contributions and dedication to Lee County and praises her commitment to the public enjoyment of parks and facilities in our community.



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5-1-12 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: Lee County has invested millions of dollars to construct bicycle facilities as part of roadway improvements and as a retrofit to existing roads; 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 the week of May 14-18 as Bike-to-Work Week and Friday, May 18 as Bike-to-Work Day. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, does hereby declare May 2012 to be Bike Month, with the week of May 14-18, 2012 as Bike-to-Work Week and with Friday, May 18, 2012 as Bike-to-Work Day in Lee County.



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5-1-12 Team Tourism Travel Rally Day

Tourism is the economic engine of Lee County and 5 million people visit Lee County each year, generating $2.7 billion in economic impact and 52,000 jobs in Lee County; and Whereas: Tourism has a direct and indirect economic impact on our community from our resorts, attractions, restaurants, shopping malls, grocery stores, movie theaters and a myriad of small businesses; and Whereas: The Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau’s dedicated staff, supported by thousands of tourism industry employees, work hard every day to fuel the pipeline of visitors to our community and make the Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel a top-ranked destination; and Whereas: It is with much excitement that the Lee County Board of County Commissioners invites the community to join the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau at the Team Tourism Rally Day on May 8, 2012; and the Celebration of Business & Tourism Chrysalis Awards Luncheon & Trade Show on May 9, 2012; and Whereas: The Team Tourism Travel Rally Day and the Celebration of Business & Tourism Chrysalis Awards Luncheon & Trade Show are produced in support of National Travel & Tourism Week to help drive home the value of tourism, the community teamwork involved in maintaining and enhancing tourism as a major economic engine for Lee County, and how important the travel industry is to our destination; and Whereas: Tourism partners, community leaders and businesses, elected officials, the local community, and travel workers and their families are invited to join as we highlight travel’s value as an economic force and job creator. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, on behalf of the citizens of Lee County, invites the community to come out and convey its grateful appreciation for outstanding contribution and dedication by the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau’s dedicated staff and the 52,000 people working in tourism in Lee County that we hereby proclaim May 8, 2012 as TEAM TOURISM TRAVEL RALLY DAY in Lee County.


 Date Picture Taken:
04/24/2012


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4-24-12 Crescent Beach Family Park

The Greater Fort Myers Beach Area Chamber of Commerce established in 1939 by local business professionals; and Whereas: The Greater Fort Myers Beach Area Chamber of Commerce annually recognizes outstanding and dedicated business leaders and professionals; and Whereas: The Greater Fort Myers Beach Area Chamber of Commerce presented the New Image Award to Lee County Parks and Recreation on January 28th of 2012 at their Annual Gala for the construction of the new Crescent Beach Family Park; and Whereas: The Greater Fort Myers Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Chairman, Andrew Cochrane, honored Lee County Parks and Recreation for developing the new Crescent Beach Family Park, the 2.25 acres beachfront property that the Lee County Board of County Commissioners purchased in September 2010 along with the .72 acres across the street formally known as the Seafarer’s Village; and Whereas: The Lee County Parks and Recreation staff decided to save the county money and work on the project in house with the oversight and assistance of the County’s Public Works Construction and Design staff; and Whereas: The Lee County Parks and Recreation staff, along with Facility Services’ Maintenance and Repair staff, spent countless hours to provide the beautiful landscaped picnic area, volleyball courts, restrooms, handicap parking along with open space on the beach. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida does hereby recognize the Lee County Parks and Recreation Department staff and the Public Works Department staff for their achievements and extends grateful appreciation for the hard work and dedication shown towards the community of Lee County.



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4-24-12 FGCU Hockey Club Championship

On March 20, 2012, Florida Gulf Coast Universitys Ice Hockey Club won the Universitys first National Championship in its 14 year history; and Whereas: The team had to beat Michigan, Colorado State, Northeastern, Michigan State, and last years champions Grand Valley on consecutive days; and Whereas: The FGCU Ice Hockey Club had a record of 84-4 over the past 2 seasons and this is the first ACHA National Championship awarded to a team outside of Michigan in 10 years; and Whereas: The 2012 Ice Hockey club has 10 graduating seniors, 13 Academic All-Americans which is an FGCU sports record, and ranks in the top 2 percent of all ACHA teams; and Whereas: Throughout the 2012 season and as National Championship Tournament host, visiting hockey team members filled 2440 local hotel rooms supporting the local economy which in turn generates a significant impact for our tourism industry. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida wishes to recognize the Florida Gulf Coast Universitys Ice Hockey Club for their commitment to the sport of ice hockey. Furthermore, the Board would also like to thank the entire student body, parents, team and coaches of Florida Gulf Coast University for bringing this ACHA National Championship to Lee County.



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4-24-12 Fort Myers Kiwanis Club 90th Anniversary

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time; and Whereas: Kiwanis International was founded in 1915 in Detroit, Michigan. Fort Myers Kiwanis Club, one of the oldest community service organizations in Southwest Florida, was chartered in April 28, 1922 and will be honoring its 90th anniversary on Wednesday April 25, 2012; and Whereas:Fort Myers Kiwanis Club President R. Q. Richards was instrumental in bringing Connie Mack and Philadelphia Athletics Baseball team for Spring Training to Terry Park, thereby launching baseball tradition in Lee County; and Whereas: Fort Myers Kiwanis Club has organized and sponsored many community service projects including but not limited to The Thomas Alva Edison Kiwanis Regional Science & Engineering Fair, since 1958 benefiting middle and high school children in four counties; and Whereas: Fort Myers Kiwanis Club has adopted Edgewood Elementary Academy as a partner school and supports their Blessings in a Backpack program each week; and Whereas: Fort Myers Kiwanis Club established the Kiwanis Park in downtown Fort Myers, planted trees in several roadways and parks for beautification, helped build children's playgrounds, assisted in Habitat for Humanity and Keep Lee County Beautiful projects. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida that we do hereby celebrate April 25, 2012 as: FORT MYERS KIWANIS CLUB 90TH ANNIVERSARY and honors all the volunteers who dedicate their time, energy and resources to help young children and to give to our community.



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4-24-12 Length of Service Awards

4-24-12 Length of Service Awards



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4-24-12 Rotary Club 90th Birthday

One of the oldest Rotary clubs in America, the Lakeland Rotary club wished to expand the “Service Above Self “mission of Rotary to more parts of Florida, particularly Southwest Florida; and Whereas: The Lakeland club itself was chartered only a few years after the first ever Rotary Club in Chicago, Illinois had been founded on February 23, 1905, through the efforts of Paul Harris; and Whereas: Being sponsored by the Lakeland Club, The Rotary Club of Fort Myers was founded on April 1, 1922, as part of the rapidly growing organization of service clubs, with Mr. Ora E. Chapin serving as Charter President; and Whereas: The Rotary Club of Fort Myers is the Largest Rotary Club and Service Club in Southwest Florida; and Whereas: The Rotary Club of Fort Myers, through sponsorship of new clubs in the area, has become the father and grandfather of 30 additional clubs, thus providing enormous additional service to an even much larger region; and Whereas: Over two thousand men and women from Lee County have been members of the club, and through that membership provided extensive unselfish and unpaid service to the community; and Whereas: Though formed as an organization for men only, in 1993 Ruth Messmer became the first female member of the club through the sponsorship of then club President Franklin Mann, thus doubling the opportunity for both membership and community service; and Whereas: Following shortly after the induction of its first female member, Gay Rebel Thompson became the first female President of the Club, providing exemplary leadership; and Whereas: Over 2 million dollars have been raised and spent on worthwhile projects by the Rotary Club of Fort Myers, for the entire community, and uncountable thousands of hours of volunteer labor has been expended by club members for the betterment of the community; and Whereas: Numerous public officials, including Legislators, Mayors, Judges and County Commissioners, have been proud to be known as members of the Rotary Club of Fort Myers; and Whereas: It is altogether fitting and appropriate to note the 90th birthday of this splendid service organization. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida does proudly take observance of this landmark occasion, and does officially say thank you for your many achievements for the betterment of mankind and our local community, and offers a very happy Club birthday to all members, past and present, and further, does hereby wish the Rotary Club of Fort Myers continued success in the years ahead.


 Date Picture Taken:
04/17/2012


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4-17-12 Child Abuse Prevention Month

Child abuse and neglect is a complex and ongoing problem in our society, affecting many children in Lee County; and Whereas: Every child is entitled to be loved, cared for, nurtured, feel secure and be free from verbal, sexual, emotional and physical abuse, and neglect; and Whereas: It is the responsibility of every adult who comes in contact with a child to protect that child’s inalienable right to a safe and nurturing childhood; and Whereas: Lee County has dedicated individuals and organizations such as the Children’s Network of Southwest Florida who work daily to counter the problem of child abuse and to help parents obtain the assistance they need; and Whereas: Our communities are stronger when all citizens become aware of child abuse prevention and become involved in supporting parents to raise their children in a safe and nurturing environment; and Whereas: Effective child abuse prevention programs succeed because of partnerships among families, social service agencies, schools, religious and civic organizations, law enforcement agencies and the business community; and Whereas: All citizens, community agencies, faith organizations, businesses will work to increase their efforts to support families. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida does hereby proclaim the month of April 2012 as: CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH in Lee County and commends this observance during April 2012 to the citizens of Lee County.



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4-17-12 National Volunteer Week

The Neighborhood Accountability Board program administered by Lee County Department of Human Services since 2002 provides court diversion services to youth who have committed a crime; and Whereas: In order to successfully implement the Neighborhood Accountability Board program, the County relies on community volunteers to participate in Restorative Justice conferencing with the youth, his/her parent or guardian and the victim to address and repair the harm caused by the youth and formulate a plan by which the youth agrees to repair said harm; and Whereas: The volunteers in the conference give a voice to the community affected by the crime; and Whereas:In fiscal year 2010-2011, 58 volunteers gave over 580 hours of their time to participate in youth conferences; and Whereas: In fiscal year 2010-2011, with the assistance of the volunteers, the Neighborhood Accountability Board program worked with 201 youth and the program continues to be successful in that 94% of youth served remained crime free six months after case closure; and Whereas: It is nationally recognized as Volunteer Appreciation Week April 15th through April 21st. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida does hereby recognize and appreciate the dedication of our Neighborhood Accountability Board community volunteers who truly make a difference in the lives of youth by providing them the skills and opportunities to grow into productive adults.



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4-17-12 Taking it to the Streets Campaign

Earth Day is Sunday, April 22, 2012; and Whereas:The State of Florida is dedicated to improving air quality, improving health and physical fitness, and reducing energy consumption; and Whereas:The participating local governments of Southwest Florida, including Lee County and the City of Fort Myers governments, in cooperation with Lee County Transit LeeTran and the Florida Department of Transportation, District One’s FDOT Commuter Services Program, contribute to these state goals by reducing traffic congestion and lowering greenhouse gas emissions throughout Lee County by promoting the use of alternative commute modes; and Whereas: Participating Lee County local governments, LeeTran, and FDOT Commuter Services have joined together as part of outreach activities to shift commuters away from drive-alone travel by hosting a county-wide Taking it to the Streets campaign and supporting individual events and activities throughout Lee County; and Whereas:Taking it to the Streets is a regional campaign to support and engage in activities that promote alternative forms of transportation, we further support public transportation and other forms of alternative transportation and recognize Taking it to the Streets participants by encouraging them to utilize FDOT Commuter Services Trip Track program to document trips made by carpool, transit, bicycle and other alternative modes of travel. Each trip tracked can be quantified according to individual savings in dollars, pounds of pollutants, vehicle miles of travel and other features; and Whereas:Lee Tran will provide a FREE ride to all residents and visitors on Thursday April 19, 2012; and Whereas:Lee County participating local governments, Lee County Health Department, BikeWalkLee, LeeTran, and FDOT Commuter Services are promoting increased interest in alternative travel options due to unstable gas prices, current economic conditions, and concerns about climate change; and Whereas:Lee County participating local Governments, Lee County Health Department, BikeWalkLee, LeeTran, and FDOT Commuter Services will be hosting a Taking it to the Streets campaign, during which the public will be encouraged to try alternative forms of transportation to work, school, shopping, or play; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSISSIONERS OF LEE COUNTY, FLORIDA proclaims the month of April 2012 as our official Taking it to the Streets campaign and encourages residents and visitors of Lee County and the City of Fort Myers to consider, utilize, and track alternatives to drive-alone commuting as participants in the Taking it to the Streets campaign.



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4-17-12 Water Conservation Month

Floridas natural beauty, crystal blue waters and white sand beaches attract residents and visitors from around the world; and Whereas: Clean and sustainable water resources are vital to Floridas environment, economy and quality of life; and Whereas: More than 90 percent of Southwest Florida’s drinking water is supplied by underlying aquifers, and our quality of life and the economy depend upon a clean and healthy environment; and Whereas: Floridians consume more than 7.9 billion gallons per day of fresh water, and the future of Florida depends greatly upon the availability of water; and Whereas: The State of Florida, together with local partners, are investing billions of dollars to develop alternative water supplies, clean up stormwater pollution, restore rivers, lakes and springs, upgrade drinking water facilities and improve wastewater treatment; and Whereas: All water users including commercial, industrial, agricultural, institutional, hospitality, private citizens and others can make positive contributions to reduce water use and protect Florida’s water resources; and Whereas: Lee County and the South Florida Water Management District, promote water conservation to instill a lasting culture of conservation in our communities; and Whereas: The Governor and Cabinet of the State of Florida are designating April as Florida’s Water Conservation Month to encourage Floridians to conserve the state’s precious water resources. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida does hereby proclaim the month of April as Water Conservation Month in Lee County.


 Date Picture Taken:
04/10/2012


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4-10-12 Public Safety Week

The annual National Public Safety Telecommunications Week honors those who perform the vital functions of Public Safety Telecommunications for E-911, EMS, Fire and Law Enforcement; and Whereas: The Certified Communication Specialists who work at Lee Control for Lee County Government, providing this demanding and stressful service to the residents and visitors of Lee County are the connective lifeline between the public and the responding Fire and EMS Crew; and Whereas:This lifeline is maintained through the administration of Emergency Medical Dispatch Pre-Arrival Instructions; and Whereas: Lee Control is a National Academy of Emergency Dispatch ACE Accredited Dispatch Center because of the dedication and commitment to standards of excellence in service; and Whereas: Recognition is due to all those Communication Specialists who have dedicated themselves to this profession, providing outstanding service to Lee County citizens and visitors. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida does hereby proclaim the week of April 8-14, 2012 as: NATIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATIONS WEEK in Lee County. Furthermore, we hereby convey our sincere appreciation to all the Communication Specialists at Lee Control for their outstanding contributions to the safety of our community.



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4-10-12 Together We Mean Community

On December 29, 2011, Lee County’s Department of Transportation, Tolls Division Customer Service Representative, Sandy Heinkel, found two twenty dollar bills in the test lane at the LeeWay Service Center; and Whereas:Sandy quickly noted the last customer she had helped and resourcefully reviewed his account to locate his contact information; and Whereas: She turned the information and the forty dollars over to her supervisor; and Whereas: On January 6, 2012, the customer was contacted successfully by staff and it was confirmed by the customer’s wife that her husband lost two twenty dollar bills and had spent several hours looking for them; and Whereas: Upon hearing the money was secure and could be picked up at the LeeWay Service Center, the grateful customer commented “How nice that there are still honest people in the world.”; and Whereas: Sandy Heinkel’s actions clearly exemplify the strength of her character and the integrity she exudes on a daily basis; and Whereas:This simple act of honesty displays Sandy’s moral compass but also serves as an exemplary representation of Lee County employees. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida does hereby recognize and praise Sandy Heinkel for going above and beyond her assigned duties and making an outstanding contribution to the citizens and community of Lee County and congratulate her as the selected employee for the Together We Mean Community program for 1st Quarter, 2011/2012.



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4-10-12 US Submarine Service 112th Birthday

In South West Florida, former submariners may choose to join their shipmates in USSVI, by belonging to the USS Barb Base honoring the submarines SS-220 and SSN-596, one World War II and later a nuclear fast attack boat both having the name; Barb; and Whereas:During the Second World War, the Submarine Service took on the unofficial title, The Silent Service, due to the inherent secrecy of its missions. The Submarine Service is credited with sinking over 30 percent of Japan's navy, including eight aircraft carriers; and Whereas:Victory at sea did not come cheaply, the Submarine Force lost 52 boats and 3,506 men or approximately one in four boats failed to return. Many of these boats and the men who served on them are still listed as, “overdue, presumed lost” because the final location of the boats remain unknown even today; and Whereas:At the end of WWII the submarine force began using newly designed nuclear propulsion developed boats, they became known as Fast Attacks. Two modern Fast Attacks have been lost, the USS Thresher and USS Scorpion; and Whereas:In 1959 a new type of nuclear submarine was launched. The USS George Washington was the first nuclear submarine capable of launching missiles while remaining submerged. The Navy gave her a new designation SSBN and all future Fleet Ballistic Missile or FBM’s would carry that designation; and Whereas:From its inception the Submarine Service has and remains an “all volunteer” branch of the US Navy. Anyone who has toured one of the museum boats located around the country will quickly realize that not everyone is suited for life under the sea. New volunteers are encouraged by old salts with the phrase: There really are only two types of ships…Submarines and Targets. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida does hereby recognize the Submarine Service as it celebrates its 112th birthday this April 11, 2012.



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4-10-12 USSVI Kap 4 Kids Day

The United States Submarine Veterans Inc. USSVI was started by a group of United States Submarine Veterans of World War II on 12 October, 1963 in Orange, NJ; and Whereas: The founders shared a belief in the need of an organization open to all submariners, from the very beginning of the Submarine Service through to the present and into the future - not limited to just those who served so ably in the second World War; and Whereas: They wanted to make it known that those lost on Submarines, in the line of duty for their country, will never be forgotten; and Whereas: The Charitable Foundation of the United States Submarine Veterans, Inc. was formed in 2000 to further the creed of USSVI by assuming the responsibility of USSVI activities which are charitab1e in nature such as scholarships, memorials and museum support; and Whereas: The Kap SS 4 Kid SS program was founded on July 1, 2007 by USSVI’s current National Commander, T. Michael Bircumshaw; and Whereas: Kap SS4 Kid SS is a USSVI Community Outreach Program that brings comfort and joy to medically challenged children through visits to hospitals, hospices, Ronald McDonald Houses, child psychiatric facilities or anywhere they are being treated; and Whereas: The social interaction of a Kap SS 4 Kid SS visit benefits sick children as well as the Sub Vets who visit them, provides positive local awareness for USSVI and is in keeping with USSVI’s creed; and Whereas: The Barb Base of USSVI, with submarine veteran members from all over Lee County is initiating their participation in the Kap SS 4 Kid SS program on this date. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, does hereby proclaim April 10, 2012, as ‘USSVI Kap SS 4 Kid SS Day’ in Lee County, Florida and urges all citizens to celebrate Kap SS 4 Kid SS Day and to assist with the efforts of USSVI Barb Base in this worthy endeavor. Furthermore, the Board urges all citizens to support the USSVI Barb Base as they bring the Kap SS 4 Kid SS program to Lee County.


 Date Picture Taken:
04/03/2012


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4-3-12 Sexual Violence Awareness Month

The Abuse Counseling and Treatment, Inc. staff and volunteers are committed to increasing public awareness of sexual violence and its prevalence, and to eliminating it through prevention and education; and Whereas: Important partnerships have been formed among criminal and juvenile justice agencies, health providers, allied professionals and victim services; and Whereas: Abuse Counseling and Treatment, Inc. will join with other Sexual Assault Service Providers, the Florida Council Against Sexual Violence, and other interested organizations in public awareness initiatives to generate greater public understanding of the issues surrounding sexual assault. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, on behalf of the citizens of Lee County, does hereby recognize the month of April 2012 as: SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH in Lee County.



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4-3-12 Conservation Partner of the Year

Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast contributed financially to Lee County’s purchase of the 190 acres and also made an additional $200,000 contribution to restore and manage the County’s Conservation 20/20 program’s Pine Island Flatwoods Preserve-Bayside; and Whereas: Conservation Foundation’s ambitious plans for its Pine Island Preserve at Matlacha Pass will result in the creation of a park resource that will be a gathering place where future generations can experience nature and enjoy outdoor recreation; and Whereas: The combined 420 acres of lands protected by Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast and Lee County, through their Conservation 20/20 program, feature a unique mixture of habitats for rare and beautiful wildlife, including wading birds, gopher tortoises, and bald eagles; and Whereas: The conserved lands on Pine Island also feature a rare flower called the beautiful paw paw that is found in only 3 counties in Florida and nowhere else in the world; and Whereas: Large game fish, such as tarpon and snook are found in the mangrove wetland portion of the protected lands and support tarpon fishing, which alone contributes over $120 million annually to the local economy from resident anglers in the Charlotte Harbor area; and Whereas: In recognition of the joint efforts of Lee County and Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast to conserve and protect over 420 acres of environmentally sensitive lands on Pine Island, Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast announced at its Annual Meeting that the Lee County Board of Commissioners would be awarded its Conservation Partner of the Year Award. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida hereby accepts the Conservation Partner of the Year Award from Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast and acknowledges and recognizes the successful efforts to protect 420 acres of environmentally sensitive lands in the heart of Pine Island that have been the result of a continued public-private partnership between the two organizations.



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4-3-12 Animal Control Officer Appreciation Month

The Lee County Board of County Commissioners recognizes and supports the importance of public safety and health services provided by Lee County Domestic Animal Services Animal Control Department; Fifteen Lee County Animal Control Officers provide stray animal control services for incorporated and unincorporated Lee County 365 days a year responding annually to over 15,000 field activities; issuing over 4,000 citations for State Statute and Local Ordinance violations; impounding over 10,000 stray animals running at large; and investigating over 300 cases of animal cruelty and neglect; and Whereas: Representing the Lee County Domestic Animal Services Animal Control Department is: Operations Manager, Glenn Johnson Field Supervisor, Lieutenant Angel Cruz Animal Control Officer, Valerie Cole Animal Control Officer, Alberto Rivera. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida does hereby proclaim April 2012 as: ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER APPRECIATION MONTH



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