Whereas, each year the month of March is identified as Women's History Month and is a time when our nation reflects on the valuable contributions women make to our society; and

Whereas, every girl deserves to be celebrated for her uniqueness and aspirations, and deserves to have her voice heard, her dreams supported, and her achievements acknowledged; and

Whereas, Pace Center for Girls is instrumental in helping provide a better future through education, counseling, training, and advocacy; and

Whereas, Pace Center for Girls recognizes the unique needs of young women and collaborates with Florida's Department of Children and Families, Department of Education, and Department of Juvenile Justice to empower girls to believe in themselves; and

Whereas, this month provides an opportunity to honor the achievements of girls around the world, to highlight the importance of providing resources and opportunities for girls, and to renew our commitment to ensuring that all girls can thrive and succeed in every aspect of their lives; and

Whereas, February 5th, 2026, marked the 19th anniversary of Pace Center for Girls providing services in Lee County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida does hereby proclaim the month of March as Believing in Girls Month in Lee County and encourage all communities, organizations, and individuals to reflect on the importance of believing in the power and potential of girls.

Duly executed this 17th day of March 2026.

Whereas, food is the substance by which life is sustained; the type, quality, and amount of food that individuals consume each day plays a vital role in their overall health; and

Whereas, there is a need for continuing nutritional education and a wide-scale effort to enhance healthy eating practices; and

Whereas, National Nutrition Month is an annual nutrition education and information campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; and

Whereas, the campaign celebrated each year, during the month of March, focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits; and

Whereas, the overall health and well-being of our residents is of paramount importance to Lee County and Lee Health.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida does hereby proclaim the month of March as

NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH

in Lee County, FL and encourages all citizens to join the campaign and become concerned about their nutrition and the nutrition of others in the hope of achieving optimum health for both today and tomorrow.

Duly executed this 17th day of March 2026.

Whereas, Lee County is home to 47 miles of Gulf beaches that are vital to the character, economy, environment, and quality of life of our community; and

Whereas, in 2025 Lee County welcomed approximately 3.3 million visitors whose spending of $3.3 billion supported local businesses, employment, and the overall strength of our regional economy; and

Whereas, 24.6 miles of Lee County’s shoreline are designated by the State of Florida as critically eroded, underscoring the importance of ongoing coastal restoration and preservation efforts; and

Whereas, Lee County’s Natural Resources Division has overseen multiple beach nourishment projects including post Hurricane Ian projects to support shoreline recovery; and
Whereas, since 1990 Lee County has invested more than $56.2 million in Tourist Development Tax revenue toward beach nourishment and shoreline protection projects; and

Whereas, the American Shore & Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA), founded in 1926, has for 100 years advanced the science, policy, and collaborative leadership necessary to protect and preserve the nation’s shores and beaches; and

Whereas, ASBPA’s advocacy and technical expertise have supported coastal communities across the United States, including those in the State of Florida.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida does hereby congratulate the American Shore & Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA) on the occasion of its Centennial Anniversary in 2026 and recognizes its century of leadership in promoting responsible stewardship of America’s shores and beaches.
Duly executed this 3rd day of March 2026.

Whereas, the Southwest Florida Reading Festival was established in the year 2000 as the largest signature event presented by the Lee County Library System, featuring internationally acclaimed, bestselling authors and illustrators for all ages; and

Whereas, the Southwest Florida Reading Festival is a free community event that welcomes more than 7,500 residents and visitors to the downtown Fort Myers River district area, contributing to commerce and driving economic vitality for Lee County businesses; and

Whereas, the Southwest Florida Reading Festival connects readers and fans with more than 50 authors during the festival, sparking joy and curiosity through meaningful human connection and lasting memories; and

Whereas, the Southwest Florida Reading Festival, through the generosity of donors and sponsors, provides every child and teen with a free book of their choice to promote a life-long love of reading and improve literacy rates and success outcomes for youth in the community; and

Whereas, the Southwest Florida Reading Festival partners with the School District of Lee County to present the K-12 Aspiring Author Youth Writing Awards at the event, inspiring a new generation of young writers; and

Whereas, the Fort Myers Regional Library where the Southwest Florida Reading Festival is held annually, is a vibrant community hub of engagement, education, and empowerment, offering access to enriching programs, services, and resources including more than 1.5 million circulating items; and

Whereas, the Southwest Florida Reading Festival has been celebrating the power of reading and improving access to information, literacy, and opportunity for 27 years.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida does hereby proclaim March 7, 2026 as Southwest Florida Reading Festival Day