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, 2025, marked the 17th 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 Encouraging all communities, organizations, and individuals to reflect on the importance of believing in the power and potential of girls.

We celebrate American Red Cross month by recognizing the compassionate acts of people in Lee County and by renewing the commitment to lend a helping hand to our neighbors in need; and

Whereas, since Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross more than 140 years ago, and 108 years ago in South Florida, generation after generation has stepped up to deliver relief and care across our community, bringing out the best of humanity in times of crisis; and

Whereas, volunteers, advancing the noble mission, who give their time remain unwavering in their commitment to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of today’s emergencies; and

Whereas, whether it’s delivering shelter, food and comfort during a disaster; supporting service members, veterans and their families; saving lives with first aid, CPR, AED and other skills; or delivering international aid and reconnecting loved ones separated by global crisis, volunteers selflessly answer the call to help; and

Whereas, we applaud the American Red Cross’ mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies, and our community depends on the American Red Cross, which relies on volunteers and the generosity of the public to perform its mission

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida does hereby designate March as AMERICAN RED CROSS MONTH In Lee County

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 nutrition 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

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida proclaims the month of March 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.

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

Whereas, maintaining the quality of life in Lee County during periods of substantial growth and uncertain economic times depends on engineers developing innovative, creative, and high-quality solutions to technical problems; and 

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

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

Whereas, the Board of County Commissioners wishes to recognize and honor those individuals who live and work in Lee County and who practice the profession of engineering in an honorable, responsible, ethical, and competent manner; and to recognize and honor those students who have chosen to be educated to follow a career path in the field of engineering.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida does hereby proclaim that the week of February 16 through February 22, 2025, be designated as Engineers Week in Lee County.

March is Florida Biking Month and has showcased the many benefits of bicycling; and

Whereas, Florida is ideally suited for residents and visitors to cycle, with an average of 237 sunny days per year along with many scenic locations available to riders; and

Whereas, Lee County has invested substantial funds in developing bicycle facilities and currently maintains approximately 778 miles of on- and off-road paths, lanes and trails; and

Whereas, Bicyclists from all over the globe visit Lee County to enjoy the extensive cycling facilities thus having a positive impact on Lee County's economy and tourism industry; and

Whereas, National health organizations and physical fitness activists promote increased bicycling as a way to improve health, quality of life, and boost community spirit; and

Whereas, An increase in the use of bicycles in place of motor vehicles has a positive environmental impact by decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing pollution in Lee County; and

Whereas, Lee County encourages bicycle safety education for bicyclists and motorists including the rules of the road and benefits of wearing helmets to ensure the safety and well-being of all; and

Whereas, The Board of County Commissioners adopted a Complete Streets Resolution on November 10, .2009 to integrate bicycling, walking and public transit with the county's transportation program.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, does hereby declare March 2025 to be Bike Month in Lee County and encourages residents and visitors to ride their bicycles throughout the month.

Lee County welcomes the Minnesota Twins and their fans back for their 35th Spring Training season in Lee County at the newly-renamed Lee Health Sports Complex; and Lee County welcomes the Boston Red Sox and their fans back for their 33rd Spring Training season in Lee County, and the 14th at JetBlue Park; and

Whereas, Lee County is incredibly proud of the three-decade-long partnership with both teams; and with winter raging on in both Minneapolis and Boston, we welcome fans to enjoy America's favorite pastime in the sunshine and explore our ever-growing neighborhoods and communities; and

Whereas, The Red Sox and Twins are exemplary community partners, aligning themselves with many local non-profits and youth organizations, as well as showing immense support for hurricane relief efforts including the use of spring training facilities for various volunteer staging, relief efforts and fundraising activities; and

Whereas, the 2025 Spring Training season will once again highlight Lee County as a special part of Twins Territory and Red Sox Nation.

Whereas, Connie Mack brought the Philadelphia A’s to host the first spring training in Lee County in 1925, making this year a 100th anniversary for Spring Training here;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida - along with Lee County's Parks & Recreation Department, Visitor & Convention Bureau, Sports Development Office and Facilities Construction & Management Department - do hereby proclaim its full support for both the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins organizations, and we send our most sincere best wishes for success in the upcoming 2025 baseball season.

Fairs are an American tradition that bring together neighbors and strengthen the social fabric of communities; and

Whereas, Lee County has a rich history of excellence in agriculture, education and industry; and

Whereas, this year’s extravaganza also includes numerous exciting events, such as Creative Living’s arts and crafts, and livestock shows and sales; and

Whereas, the Southwest Florida Ag Expo also features an expanded carnival with spectacular Reithoffer Shows’ midway rides and kiddie attractions, free concerts, and promotional days for families, and

Whereas, the growth and success of the event, anticipated to draw thousands of people daily, is a testament to the quality of programming and the dedication of the staff, volunteers, community, and the youth participants of 4-H, FFA and PeeWees of Southwest Florida; and

Whereas, the 2025 Southwest Florida Ag Expo’s “Ag-citing Adventure” will be held for 11 consecutive days celebrating community, youth competitions, entertainment and fun for everyone.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida does does hereby declare February 27 – March 9, 2025 as Ag Expo Days in Lee County, and urges all residents and visitors to celebrate the county’s rich heritage by attending this exciting event and enjoying the rides, food, entertainment, exhibits and fellowship.

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, a woman is less likely to receive CPR from a bystander than a man, and men have 23% higher odds of surviving a sudden cardiac arrest than women; and

Whereas, the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® movement motivates women to learn their family history and to meet with a healthcare provider to determine their risk for cardiovascular diseases and stroke; and

Whereas, the American Heart Association and the Florida Department of Health in Lee County encourages every citizen to be the beat for someone you love by becoming a lifesaver and learning the skill of Hands-Only CPR today;

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 7, 2025 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 increasing awareness, speaking out about heart disease, empowering women to reduce their risk for cardiovascular diseases and learning the lifesaving skill of Hands-Only CPR we can save thousands of lives each year.

4th Quarter Length of Service Awards

CRAM (Creating Role Models & Mentors), a student-run nonprofit (501c3) dedicated to the mentorship, support and success of students in Lee County is celebrating five years of peer mentorship between students of varying ages, backgrounds and learning levels.

Whereas, CRAM’s group of vetted and trained mentors from Canterbury School, Fort Myers High School IB and Bishop Verot High School exceeds 75 members who provide face-to-face academic support, positive reinforcement and friendship to more than 200 Lee County elementary, middle and high school student mentees.

Whereas, CRAM mentors meet with mentees on a weekly basis during “CRAM Sessions” at Fort Myers Middle Academy to provide support with homework, offer a snack and give advice.

Whereas, the month of January is designated as ‘National Mentoring Month’ to raise awareness about the power and impact that mentoring has on young people, exposing them to new ideas, new goals and new ways of doing things.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida does hereby recognize CRAM, Creating Role Models & Mentors, for its invaluable impact on students in Lee County this National Mentoring Month and year-round.

Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA), founded in 1938, is the oldest public relations organization in the United States; and dedicated to providing public relations professionals with the knowledge, resources, and ethical standards to serve their organizations and communities effectively; and

Whereas, on January 16, 1985, the Southwest Florida Chapter of FPRA was established as part of this legacy, contributing 40 years of leadership, professional development, and innovation to our community; and

Whereas, the Chapter has fostered an environment to provide public relations, communications, and marketing professionals with a forum to collaborate, share expertise, and advance the profession, and the chapter has continually adapted to the evolving communications landscape while strengthening the profession across Southwest Florida through its values of Community, Integrity, Learning and Servant Leadership; and

Whereas, members of the Chapter represent a wide range of backgrounds, including government, healthcare, education, nonprofit, and private corporations, contributing to the growth, success, and resilience of the Southwest Florida community; and

Whereas, the Chapter places a strong emphasis on actively cultivating the next generation of professionals through its student chapter at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), mentorship initiatives, and internship programs, ensuring the sustainability and evolution of the profession; and

Whereas, the 40th anniversary of the Southwest Florida Chapter represents a significant milestone, honoring its contributions to both the local community and the enduring history of FPRA;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida proclaims that January 16, 2025 shall be known as SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PR AND COMMUNICATIONS PROFESSIONALS’ DAY and encourages all citizens and industry partners to honor these professionals and recognize their commitment to the field.

The American Red Cross fulfills a unique and vital role in our community, providing help and hope, in the face of emergencies and disaster, and is a true reflection of the humanitarian and volunteer spirit of the American people; and

WHEREAS, for over seventy-eight years, United States Presidents have called upon people to support the American Red Cross and its humanitarian mission.  President Franklin D. Roosevelt was the first to proclaim March as Red Cross Month in 1943.  Since that time, every president has issued proclamations designating March as Red Cross Month; and

WHEREAS, the American Red Cross has been helping people for one hundred and forty years, responding to disasters and assisting members of the military, teaching lifesaving skills, and providing comfort and support; and

WHEREAS, nationally, the American Red Cross responds to an average sixty-thousand disasters every year.  The organization provides a link between those in the military and their families; and

WHEREAS, we applaud the mission of the American Red Cross to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies, and our community depends on the American Red Cross, which relies on volunteers and the generosity of the public to perform its mission.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida proclaims the month of March as AMERICAN RED CROSS MONTH in Lee County and encourages all citizens to support the work of service and relief organizations that help support our community.