Whereas, fairs and expos are a cherished American tradition that bring neighbors together and strengthen the social fabric of communities; and

Whereas, Lee County has a long-standing history of excellence in agriculture, education, and industry; and

Whereas, the Southwest Florida Ag Expo features a wide variety of engaging events, including Creative Living arts and crafts exhibits, as well as livestock shows and sales that highlight the talents of local youth and agricultural leaders; and

Whereas, the Ag Expo also offers an expanded carnival experience with spectacular Reithoffer Shows’ midway rides and attractions, free concerts, and special promotional days designed to engage families and the community; and

Whereas, the continued growth and success of the event, expected to draw thousands of attendees daily, is a testament to the high quality of programming and the commitment of the staff, volunteers, community, and the youth participants representing 4-H, FFA and PeeWees of Southwest Florida; and

Whereas, the 2026 Southwest Florida Ag Expo, themed “Roots ‘n’ Rides: A Celebration of Tradition,” will be held over 11 consecutive days celebrating community, youth competitions, entertainment, and fun for all ages.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida does hereby declare February 26 through March 8, 2026 as
Ag Expo Days
in Lee County, and encourages residents and visitors alike to honor the County’s agricultural heritage by attending the Southwest Florida Ag Expo and enjoying the rides, food, entertainment, exhibits, and community celebration.
Duly executed this 17th day of February 2026.

Whereas, 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 792 miles of on- and off-road paths, lanes, and trails; and

Whereas, Bicyclists from around the world 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 2026 to be
Bike Month
in Lee County and encourages residents and visitors to ride their bicycles throughout the month.
Duly executed this 17th day of February 2026.

Whereas, Lee County welcomes the Minnesota Twins and their fans back for their 36th Spring Training season in Lee County at the Lee Health Sports Complex; and Lee County welcomes the Boston Red Sox and their fans back for their 34th Spring Training season in Lee County, and the 15th 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 2026 Spring Training season will once again highlight Lee County as a special part of Twins Territory and Red Sox Nation.

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 2026 baseball season.
Duly executed this 17th day of February 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.

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.

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.

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.

Length of Service Awards

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.