Whereas, there are thousands of Alliance of Therapy Dogs therapy animal teams serving in communities across the United States, including dedicated volunteer teams serving residents throughout Lee County; and

Whereas, Pet Partners has designated April 30 as National Therapy Animal Day; and

Whereas, scientific research shows that interacting with therapy animals can reduce stress, relieve depression, slow heart rate, lower blood pressure, and strengthen the immune system; and

Whereas, therapy animal teams in Lee County, including those serving through programs such as Beesley’s Paw Prints Pet Therapy Program, play an essential role in improving human health and well-being through the human-animal bond; and
Whereas, therapy animal teams interact with a variety of people in our community including children receiving trauma therapy, veterans, seniors, patients, students, and those approaching end of life; and

Whereas, these exceptional therapy animals, working in partnership with their human companions, bring comfort, emotional support, and healing to those in need; and
Whereas, National Therapy Animal Day recognizes the meaningful contributions of therapy animal teams and encourages more pet owners to consider becoming Alliance of Therapy Dogs volunteers to help expand access to therapy animal visits in our community.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida does hereby proclaim
April 30, 2026, as

National Therapy Animal Day
in Lee County and encourage our citizens to celebrate our therapy animals and their human handlers. Further, we publicly salute the service of therapy animal teams in our community and in communities across the nation.

Duly executed this 21st day of April 2026.

Whereas, tourism is a cornerstone of Lee County’s economy, welcoming 3.3 million visitors in 2025 and generating $5.13 billion in economic impact; and

Whereas, tourism supports more than 31,000 local jobs and nearly $1.19 billion in wages, benefiting families and businesses in our community; and

Whereas, tourism revenues enhance the quality of life for residents, supporting beach nourishment, public facilities, and destination improvements, while also advancing events and experiences that enrich our community; and

Whereas, in the face of recent challenges, Lee County’s tourism industry has demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and a shared commitment to recovery, strengthening the foundation for future growth; and

Whereas, the success of Lee County’s tourism industry is made possible by thousands of dedicated hospitality professionals, and the ongoing efforts of the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau to promote Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods as a welcoming and desirable destination.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida does hereby proclaim May 3 – 9, 2026 as National Travel & Tourism Week in Lee County and encourages residents, businesses, and community partners to recognize and celebrate the vital role tourism plays in our economy and quality of life; and
Be it further resolved that the Board encourages participation in “Light Up Lee” by illuminating buildings and spaces in blue in celebration of National Travel & Tourism Week.
National Travel & Tourism Week 2026
Duly executed this 21st day of April 2026.