Whereas, trauma survivors demonstrate unwavering courage, resilience, and perseverance in the face of adversity, inspiring us all with their strength and determination; and

Whereas, their journeys of recovery serve as powerful reminders of the human spirit’s capacity to endure and overcome even the most challenging circumstances; and

Whereas, the support and compassion shown to trauma survivors by their families, friends, healthcare providers, and communities play a crucial role in their healing process, fostering hope and renewal; and

Whereas, by recognizing the importance of raising awareness about the physical, emotional, and psychological impact of trauma, and the need for continued research, education, and advocacy, trauma care and support services will be improved; and

Whereas, on this day, we honor the resilience of trauma survivors and express our profound gratitude to all those who contribute to their recovery and well-being.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida hereby proclaims that May 22, 2026 shall be known as
NATIONAL TRAUMA SURVIVORS DAY
in Lee County and urges all its residents to join them in this observation.
Duly executed this 19th day of May 2026.

Length of Service Awards

Whereas, Lee County, Florida, with its great year-round weather, and fresh and saltwater resources, provides special water-related recreational activities to its residents, and people from around the world; and

Whereas, this area's 428 square miles of saltwater tidal coastline, rivers, bays, ponds, and canals provide many of the needed outlets for recreation and relaxation; and

Whereas, recreational boating is one of Florida's leading outdoor activities with more than 50,000 registered boats in Lee County alone, distinguishing Florida as the "Boating Capital of the World"; and

Whereas, every year lives are lost in boating accidents in spite of the educational efforts of the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the U.S. Power Squadrons, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, and local agencies; the most likely boating operator to be in an accident is a male with boating experience who has not taken a safe boating class; and

Whereas, federal, state and local agencies and private companies and groups have combined their efforts to reduce boating accidents by developing and executing safety training programs, such as, "Boat Smart - Boat Safe", and "Suddenly in Command"; and

Whereas, the sponsors of these programs have focused their efforts toward youth and the general public of Lee County, Florida, urging them to enhance boating pleasure and avoid possible loss of life, while reducing the loss of property, and marine accidents; and

Whereas, in 2024, the most recent year period of available data, the U.S. Coast Guard verified 556 deaths as a result of recreational boating incidents in the U.S. Where cause of death was known, 76% of fatal boating accident victims drowned. Where personal floatation device usage was known, 87% were not wearing a personal floatation device.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida does hereby proclaim May 16 - May 22, 2026, as
Safe Boating Week
in Lee County.
Duly executed this 5th day of May 2026.

Whereas, the Florida Gulf Coast University Men’s Hockey Club has demonstrated exceptional skill, determination, and sportsmanship throughout the season, representing their university and community with pride; and

Whereas, through disciplined teamwork, resilience, and unwavering commitment, the team achieved remarkable success, including 21 goals in the first two games of pool play and two overtime thrillers on their way to winning the ACHA National Championship with a 3-2 win over Oklahoma State in overtime; and

Whereas, the players, coaches, and staff have dedicated countless hours to training, preparation, and competition, exemplifying the highest standards of collegiate athletics; and

Whereas, this championship victory brings the ACHA Division II trophy back to FGCU for the fifth time since 2012, and serves as a source of pride and inspiration for students, alumni, and the greater Southwest Florida community; and

Whereas, the achievements of the FGCU Men’s Hockey Club highlight the importance of teamwork, leadership, perseverance, and excellence both on and off the ice.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida proclaims that we do hereby recognize and commend the Florida Gulf Coast University Men’s Hockey Club for their outstanding accomplishment in winning the ACHA Division II National Championship and extend our sincere congratulations and best wishes for continued success in the future.
Duly executed this 5th day of May 2026.

Whereas, National Prevention Week is an annual health observance held each May and is dedicated to increasing public awareness and action surrounding mental health and substance use disorders; and

Whereas, National Prevention Week 2026 is scheduled for May 10–16, 2026; and

Whereas, the Lee County Coalition for a Drug Free Southwest Florida has been the leader in substance abuse prevention in Lee County since its founding in 1989 by community leaders Sheriff Mike Scott and Jim Nathan; and

Whereas, the Lee County Coalition for a Drug Free Southwest Florida has coordinated Drug House Odyssey for the past 32 years with the support of numerous public health agencies and first responders; and

Whereas, the Lee County Coalition for a Drug Free Southwest Florida, in partnership with the Hanley Foundation, has worked tirelessly to bring evidence based prevention programs—led by Certified Prevention Professionals—to Lee County; and
Whereas, First Horizon Bank has generously sponsored the Run for Prevention, supporting the sustainability and continued impact of the Lee County Coalition for a Drug Free Southwest Florida; and

Whereas, the Lee County Coalition for a Drug Free Southwest Florida has been recognized as a valued partner of the United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades Counties; and

Whereas, Thrive Lee has been established as an initiative of the Lee County Coalition for a Drug Free Southwest Florida with the mission to build a healthier Lee County by strengthening youth, families, and communities through prevention, education, and early support;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida does hereby proclaim May 3 – 9, 2026 as

NATIONAL PREVENTION WEEK

in Lee County and call upon our community to join us this week in celebrating the compelling programs and events that support increasing awareness of, and action around, mental health and/or substance abuse disorders.
Duly executed this 5th day of May 2026.