Backup Documents 10/25/2016 Item # 4B 4 B
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, The Florida Panther is the official state animal of Florida and was one of the
first animals added to the U.S_ Endangered Species List in 1973; and,
WHEREAS, The Florida Panther Festival has been held in past years to spotlight the
plight of this endangered species through interactive activities about the
Florida panther's life and habitat: and,
WHEREAS, The Florida Panther Festival, and its additional outreach events done
throughout Collier County, will increase awareness of the Florida panther
while promoting the safe coexistence of people, pets, livestock and
panthers by fostering community-wide appreciation for native wildlife and
the unique ecosystem that serves as its habitat; and,
WHEREAS, The Florida Panther Festival will be an entertaining, educational, fun-filled
event combined with field-based learning opportunities and is free to Collier
County residents: and,
WHEREAS, The Florida Panther Festival will be a self-sustaining event that not only
develops public and private partnerships, but empowers private community
partners to become festival leaders; and,
WHEREAS, The Florida Panther Festival is a collaborative effort by a variety of
organizations including the Naples Zoo; U..5. Fish and Wildlife Service;
National Park Service; Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission;
Conservancy of Southwest Florida; Florida Wildlife Federation; Hodges
University; Florida Gulf Coast University; Defenders of Wildlife; Naples, Marco
Island, Everglades Convention and Visitors Bureau, and others.
NOW THEREFORE, be it proclaimed by the Board of County Commissioners of Collier
County, Florida, that November 5, 2016 be designated as
Florida Panther Festival Day
DONE AND OR•FRED THIS 25th Day of October 2016
: 1)\\ Ail Oki' �� BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
tt !, II COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA
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