Backup Documents 10/25/2011 Item # 4EPROCLAMATION , 4E
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 First Annual Florida Panther Festival will put a spotlight on the plight of the endangered
Florida panther through interactive activities about the Florida panther's life and habitat;
and
WHEREAS, The Florida Panther Festival will increase awareness of the Florida panther while promoting
the safe coexistence of people, pets, livestock and panthers by fostering community -wide
appreciation for the panther and the unique ecosystem that serves as its habitat; and
WHEREAS, The Florida Panther Festival will educate residents and visitors about the management needs
of the panther and heighten awareness for the maintenance and protection of panther
habitat not only to the core panther population area, but to practical expansion areas in
Florida; and
WHEREAS, The Florida Panther Festival will be a free, entertaining, educational, fun - filled event
combined with field -based /corning opportunities; and
WHEREAS, The Florida Panther Festival will be a self- sustaining event that not only develops public and
Private partnerships, but empowers the private community partners to become festival
leaders; and
WHEREAS, The Florida Panther Festival is a collaborative effort by a variety of organizations including
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Collier County Parks and Recreation, Naples -Marco
Island- Everglades Convention and Visitors Bureau; Audubon Society; Defenders of Wildlife;
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; Florida Avlf Coast University's Wings of
Hope; National Pank Service and friends of the Florida Panther Refuge.
NOW THEREFORE, be it proclaimed by the Board of Camty Commissioners of Collier County, Florida, in
recognition of the 1s' Annual Florida Panther Festival being held on Saturday, October 29,
2011, that October 29, 2011 be designated as
Florida Panther Festival Day
DONE AND ORDERED THIS 25th Day of October, 2011.
47T7TF*S5
E. BROOK, CLERK
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA
Fred W. Coyle, CHAIRMAN