Agenda 03/24/2009 Item # 4B
Aaenda Ilem I~o. 48
" March 24, 2009
Page 1 of 2
PROCLAMA TION
WHEREAS, the F/qrido Panther is the Official State Animal of the great State of Flodda; and,
WHEReAS, the Florida Panther is tl magnificent subspecies and Q symbol of the natural character of
the Everglades Ecosystem of Sovth Florida: Of/It
WHEREAS. the FJDrida panthers decline occurred prior to 1950. when it was still/ego! to hunt them.
Panthers were fisted as endangered in 196Tond ore protected under state and federal
laws, and as of 2006, biologists estimate roughly 80 - 100 Florido panthers remain /n the
Wild: and,
WHEREAS, it is the will of the people of Collier County and therefore a mission of their government
to rescue the Florida Panther from the threat of extinctkm: and,
WHI?REAS. beCDuse Collier County is the stronghold For the long-term survival of the Florida
PantherJt is vital that the Natural Resource managers, nen-profit groups" citiZens" and
businesses in the County need to gather to celebrate this species fo,. the South Flo,.ida
Ecosystem; and"
WHEREAS,
the F!o"lda Legls/ature has established the third Saturday in March as ':Save the Floricla
Panther Day".. and,
WHl?REAS, edtJCotlng the residents of Collie,. County wi'll help us co-exist safely In a panther habitat.
By being alert from dusk 't11 dawn and whenever deer or ather panther prey (deer,
raccoons, rabbits" etc.) are active, keeping domestic livestock secure, landscaping for
safety, and considering other deterrents such as outdoor lighting and hiking or biking with
a friend, we con accomplish that goal: and,
WHEREAS, there has never been a Imown attack of a human by 13 Florida Panther; the cat moves
primarily at night, so keep your chifd,.en within sight and close to you". give the panther a
way to escape if you cross paths". do not run as it may stimulate the panthers instinct to
chase: avoid crouching or bending over as it makes you look smaller: try to appear/arger
by waving your arms, opening your jacket and throwing stones or branches without turning
your back, and fight back if you are attacked: and,
WHEREAS, it Is proper and fitting far all Floridians to paust! and reflect on the plight of the Florida
Panther and the task of preserving the sleek, lean" carnivorous, and ~autiful Florida
panther species to enrich the legacy of generations yet to come.
NOW THEREFORE.. be it proclaimea by the Boord of County Commissioners of Collier County, Florida,
thot March 14, 2009 through March 21, 2009 be designated os
PANTHER AWARENESS WEEK
DONE AND ORDERED THIs 24rH Day of March, 2009.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COLLIER COUNTY" FLORIDA
DONNA FIALA, CHAIRMAN
ATTEST'
DWIGHT E BROCK. CLERK
COLLIER COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Item Number:
Item Summary:
48
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Agenda Item No. 48
March 24, 2009
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Proclamation designating March 14, 2009 through March 21, 2009 as Panther Awareness
Week. To be accepted by Lisa Ostberg, President, Friends of the Florida Panther Refuge.
3/24/2009 90000 AM
Meeting Date:
Prepared By
Paula Springs Executive Aide to the BCe Date
Board of County
Commissioners BCe Office 3/6/200911:15:20 AM
Approved By
Sue Filson Executive Manager to the BCe Date
Board of County
Commissioners Bee Office 3/6/2009 12:55 PM
Approved By
James V. Mudd County Manager Date
Board of County
Commissioners County Manager's Office 3/12/2009 5:27 PM