Backup Documents 11/12/2013 Item # 4D PROCLAMATION 4 13
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 3"d Annual Florida Panther Festival puts a spotlight on the plight of the
endangered Florida panther through interactive activities about the life and
habitat of the Florida panther; and,
WHEREAS, the Florida Panther Festival increases 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 Festival educates residents and visitors about the management needs of the
panther and heightens 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 Festival is a free, entertaining, educational and fun-filled event combined
with field-based learning opportunities; and,
WHEREAS, it is 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 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, National Park Service, Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission, Friends of the Florida Panther Refuge, CREW Land and
Water Trust, FSCU's Wings of Hope and Nature on Wheels.
NOW THEREFORE, be it proclaimed by the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County,
Florida, that November 16, 2013 be designated as
FLORIDA PANTHER FESTIVAL DAY
DONE AND ORDERED THIS 12th Day of November, 2013.
t4 .ik BOARD Of COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
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r74`�(, ^, OEOR6.�`• A. HILLER, CHAIRWOMAN