Backup Documents 10/26/2010 Item # 4CPROCLAMATION T C
WHEREAS, the Swamp Buggy, invented by Ed Frank in Naples, originally used to travel the
vast, boggy swamps of the American South, proving invaluable during the early
development of the Everglades in the 1930's and 1940' , and
WHEREAS, known as Swamp Buggies, Wood Buggies, and Hunting Buggies, these vehicles were
used for everything from Sunday afternoon outings to hunting expeditions in the
Every /odes; and
WHEREAS, by the /ate 1940'F racers would gather the week before hunting season to race
for the valued prize, which was usually a new shotgun donated by a loco/
merchant; and
WHEREAS, on November 12, 1949, the first "Official" Swamp Buggy Races were held in
Naples, motoring their way into history, with a field of almost 50 competitors
being won by Tohnny Tones, and
WHEREAS, organized by a group of civic and community leaders, 'Swamp Buggy Days" was
born. A parade through Naples was organized, all the shops closed for the day,
and from that point on, Nap /es could lay claim to the most unique motorsport in
the world; and
WHEREAS, Swamp Buggy Races are held every January, March and October at the Florida
Sports Park in Naples. Swamp Buggy, Inc. is a non -profit corporation dedicated
to three principles: To produce fundraising opportunities to all area charities and
civic organizations, to preserve the tradition of swamp buggy racing and to
protect the heritage and culture of Collier County; and to provide affordable
entertainment and recreational activities to all citizens of Collier County; and
WHEREAS, in 1985 Swamp Buggy, Inc. purchased the land currently known as the Florida
Sports Park, hosting their first swamp buggy races at their new location in 1986,
and
WHEREAS, in 1949, ,roan Ozier was voted the first Swamp Buggy Queen. Today, Swamp
Buggy Queen selection has evolved into a highly organized community funded
scholarship pageant naming Christa To Roberts, a senior from Palmetto Ridge High
School as the current Swamp Buggy Queen.
NOW THEREFORE, be it proclaimed by the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County,
Florida, that October 300 and 3.15" 2010 be designated as
SWAMP BUGGY RACES WEEKEND
DONE AND ORDERED THIS 26th Day of October, 2010.
ATTEST:
2 t�,,-Er
DWI6l�7 BROCx, CLERK
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA
FRED COYLE, CHAIRMAN
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