HomeMy WebLinkAbout22-134 RESOLUTION NO. 2022-134
A RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING AUGUST 2022, AS
"SUNNIER PALMS MEMBERS LODGE, INC. 30TH ANNIVERSARY MONTH"
IN ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County, Florida, has made the
following determinations:
1. Sunny Palms nudist park opened in Florida City in 1948 and was a Winter home to
Naturists/nudists, until 1984 when the absentee owner sold the Native Pine forest to DuPont.
A Steering Committee organized to relocate and formed a Florida not-for-profit corporation,
Sunnier Palms Members Lodge, Inc. Sunnier volunteers are great stewards of the property and
the historic waterway which dissects the property, thanks to local advisors, from Audubon,
Conservation Alliance, County environmental planners and Forestry. Decades of controlled burns
contribute to Sunnier being acknowledged as a "Fire Wise Community". Sunnier's vegetable
gardens were awarded Slow Food's Snail of Approval.Sunnier maintains a Florida Nursery license,
requiring inspection of approximately 100 species of plants for occasional sales, donations, and
workshops. FWC permits aquaculture in Sunnier ponds.
2. In the 1980s Middle Cove was listed in the first "World Guide to Nude Beaches". Sunnier
recruited local attorneys, Pete McDonald and Michael Kessler, to have St. Lucie court and law
enforcement acknowledge the Florida Supreme Court distinction between innocent skinny-
dipping and "indecent exposure". St. Lucie County is now the first and only Florida county with
both a Naturist/nudist community and clothing optional beach, Blind Creek.
3. Sunnier is working with County planners to make the best use of the acreage zoned
"neighborhood commercial". Sunnier continues to grow, purchasing an additional 2.5 acres,
hooking up to public water, and is in the process of upgrading the electrical system throughout.
Sunnier is intended to be here for many future generations of Naturists. Members donate their
time and expertise. The corporation prohibits members from any financial gain from the
property, even if sold. In 2020, COVID closed Sunnier's gates to all but members. Sunnier will
resume welcoming visitors next month. In November, Sunnier will host a 30th Anniversary
celebration open to the public.
4. Sunnier chose St. Lucie County due to the County's commitment to preserve land, the City of
Ft. Pierce's preservation of historic architecture, the art and cultural history of the area, and the
commitment by the County to grow "smart". Sunnier is happy for the choice made 30 years ago,
which is a good reason to celebrate.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie
County, Florida that this Board does hereby proclaim August 2022, as "Sunnier Palms Members
Lodge, Inc. 30th Anniversary Month" in St. Lucie County, Florida.
PASSED AND DULY ADOPTED this 9th day of August 2022.
ATTEST: BOARD OF COUNTY C MMISSIONERS
• ST LUC��IN FLO C
DEPUTY CLERK �.c i> .+� CHAIR
APPROVED A TO FORM D
CORRECTNE\ ,4" 447,e,
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