HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-123 RESOLUT]:ON NO. 03-123
A RESOLUTZON PROCLATMTN~; THE MONTH
OF MAY, 2003, AS "FLOR/DA STATE PARKS
MaN-H" ]:N ST. LUCI:E COUNTY, FLORZDA
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucia County, Florida, has mode
the following determinations:
1. Florida's massive and diverse state park system, with over 600,000 acres and 158
parks, has received nation~l recognition for its state parks partnerships, its cutting-edge
resource management, its nature and heritage tourism programs and its environmental
education value.
2. Florida's beautiful state parks are vital to the environmental, economic and
resource management goals of the state while providing a relaxing outdoor experience for
visitors.
3. Florida's state pa"k system not only preserves pristine natural areas forever, it also
has a growing positive economic impact on Florida's local communities, which totaled $551
million last year.
4. Local state parks, such as Avalon 5tote Park, Fort Pierce Tnlet 5tote Park and
Savannas Preserve State Park in St. Lucia County, have a total of 16 employees, 303,949
annual visitors, and an eoonomic impact of $9,061,695 on the local community. These
exceptional natural resourc es include pristine beaches and diverse biological communities with
unique hydrological and geographic features, resulting in substantial enhancement of the
quality of life for our citizens.
5. There are 78 citizen support organizations and 6,000 volunteers who support
Florida's state park system and volunteers I~st year provided 906,000 hours of service, the
equivalent of 435 full-time employees.
6. Volunteer programs, along with its innovative outsourcing programs, allow Florida's
state park system to provide more services with fewer employees.
7. Florida's state park system had some 18 million visitors lost year from throughout
Florida, the United 5totes and the world, and attendance at Florida's state parks is growing
with the worldwide boom ir nature and heritage tourism.
8. Florida's state p~rks are engaged in hundreds of partnerships with national and
local parks in Florida to make these invaluable resources available to Florida citizens and
visitors.
NOW, THEREFORE, I~E Iq' RE$OLVEb by the Board of County Commissioners of St.
Lucia County, Florida:
t. This Board does 3araby proclaim the month of May, 2003, as "FLORTbA STATE
PARK5 MONTH" in St. Lucia County, Florida.
2. This Board encourages the citizens of St. Lucia County to enjoy, protect and
support Florida's beautiful and diverse state parks in May ;>003, and in the years to come so
future generations of Flor~ians and visitors may also enjoy and learn about Florida's unique
natural and cultural heritage through these priceless areas.
ATTEST:
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMZSSIONER5
ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA
APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM AND