City Proclamations for March 2015

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
March 24, 2015 10:00 a.m.

Girl Scouts listen intently as Mayor Boner declares March 12 "Girl Scouts of the USA Birthday"
Girl Scouts listen intently as Mayor Boner declares March 12 “Girl Scouts of the USA Birthday”

The Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC) joined other communities in recognizing the Girl Scouts of America on their 103rd birthday. Local Girl Scouts opened the March 17, Regular FBCC Meeting by leading commissioners and audience members in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Mayor Ed Boner proclaimed March 12, 2015 as ‘Girl Scouts of the USA Birthday’. Suellen Ramshaw accepted the proclamation on behalf of the Girl Scouts of Nassau Unit, Gateway Council. She indicated that the last time the Girl Scouts received city recognition was in the 1990’s, and thanked commissioners for their recognition of the value of their program.

Bretta Walker receives proclamation declaring March 16-22 Flood Awareness Week.
Bretta Walker receives proclamation declaring March 16-22 Flood Awareness Week.

Mayor Boner also read a city proclamation declaring the week of March 16-22, 2015 as Flood Awareness Week. Bretta Walker of the city’s Community Development Office accepted the proclamation that reinforced the city’s efforts to continually improve standing within the Community Rating System, promote awareness and increase citizen knowledge about flood risks, the availability of flood insurance and protection methods. In accepting the proclamation, Walker said that the city’s current flood rating is a 6, which “is truly exceptional,” but the city is striving to achieve level 5, a rating enjoyed by very few cities. The current rating provides city residents with a 25 percent break on their flood insurance rates.

Suanne Thamm 4Editor’s Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne’s many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.