Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter-News Analyst
At the beginning of each Fernandina Beach City Commission meeting, the commission takes time to recognize important events and actions.
Mayor Sarah Pelican proclaimed Friday, May 17th, 2013 as Arbor Day to representatives of American Legion Post #54 and the Sunrise Rotary Club. Former Mayor Bruce Malcolm accepted on behalf of the American Legion and recognized the men with him who provided the labor to improve the new Veterans Memorial at Central Park. Malcolm thanked the FBCC for dedicating that space as a Veterans Memorial.
Len Kreger of the Fernandina Beach Kayak Club accepted a proclamation from Mayor Pelican designating Fernandina Beach as a Florida Paddling Trail Blueway Community.
Fort Clinch Ranger Heath Alboher, Amelia Island Museum of History Educational Programming Coordinator Gray Edenfield and City Community Development Director Adrienne Burke received a proclamation from Mayor Pelican in celebration of the Viva Florida 500 anniversary. Edenfield used the opportunity to remind commissioners and the public that many events are being planned and the Museum would welcome volunteers.
Mayor Pelican presented Police Chief James Hurley with a proclamation honoring past and present law enforcement officers by declaring May 12-18, 2013 as National Police Officer Week and May 15, 2013 as Peace Officers Memorial Day. In accepting the proclamation, Chief Hurley invited the public to attend a joint ceremony with the Nassau County Sheriff’s Department at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 14 to mark the memorial day tribute a day early. The event will be held at the Sheriff’s Department in Yulee.
Sean McGill, the Amelia Island-Fernandina Beach-Yulee Chamber of Commerce’s 2012 Business Leader of the Year, accepted a proclamation from Mayor Pelican proclaiming May 18-24 as “Small Business Week.” McGill thanked the FBCC on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce and encouraged people to patronize small businesses in the local community. He also invited people to the Small Business Expo on May 18 at the Betty P. Cook Center of the Florida State College at Jacksonville on William Burgess Boulevard in Yulee.
The FBCC unanimously approved Resolution 2013-69 expressing its appreciation for outstanding services rendered by Mr. Philip L. Hawkins as a member of the General Employees’ Pension Plan Board of Trustees for the past 10 years. Mayor Pelican presented Mr. Hawkins with the resolution.
May 13, 2013 3:50 p.m.