Proclamation recognizing Florida native plants and biodiversity

WHEREAS,Florida’s native plants serve as the very foundation of wildlife habitat; and Whereas, native plants are a natural environment for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators and provide habitat for many non-insect animals; and Whereas, South Florida is a hotspot for floral and faunal biodiversity with globally unique ecosystems such as Pine Rockland Forests, the Everglades, and Rockland Hammock Forests; and Whereas, more than 3,000 native plant species inhabit Florida and at least 256 species are “endemic” to Florida, as they do not occur anywhere else in the world; and Whereas, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer services has designated more than 550 native plants species as Endangered, Threatened, or Commercially Exploited, thus underscoring the need for greater public recognition and protection; and Whereas, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has designated more than 60 native Florida plants species as Endangered or Threatened, therein emphasizing the critical role Florida habitats play in protecting our Nation’s flora from extinction; and Whereas, native plants impart natural grace and beauty to developed landscapes and are naturally adapted to Florida’s climate and rainfall patterns more than non- native plants; and Whereas, October is an especially vibrant month to see native plants in bloom and provides opportunities for the public to appreciate the beauty and natural value of native plants including Gumbo Limbo, Satin Leaf, Simpson Stopper, Wild Coffee, Blazing Stars, Dade County Slash Pine, Muhlygrass, Goldenrods and Asters; and Whereas, the preservation of Florida’s native plants and wild areas provides our children places to explore and experience nature, and is an essential prerequisite to the conservation of our native wildlife for generations to come; and Whereas, the Village of Pinecrest has taken legislative actions to preserve and promote our native plant communities;

Now, therefore, I, Joseph M. Corradino, Mayor of the Village of Pinecrest, Florida, on behalf of the Village Council and its citizens, do hereby proclaim October 2024 as Florida Native Plant Month In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Village Clerk to affix the Seal of the Village of Pinecrest, Florida this 8th of October 2024 and do hereby encourage all citizens of Pinecrest to join me in recognizing Florida Native Plant Month. _________________ Joseph M. Corradino Mayor Whereas, Cesar Dumaran began his career with the Village of Pinecrest on the 17th day of May 1999, demonstrating unwavering commitment and dedication over a distinguished 25-year career; and Whereas, Cesar Dumaran’s career as a maintenance worker has showcased a breadth of expertise, earning him the reputation of being the ultimate "go-to guy" for solving a wide range of issues, which led to his promotion in 2007 as Maintenance Worker II; and Whereas, Cesar Dumaran, a native of the Philippines, brought his rich cultural heritage to the Village of Pinecrest and has established deep roots in the Miami community; and Whereas, beyond his mechanical expertise, Cesar Dumaran has been highly appreciated by co-workers, contractors, and homeowners alike for his genial good nature, patience, and exemplary customer service; and Whereas, throughout his 25-year career, Cesar Dumaran has consistently exemplified the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, making a lasting impact on the Village of Pinecrest and its residents.

Now, therefore, I, Joseph M. Corradino, Mayor of the Village of Pinecrest, Florida, on behalf of the Village Council and its citizens, do hereby proclaim October 3, 2024 as Cesar Dumaran Day In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Village Clerk to affix the Seal of the Village of Pinecrest, Florida this 3th day of October, 2024 and do hereby encourage all citizens of the Village of Pinecrest to join me in expressing gratitude to Cesar Dumaran for his service and dedication to the Village of Pinecrest. _______________ Joseph M. Corradino Mayor j{xÜxtá? the Climate Change 2023: Synthesis Report listed a current temperature rise of 1.1°C leading to constant unnatural weather events bringing disarray to the planet and its inhabitants, and it reports an increase in weather-related disasters with every rise in temperature level, and j{xÜxtá, Florida and its 825 miles of shoreline and low elevation points of ~100ft above sea level make the state highly susceptible to sea- level rise and other natural disasters related to climate change, and the high level of C02 pollution also threatens to harm Florida's coral reefs and a variety of sea organisms; and j{xÜxtá, VoLo Foundation, along with other non-profit organizations, local, state, and federal partners, elected leaders, news media, volunteer and professional associations, is committed to educating Florida citizens and visitors about the climate crisis so they may take action to bring about positive, influential change to protect their families, businesses, and themselves; and j{xÜxtá, the citizens of Florida are encouraged to become more aware of our changing climate and participate in the various programs during Florida Climate Week; aÉã? à{xÜxyÉÜx? \? ]ÉáxÑ{ `A VÉÜÜtw|ÇÉ? `tçÉÜ Éy à{x i|ÄÄtzx Éy c|ÇxvÜxáà? YÄÉÜ|wt? ÉÇ ux{tÄy Éy à{x i|ÄÄtzx VÉâÇv|Ä tÇw |àá v|à|éxÇá? wÉ {xÜxuç ÑÜÉvÄt|Å à{x ãxx~ Éy bvàÉuxÜ J‰DF? ECEG tá YÄÉÜ|wt VÄ|Åtàx jxx~ \Ç j|àÇxáá j{xÜxÉy? \ {täx {xÜxâÇàÉ áxà Åç {tÇw tÇw vtâáxw à{x i|ÄÄtzx VÄxÜ~ àÉ tyy|å à{x fxtÄ Éy à{x i|ÄÄtzx Éy c|ÇxvÜxáà? YÄÉÜ|wt à{|á Gà{ wtç Éy bvàÉuxÜ ECEG tÇw wÉ {xÜxuç xÇvÉâÜtzx tÄÄ v|à|éxÇá Éy à{x i|ÄÄtzx Éy c|ÇxvÜxáà àÉ ÑtÜà|v|Ñtàx |Ç à{x ätÜ|Éâá ÑÜÉzÜtÅá wâÜ|Çz YÄÉÜ|wt VÄ|Åtàx jxx~A rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr ]ÉáxÑ{ `A VÉÜÜtw|ÇÉ `tçÉÜ Whereas, Katie Abbott was elected to Council Seat 2 in 2022 after previously serving in the At-Large Seat since 2018, demonstrating her commitment to local governance; and Whereas, Katie Abbott is a lifelong resident of Pinecrest, having attended Palmetto Elementary, Palmetto Junior High, and Miami Palmetto Senior High and remains deeply connected to her community, where her parents still reside; and Whereas, Katie Abbott has further demonstrated her dedication to enriching the community by serving as co-captain of a Neighborhood Crime Watch, as chair for the Village’s Fashion in the Gardens, and also served on The Friends of Pinecrest Gardens, The Pinecrest City Music Project, and as a member of the Pinecrest Planning and Zoning Board; and Whereas, Katie Abbott dedicated six (6) years of exemplary service to Pinecrest’s award-winning Youth Advisory Council, significantly enhancing the engagement and opportunities available to our youth; and Whereas, Katie Abbott played an integral role in the successful implementation of potable water services for our residents, a goal that had remained unfulfilled for over 25 years, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to community welfare; and Whereas, Katie Abbott was instrumental in the acquisition of two beautiful new parks in Pinecrest, enriching our community’s recreational spaces and promoting a healthier, more vibrant environment for families; and Whereas, Katie Abbott contributed to the remarkable success of Pinecrest’s most productive Council, bringing enthusiasm and dedication that inspired collaboration and positive outcomes for our community;

Now, therefore, I, Joseph M. Corradino, Mayor of the Village of Pinecrest, Florida, on behalf of the Village Council and its citizens, do hereby proclaim every May 10th as Katie Abbott Day In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Village Clerk to affix the Seal of the Village of Pinecrest, Florida this 8th day of October, 2024 and do hereby encourage all citizens of the Village of Pinecrest to join me in expressing gratitude to Katie Abbott for her service and dedication to the Village of Pinecrest. _______________ Joseph M. Corradino Mayor j{xÜxtá? Anna Hochkammer was first elected to Seat 1 in 2016 and successfully re-elected in 2020, demonstrating her commitment to public service and the community; and j{xÜxtá, Anna Hochkammer took great pride in running towards problems, striving to resolve complex issues, and making difficult decisions; and j{xÜxtá? Anna Hochkammer played a crucial role in guiding Pinecrest through the challenges presented by Hurricane Irma and the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating remarkable dignity and pride in her leadership; and j{xÜxtá, Anna Hochkammer played an integral role in the successful implementation of potable water services for our residents, a goal that had remained unfulfilled for over 25 years, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to community welfare; and j{xÜxtá, Anna Hochkammer has worked diligently to protect Pinecrest from preemption by county and state authorities, advocating vigorously for the interests of our community; j{xÜxtá, Anna Hochkammer has actively participated in the National League of Cities’ Finance, Administration and Intergovernmental Relations Policy Advisory Committee from 2017 to 2019, influencing policy on a national level; and j{xÜxtá, since 2018, Anna Hochkammer has represented the Village of Pinecrest on the Board of the Miami-Dade County League of Cities, contributing to local governance and regional collaboration; and j{xÜxtá, Anna Hochkammer was an inspirational representative of Pinecrest as she led the Florida Women’s Freedom Coalition, championing women’s rights and empowerment; and j{xÜxtá? Anna Hochkammer contributed to the remarkable success of Pinecrest’s most productive Council, bringing enthusiasm and dedication that inspired collaboration and positive outcomes for our community; aÉã? à{xÜxyÉÜx? \? ]ÉáxÑ{ `A VÉÜÜtw|ÇÉ? `tçÉÜ Éy à{x i|ÄÄtzx Éy c|ÇxvÜxáà? YÄÉÜ|wt? ÉÇ ux{tÄy Éy à{x i|ÄÄtzx VÉâÇv|Ä tÇw |àá v|à|éxÇá? wÉ {xÜxuç ÑÜÉvÄt|Å xäxÜç TÑÜ|Ä EHà{ tá TÇÇt [Év{~tÅÅxÜ Wtç \Ç j|àÇxáá j{xÜxÉy? \ {täx {xÜxâÇàÉ áxà Åç {tÇw tÇw vtâáxw à{x i|ÄÄtzx VÄxÜ~ àÉ tyy|å à{x fxtÄ Éy à{x i|ÄÄtzx Éy c|ÇxvÜxáà? YÄÉÜ|wt à{|á Kà{ wtç Éy bvàÉuxÜ? ECEG tÇw wÉ {xÜxuç xÇvÉâÜtzx tÄÄ v|à|éxÇá Éy à{x i|ÄÄtzx Éy c|ÇxvÜxáà àÉ }É|Ç Åx |Ç xåÑÜxáá|Çz zÜtà|àâwx àÉ TÇÇt [Év{~tÅÅxÜ yÉÜ {xÜ áxÜä|vx tÇw wxw|vtà|ÉÇ àÉ à{x i|ÄÄtzx Éy c|ÇxvÜxáàA rrrrrrrrrrrrrrr ]ÉáxÑ{ `A VÉÜÜtw|ÇÉ `tçÉÜ Whereas, Angelo P. Demos, Colonel (Ret) AUS, will celebrate his 100th birthday on October 17, 2024, marking a century of life dedicated to service, resilience, and commitment to family and community; and Whereas, as a proud member of the "Greatest Generation," Colonel Demos fought valiantly in World War II, serving in Patton's 3rd Army during the Battle of the Bulge and contributing to the liberation of France, Belgium, and Germany; and Whereas, Colonel Demos has called Pinecrest home for 62 years, where he and his wife have raised a family in the beautiful Palmetto Island, an area surrounded by water that he played a vital role in incorporating as a lawyer 15 years ago; and Whereas, his exceptional military career and unwavering dedication have earned him numerous honors, including the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star Medal, reflecting the high esteem in which he is held by his peers and community; and Whereas, beyond his military and legal accomplishments, Colonel Demos has served his community in various capacities, exemplifying the values of leadership, integrity, and service that inspire all who know him; and Whereas, as we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we honor Colonel Demos not only for his service to our nation but also for his lasting impact on his family, community, and the legacy of the "Greatest Generation;"

Now, therefore, I, Joseph M. Corradino, Mayor of the Village of Pinecrest, Florida, on behalf of the Village Council and its citizens, do hereby proclaim October 17, 2024 as Angelo P. Demos Day In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Village Clerk to affix the Seal of the Village of Pinecrest, Florida this 17th day of October 2024 and do hereby encourage all citizens of the Village of Pinecrest to join me in celebrating Angelo P Demos Day. Joseph M. Corradino Mayor