FBCC proclamations & board appointments: October 17, 2017

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm

Reporter - News Analyst

October 18, 2017 1:10 p.m.

At its October 17, 2017 Regular Meeting, the Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC) issued four proclamations and appointed members to the newly formed Golf Course Advisory Board.

Recognizing William “Billy” Swearingen for 20 years of city service

William "Billy" Swearingen receives proclamation and retirement plaque from Mayor Lentz as Utilities Director John Mandrick looks on.

Mayor Robin Lentz presented William “Billy” Swearingen with a proclamation declaring the city’s gratitude and appreciation for his 20 years of service as a Wastewater Plant Operator in the Utilities Department. In citing his long service, Lentz said that Swearingen was continuously recognized as a highly capable, competent and efficient employee whose service has dramatically benefitted residents and visitors alike as well as his coworkers.

Swearingen expressed his appreciation for the recognition and his gratitude for a career that allowed him to meet a lot of new people and gain a wealth of experience.

National Colonial Heritage Month proclaimed

National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century President Ms. Georgia Murray and Vice President Lisa Bauer accepted a proclamation from Mayor Lentz recognizing the month of October 2017 as National Colonial Heritage Month.

Vice President

Mayor Lentz recapped the history of the National Society of Colonial Dames XVII Century, established in 1915 and composed of members who are lineal descendants of ancestors who lived and served prior to 1701 in one of the Original Colonies of the United States of America.

Lentz said that the city joins the organization in reminding Americans that it is a privilege to live in a free country and acknowledging the debt owed to the country’s first arrivals who sought spiritual and economic freedom in the New World.

Murray in accepting the proclamation recapped some of the organization’s recent accomplishments, including the historic marker at the downtown Post Office building and programs for school children to foster patriotism in the community.

City declares November 15, 2017 National Education Support Professionals Day

Mayor Robin Lentz accepted this proclamation on behalf of the Nassau Educational Support Personnel Association that recognized the significance of educational support personnel in providing young people with the tools they need to maintain our nation’s values of freedom, civility and equality.

Lentz acknowledged the hard work and dedication of support personnel, from instructional assistants and para-educators to office workers, health and student services employees, food service workers, custodians, maintenance workers, bus drivers, security guards, technology specialists and skilled trades workers.

The city, in following a tradition begun nationwide in 1987, declared a special day – November 15, 2017 – to formally honor the dedication and professionalism of public school support staff.

Florida City Government Week – October 23-29, 2017

City Manager Dale Martin and Mayor Robin Lentz

Florida City Government Week offers an important opportunity for elected officials and city staff to spread the word to all citizens of Florida that they shape, develop and influence this branch of government through educational partnerships, civic partnerships, and much more.

Fernandina Beach City Manager Dale Martin accepted the proclamation declaring the week of October 23-29, 2017 a time to underscore the importance of local government in the lives of its citizens. He said that it was an honor and privilege of the city employees to serve the residents of Fernandina Beach.