Okaloosa County BOCC — April 5, 2016 — Wildflower Resolution for Okaloosa County

Resolution 16 – _____ A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF OKALOOSA COUNTY; ENCOURAGING THE CONSERVATION OF ROADSIDE NATIVE WILDFLOWERS ON STATE AND COUNTY ROADWAYS; DIRECTING STAFF TO EXPLORE VARIOUS PARTNERSHIPS TO ADDRESS ROADSIDE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES THAT WILL INCREASE THE VISIBILITY AND ENJOYMENT OF FLORIDA NATIVE WILDFLOWERS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Whereas, the natural beauty of native wildflowers in Okaloosa County can be enjoyed by everyone; can attract guests, and benefit commerce, environmental health, and public well-being; and Whereas, enjoyment of native wildflowers is an occasion for all Okaloosa County and community leaders to unite for the benefit of everyone; and Whereas, many naturally beautiful species of native wildflowers, including Coreopsis, the state wildflower, as depicted upon the State Wildflower license tag, are already prominently displayed along Okaloosa state and county roadways; and Whereas, increasing the visibility of native wildflowers in Okaloosa County is consistent with the vision of the Comprehensive Plan, and goals of many individuals, businesses, and community-based organizations; and; Whereas, the presence of native wildflowers is essential to the fitness of native pollinator species necessary for productive and profitable farms and forests; and Whereas, in the spring of 1513, Juan Ponce de Leon named this beautiful place La Florida, Land of Flowers, because of the wealth of native wildflowers; and Whereas, it is desirable and attainable to experience the beauty of many more native wildflowers by reducing the frequency and extent of roadside mowing.  NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED as follows: 1. The Board of County Commissioners of Okaloosa County Florida, do hereby commit and encourage others to commit to the conservation of roadside native wildflowers on state and county roadways, and directs County staff to explore various partnerships with the Florida Department of Transportation and adjoining property owners to address roadside management practices that will increase the visibility and enjoyment of Florida native wildflowers. 2. This resolution shall become effective upon adoption. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OKALOOSA COUNTY, FLORIDA ________________________________ CHARLES K. WINDES, JR., CHAIRMAN ATTEST: J. D. PEACOCK, II Clerk of the Circuit Court By: __________________________ Deputy Clerk (Seal) APPROVED AS TO FORM: By: ______________________________ Gregory T. Stewart County Attorney