Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Fort Myers honors youth and public awareness months; Children's Advocacy Center accepted proclamation
Summary
City leaders recognized local students, proclaimed April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month and noted events for National Crime Victims Rights Week, Earth Day and Arbor Day; the Children's Advocacy Center and park staff accepted proclamations.
The council opened the meeting with several recognitions and proclamations. Talisha Carter was recognized as the Boys and Girls Clubs of Lee County Youth of the Year. The council also named Cale Seneca (Fort Myers High School) and Finley Schofield (Dunbar High School) as students of the month; both students and school leaders appeared to accept recognition.
Mayor Kevin Anderson proclaimed April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month; Alicia Shannon, CEO of the Children's Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida, accepted and urged community partnership, saying the city’s recognition helps "build a community where children are safe, families are supported, and no child has to suffer in silence." The council also proclaimed April 19–25 as National Crime Victims Rights Week; Shavella Jones of the Fort Myers Police Department’s victim assistance unit outlined local April 25 observances to be held at the Old Lee County Courthouse.
Parks & Recreation Director Elgin Hicks accepted proclamations for Earth Day and Arbor Day and highlighted recent volunteer plantings and Tree City USA activities, noting 225 Florida native trees planted at a Trailhead Park project. Councilmembers used the recognitions to reiterate the city’s commitments to youth programs, victim services, and environmental stewardship.
