RESOLUTION
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED AT THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD
OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF SEMINOLE COUNTY, FLORIDA ON THE 28th DAY OF
AUGUST 2007.
WHEREAS,
the village of Geneva, also
known in the community as the island of Geneva, is surrounded by the
St. Johns River, designated an American Heritage River; Lake
Harney; Lake Jesup; Salt Creek; and the Econlockhatchee River,
designated as an Outstanding Florida Waterway; and
WHEREAS,
Geneva residents have
performed research and found all of the following: that the cultural
history of Geneva was first documented in 1765-66 by John and William
Bartram, further documented by anthropologist Daniel Britton in 1850,
again by eminent scientists of Harvard University in 1875, and by an
Archeological Cultural Resources Study that identifies thirty nine
sites from the St. Johns Era(500 BC to 1763), including at least one
burial mound; through an Architectural Resources Study
documenting eight sites/structures eligible for the National
Register, sixty additional sites/structures eligible for the National
Register as part of an area of historical significance, an additional
eighty one sites/structures identified as "locally
important" sites, and the Geneva Freshwater Lens which is also
known as the Geneva Bubble, and
WHEREAS,
Geneva has an ongoing and vibrant cultural heritage documented by
the Geneva Historical and Genealogical Society, founded in 1952, which
has worked to preserve the history and culture of Geneva through its
Museum with over 1200 artifacts and through its associated educational
programs; and furthered by the Geneva Citizens Association, whose
Community Hall was originally constructed in 1891 and which has
persevered in the continuing efforts to maintain the unique qualities
and amenities of the unincorporated village of Geneva; and evidenced
by a variety of churches, women’s and youth organizations, some of
which have existed for over a century; and
WHEREAS,
the Seminole County Board of County Commissioners has continually
supported preservation of rural character and natural lands through
the Seminole County Natural Lands Program established in 1990 through
a voter referendum, through formal identification of the East Rural
Area in 1991 which established the urban/rural boundary line and
created the rural future land use and zoning designations in place
today. This Rural Area was further reinforced through a 2004 voter
referendum, identifying the Rural Area in the County Charter.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
SEMINOLE COUNTY, FLORIDA:
1.
The Board recognizes that the village of Geneva is an integral
part of the rich rural and agricultural history as well as the culture
of the County with past, present and future significance.
2.
The Board recognizes that the village of Geneva has worked hard
as a community to maintain a living rural heritage, while respecting
individual private property rights.
3.
The Board applauds the community efforts of the village of
Geneva to be recognized as a “Rural Heritage Area” with state and
national historic preservation agencies.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that
this Resolution be spread upon the Official Minutes by the Clerk of
the Court of Seminole County, Florida, and this Resolution be
presented to the Geneva Citizens Association and to the Geneva
Historical & Genealogical Society.
ADOPTED, this 28th day of
August, 2007, A.D.
****************************
ATTEST:
________________________________
Maryann Morse, Clerk
to the Board of
Carlton D. Henley
County Commissioners
in and for the
Chairman
County
of Seminole, State of Florida
Board of County
Commissioners
