FIRST MEETING OF THE
BERTHA PALMER HONORARY COMMITTEE
IS ANNOUNCED

Sarasota, FL: The City of Sarasota will host the first meeting of the Bertha Palmer Honorary Committee on Friday, May 30, 2008 at 10:00a.m. in the Commission Chambers at City Hall. The 14-member committee will help coordinate events and provide support for the 2010 Sarasota County Bertha Palmer Celebration, marking the centennial of Bertha Palmer’s arrival in Sarasota.

A proclamation from the City of Sarasota and Sarasota County will be read at the start of the meeting by Mayor Lou Ann Palmer and County Commission Chair Shannon Staub. Both Mayor Palmer and Chair Staub will co-chair the Honorary Committee.

According to Hans Johnsson of the Historical Society of Sarasota County, “many organizations, from all segments and interest groups of the county, are expected to initiate a wide range of local, national and international projects during the year to commemorate various aspects of her remarkable achievements and interests.” Some potential projects to be discussed include a parade and barbeque, golf events, a lecture series and even an application for a postage stamp in Palmer’s honor.

Bertha Palmer arrived in Sarasota in February, 1910 from Chicago. Palmer carried on her family tradition of land development and agriculture, and in a very short time had acquired more than 80,000 acres of land (part of which is now the Myakka State Park and the Palmer Ranch properties.) Palmer also crusaded for women’s independence, education, employment and development.

 

For more information, please contact:
John Nopper, Public Broadcasting Coordinator 941-954-4160
John.Nopper@sarasotagov.com