Resolution No. 12-06 v RESOLUTION NO. 12 -06
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA,
RECOGNIZING MAY 1, 2012, AS "JEAN RIBAULT DAY" IN FLORIDA IN
HONOR OF 450 YEARS OF FRENCH PRESENCE IN FLORIDA.
WHEREAS, on April 30, 1562, under the command of Jean Ribault, the first French sailing
expedition dropped anchor along the North Coast of Florida at the mouth of a river that he later
named River May and that has since been renamed the St. Johns River; and
WHEREAS, on May 1, 1562, upon setting foot on the banks of the St. Johns River and upon
offering a prayer of thanksgiving for their safe arrival, Ribault developed friendships with the
Mocama- speaking natives; and
WHEREAS, on May 2, 1562, Ribault and his men erected a column in honor of their King,
Charles IX, thereby claiming the land for France; and
WHEREAS, La Caroline, the first French settlement in the present -day United States, was
established for the purpose of individual and religious freedom in what is now Jacksonville on
June 22, 1564, under the leadership of Rene Goulaine de Laudonniere, as a result of a second
French sailing expedition; and
WHEREAS, France has established a long- lasting relationship with Florida through its trade,
cultural, and education organizations; and
WHEREAS, twenty Floridian and French cities and counties have signed agreements to
promote cultural and commercial ties and more than 50 partnerships between Floridian and French
universities are currently in place.
NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved by the City Commission of the City of Atlantic Beach
that May 1, 2012, is designated as "Jean Ribault Day" in honor of 450 years of historical bonds
and friendship between the people of France and the people of Florida.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Commission, this 9 day of April 2012.
Al t_ 6,t,44.0
MIKE BORNO
Mayor
Approved .: to form and correctness:
Not /
Imo;: �i
A A i 1 . JENSEN, ESQUIRE
C y • orney
ATTEST: L74
A 114 / 14 i "-
DONNA L. BARTLE, CMC
City Clerk