Subject:
Title
Resolution supporting the honorary Roadway Designation of a portion of Interstate 375 as “C. Bette Wimbish Highway.”
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Adopt a resolution approving the Roadway Designation of a portion of I-375/S.R. 592 between I-275 and S.R. 595/4th Avenue as “C. Bette Wimbish Highway”, and additionally requesting the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to create, place, and maintain the designated roadway markers.
It is further recommended the Clerk of the Circuit Court be authorized to record this resolution in the public records of the County.
Body
Strategic Plan:
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.1 Maximize partner relationships and public outreach
5.3 Ensure effective and efficient delivery of county services and support
Summary:
With the adoption of this resolution, the Board of County Commissioners provides its support of the dedication of this portion of I-375 as “C. Bette Wimbish Highway”, and additionally requests the FDOT to create, place, and maintain the designated roadway markers.
Section 334.071(3), Florida Statutes, requires support through the passage of a resolution from any city or county commission whose jurisdiction the road crosses.
Background Information:
Mrs. C. Bette Wimbish was largely known for her activism in the civil rights realm, as well as for her political career, from the St. Petersburg City Council to Deputy Secretary of Commerce for the State of Florida. A graduate of Florida A&M University, Mrs. Wimbish became the first African-American female attorney in Pinellas County, where she battled against discrimination and demanded equal rights for all citizens. She was then elected to the St. Petersburg City Council, becoming its first African-American member, and later served as the City’s first African-American Vice-Mayor. Governor Reuben Askew appointed Mrs. Wimbish to Assistant Secretary of Commerce, making her the second highest ranking woman in state government at the time, before being appointed to Deputy Secretary of Commerce.
During the 2017 Legislative Session, Senate Bill 368 was successfully passed, in which Mrs. Wimbish was honored for her service through this Roadway Designation.
Fiscal Impact:
N/A
Staff Member Responsible:
Rahim Harji, Director, Public Works
Partners:
FDOT
City of St. Petersburg
State Legislative Delegation
Attachments:
Proposed Resolution
Senate Bill 368
Location Map