Subject:
Title
Honorary and Philanthropic Naming Rights Policy.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Provide direction to staff on the Honorary and Philanthropic Naming Rights Policy and whether to consider renaming requests recently received.
• On December 3, 2020 the County received a letter from the Fred G. Minnis, Sr. Bar Association requesting that we honor the “life, legacy and impact of Attorney Fred G. Minnis, Sr. by naming a Pinellas County Courthouse or the Pinellas County Law Library in his honor.”
• On January 6, 2021 the County received a letter from the Honorable Chris Sprowls, Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, requesting that we rename the Pinellas County Justice Center “after our late State Attorney Bernie McCabe.”
• Both requests meet the requirements of the Honorary and Philanthropic Naming Rights Policy.
• If the County Commission approves consideration of either or both requests, staff requests direction on empaneling a naming rights committee to make a recommendation to the Commission.
• The committee will meet to discuss the proposals and solicit public input for their deliberations.
• The committee will make a recommendation to the County Commission, who will make a final determination.
• On January 26, 2021 the County received another request from Mr. Louis Claudio seeking to rename Philippe Park for the Tocobaga Indigenious People.
• Mr. Claudio’s request was heard multiple times and recommendation made by the Parks Advisory Board in response to same between 2015-2017.
• In 2017, the County modified the Philippe Park entrance sign to add “Historic Site of the Tocobaga Capital City.” County Administration intends no further action.
• The County may use the existing policy and procedures for removing and renaming, but there are concerns for doing so in the absence of criteria.
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Strategic Plan:
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.2 Be responsible stewards of the public’s resources
Summary:
Summary
On December 3, 2020 the County received a letter from the Fred G. Minnis, Sr. Bar Association requesting that we honor the “life, legacy and impact of Attorney Fred G. Minnis, Sr. by naming a Pinellas County Courthouse or the Pinellas County Law Library in his honor.” On January 6, 2021 the County received a letter from the Honorable Chris Sprowls, Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives requesting that we rename the Pinellas County Justice Center “after our late State Attorney Bernie McCabe.” County administration has reviewed the submitted letters and found them in compliance with the honorary naming rights policy and therefore is submitting it to the County Commission for consideration.
In addition, Mr. Louis Claudio again contacted the County on January 26, 2021 appealing for a name change to Philippe Park. This matter has been previously considered and pursuant to the honorary naming rights policy, the matter was heard by the Parks Advisory Board that sits as the committee for parks naming requests. The board recommended a name change to: Philippe-Tocobago Park. The County subsequently added “Historic Site of the Tocobaga Capital City” to the Philippe Park entrance sign. Staff plans no further action unless so directed pursuant to the honorary naming rights policy.
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Background Information:
The County’s “Honorary and Philanthropic Naming Rights Policy” provides the process for renaming requests.
Section III.(B) requires that a proposal that is in compliance “shall be scheduled for County Commission consideration.”
If a majority of the County Commission approves the nominations for consideration, a naming rights committee will be established to consider the nomination, according to the policy.
The Committee will complete the review process within 90 days, including at least one public meeting to solicit community input, and report its recommendations to the County Commission.
If the County Commission decides to approve the naming, they will do so by resolution.
Fiscal Impact:
Until a decision has been made on a potential renaming, there are only administrative efforts associated with supporting a naming rights committee.
Staff Member Responsible:
Andrew Pupke, Division Director, Facilities and Real Property Division
Partners:
N/A
Attachments:
Letter from the Fred G. Minnis, Sr. Bar Association
Letter from Speaker Sprowls, Florida House of Representatives
Resolution 05-167
Honorary and Philanthropic Naming Rights Policy
Honorary and Philanthropic Naming Rights Policy - Philippe Park Background Report