[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 763]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   TWELVE PENELLAS COUNTY CITIES HONORED BY THE ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION

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                          HON. C.W. BILL YOUNG

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 23, 2008

  Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Madam Speaker, twelve Pinellas County, Florida 
cities were honored by the Arbor Day Foundation this year for their 
commitment to improving the environment.
  This Tree City USA designation recognizes the commitment of towns and 
cities throughout our nation to preserving open lands and to beautify 
their streets and public lands through the planting of trees and other 
natural vegetation. Pinellas County, which I have the privilege to 
represent, has taken significant steps to maintain and enhance our 
state's natural beauty, even though it is Florida's most densely 
populated county.
  The U.S. Forest Service's Urban and Community Forestry program 
provides key federal support for these efforts through state and local 
grants as well as with advice to local community leaders. Together, 
this federal, state and local initiative is making our communities 
better places to live.
  The 12 Pinellas County communities honored this year as Tree Cities 
USA are the Town of Belleair led by Mayor George Mariani; the City of 
Clearwater led by Mayor Frank Hibbard; the City of Dunedin led by Mayor 
Robert Hackworth; the City of Gulfport led by Mayor Michael Yakes; the 
City of Largo led by Mayor Patricia Gerard; the City of Oldsmar led by 
Mayor Jim Ronecker; the City of Safety Harbor led by Mayor Andy 
Steingold; the City of St. Petersburg led by Mayor Rick Baker; the City 
of Seminole led by Jimmy Johnson; the City of South Pasadena led by 
Mayor Dick Holmes; the City of St. Pete Beach led by Mayor Ward 
Friszolowski; and the City of Treasure Island led by Mayor Mary Maloof.
  Madam Speaker, in closing, I would ask my colleagues in the House to 
join me in congratulating these 12 cities and the commitment of their 
residents to making them such special places to live, to work, and to 
play.

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