Four of the City’s Best Honored

Join the City as We Celebrate Four Outstanding Citizens

Petula Burks, Public Information Specialist
(954) 828-4742 or petulab@fortlauderdale.gov

Fort Lauderdale – The City of Fort Lauderdale is celebrating its best with the Citizen Recognition Awards. This year’s award winners are:

Citizen of the Year – Essie Reed, affectionately known as “Big Mama” to thousands, has been a surrogate mother to those who have lost their way; provided shelter for the downtrodden and forgotten; and has extended a helping hand to those who need guidance, education, counseling and support. Reed is known for her food drives, back to school giveaways and her infectious spirit that breeds love, laughter and a willingness to give back to those who truly need a helping hand.

Distinguished Citizen – Frederic E. Stresau, has dedicated his time and talent to the City of Fort Lauderdale through his service on various city boards, committees and panels. Stresau has used his creative vision to enhance city and county structures. He has given back to his community by lending his expertise in landscape design to non-profit organizations to boost the morale of terminally ill children and their families.

Exemplary Former Employee – Michael A. Pursell, helped the city “go green” more than 16 years ago by helping to design and construct the Native Plant Exhibit in Esplanade Park with nearly 100 species of native plants indigenous to South Florida and every palm species native to Florida; and by facilitating the installation of a palm collection throughout Esplanade Park with over 80 species of palms.

Honored Founder – Ted E. Drum - served on the Aviation Industrial Board during a period that advanced the development of the airport. Drum served on the Planning and Zoning Board and helped plan the redevelopment of the downtown center and Fort Lauderdale Beach. Ted was active in the original “Downtown Charette”, which gave birth to the “Riverwalk Concept”.

Join the City of Fort Lauderdale and this year’s honorees in City Hall Commission Chambers on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at 11:30 am for the 35th Annual Awards Ceremony.

Who: City of Fort Lauderdale and the Citizen’s Committee of Recognition

What: Citizen’s Recognition Awards

When: Tuesday, April 21, 2009, 11:30 am

Where: City Hall Commission Chambers, 100 N. Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

For more information, contact Petula Burks at 954-828-4742 or petulab@fortlauderdale.gov.