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RESOLUTION NO. 22-01

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE ADDITION OF THE OBSERVANCE OF JUNETEENTH, JUNE 19^TH, AS AN OFFICIAL CITY HOLIDAY.

WHEREAS, Juneteenth, also known as Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day and Freedom Day was first observed on June 19, 1866, to celebrate the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation abolishing slavery, issued on January 1, 1863; and

WHEREAS, enforcement of the Proclamation generally relied upon advance of Union troops, but in Texas, the most remote state of the former Confederacy, word and enforcement of the abolition of slavery was not received until June 19, 1865; and

WHEREAS, Juneteenth National Independence Day was designated as a federal holiday in the United States in 2021, commemorating the emancipation of African-American slaves, and is also observed for celebrating African-American culture; and 

WHEREAS, the City of Atlantic Beach currently observes eleven official holidays annually; and

WHEREAS, the City of Atlantic Beach historically has followed the City of Jacksonville in designating official holidays; and

WHEREAS, the City of Jacksonville recently added the observance of Juneteenth as an official city holiday, for a total of 12 official holidays.

NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved by the City Commission of the City of Atlantic Beach as follows:

SECTION 1.  The City Commission recognizes the historic significance of the observance of Juneteenth National Independence Day;

SECTION 2.  The City Commission recognizes the importance to the City and its employees of designating this day of celebration and observance as an official City holiday;

SECTION 3.  The City Commission hereby approves the addition of Juneteenth as an official City holiday, to be observed on June 19 of each year, thus giving the City and its employees the opportunity to celebrate both the historic significance and the current cultural relevance of this day.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City of Atlantic Beach, this 24th day of January, 2022.