Florida Senate - 2019 (NP) SR 340 By Senator Perry 8-00899-19 2019340__ 1 Senate Resolution 2 A resolution recognizing April 2019 as “Landscape 3 Architecture Month” in Florida. 4 5 WHEREAS, landscape architecture encompasses the analysis, 6 design, planning, management, and stewardship of the natural and 7 built environment, and 8 WHEREAS, Floridians benefit from the licensed practice of 9 landscape architecture, which assures the design of healthy, 10 equitable, safe, and resilient public and private outdoor 11 spaces, and 12 WHEREAS, landscape architects are responsible for 13 protecting the public health by creating accessible spaces, such 14 as public plazas, parks, schools, residential common areas, 15 playgrounds, and trails that lead to active lifestyles and 16 healthy communities, and 17 WHEREAS, landscape architects are also responsible for 18 promoting public safety by applying land design skills, 19 technical knowledge, and conservation techniques that ensure the 20 safety of individuals and communities, and for protecting the 21 public welfare by purposefully designing public and private 22 spaces that provide economic, social, and environmental benefits 23 for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy, and 24 WHEREAS, there are more than 1,200 landscape architects in 25 Florida who are licensed by the Florida Board of Landscape 26 Architecture through the Department of Business and Professional 27 Regulation and have met the education, examination, and 28 experience requirements imposed by the board, and 29 WHEREAS, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics 30 (STEM) knowledge is at the core of the professional practice of 31 landscape architecture and informs landscape architects as 32 innovators, educators, researchers, and leaders who can solve 33 the most pressing challenges facing Florida’s communities, and 34 WHEREAS, landscape architects promote security and safety 35 through transportation design and planning of multi-use 36 transportation corridors that accommodate all users, including 37 pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and people who use public 38 transportation, including people with disabilities, while also 39 protecting sidewalks, public plazas, and other vulnerable 40 outdoor areas from potential attackers and security threats, and 41 WHEREAS, landscape architects are leaders in creating 42 resilient and green infrastructure designs that address erosion 43 and sediment control, stormwater management, and strategies to 44 mitigate the effects of sea level rise and flood waters, thus 45 allowing communities to better withstand and respond to severe 46 weather events and lessening the need for state and local funds 47 and resources in disaster-recovery efforts, and 48 WHEREAS, landscape architects are leaders in creating 49 sustainable landscapes, helping to reduce water demand and 50 energy consumption, conserve and restore natural resources, 51 preserve wildlife habitats, improve air quality, and regulate 52 climate, and 53 WHEREAS, landscape architects believe in and prioritize the 54 fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people 55 regardless of race, national origin, education level, or income 56 with regard to the development and implementation of public 57 designs and plans, and 58 WHEREAS, Florida’s economy benefits from licensed landscape 59 architects through the creation of inviting and safe spaces for 60 the public, residents, and tourists alike, while simultaneously 61 protecting the environment and associated ecological systems, 62 and 63 WHEREAS, the University of Florida and Florida 64 International University have accredited landscape architecture 65 programs, preparing students to be the next generation of 66 leaders and innovators in landscape architecture in Florida, 67 NOW, THEREFORE, 68 69 Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of Florida: 70 71 That April 2019 is recognized as “Landscape Architecture 72 Month” in Florida.