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Colleen Castille was pleased to be a small part of this event. She commented on the passion of this community and its elected officials who cared about the conservation of these islands. She presented the large DCA ceremonial check for $5.3 million for the acquisition of the islands and the settlement of a 10 year lawsuit. Senator Ken Pruitt credited Ms. Castille with navigating through the details in this initiative to bring the islands to preservation. He lauded the efforts of all those involved at the state and local level for their dedication to this grass roots effort. Janice Browning applauded the citizens, the municipalities, and county officials involved. She found it truly remarkable that three local governments and the state had been able to come together to bring about this land acquisition. Mayor Sandra Bowden recalled the many trips she and Chairman Ginn had made and was delighted for all the local citizens. Mayor Tom Cadden commented it had been a long and interesting road. He thanked Senator Pruitt and Tax Collector Sembler and the others for their efforts. Tax Collector Charles W. Sembler thanked everyone who was involved as well as the taxpayers. Vice Chairman Neuberger was pleased that he had the opportunity to vote on this as a member of the Land Acquisition Advisory Committee, as a City Councilman, and a County Commissioner. Commissioner Macht recalled when he was Mayor of Vero Beach and was brought the blueprints for the development of the Lost Tree Islands at 3 units per acre. He thought of it as a long and personal struggle. Commissioner Adams credited the tremendous support from Tax Collector Sembler. She declared that amazing things happen because people care. Commissioner Lowther was pleased to be part of the final vote. The ceremonial check was presented. The meeting was adjourned at 11:21 a.m. and everyone got together for photographs. January 13, 2004 4