Proclamation #2024-015PPROC.LAMAVOJV
-Whereas, September 9, 2024, aligns with Florida Statute 683.23, designating the second Monday
of September as Florida Missing Children's Day; and this day is dedicated to raising awareness about
missing children in Florida, particularly those missing due to family abduction, while nonfamily
abductions remain rare, comprising only I % of missing children cases reported to the National Center
for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC); and
-Whereas, family abductions impact numerous families across the nation, causing significant
emotional and psychological trauma to both the child and the left -behind family; and September
provides a crucial opportunity to support national efforts to reduce family abductions, reunite
missing children with their families, and honor those committed to this cause; and
-Whereas, a family abduction occurs when a child is taken, wrongfully retained, or concealed by
a parent or other family member, denying another individual their right to custody or visitation, even
in cases with unclear or absent court orders; and such abductions are often driven by the
perpetrator's frustration with the left -behind parent, the legal system, or their personal circumstances;
and
-Whereas, Clermont is committed to remaining vigilant and informed about the dangers facing
children in our community, recognizing that family abduction is a serious crime in all states, not
merely a civil matter; and law enforcement officers should treat these incidents as severe forms of
child abuse rather than minor offenses; and
-Whereas, it is essential for law enforcement agencies to have written plans outlining actions and
procedures for promptly addressing family abduction cases; and courts have determined that law
enforcement must ensure children are with their lawful custodians and verify the validity of any court
orders, as failure to establish necessary training and policies poses a threat to public safety; and
WOW, Therefore, I, Tim Murry, Mayor of the City of Clermont in the State of Florida, do hereby
proclaim the 91h day of September, Two Thousand and Twenty Four as:
FCorida N iss ing ChiCdren s Day
In -Witness -Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the City of
Clermont to be affixed this 27th Day of August in the year Two Thousand and Twenty Four.
Tim Murry, Mayor
ATTES
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Tracy Ackroyd we, MMC ` ► i
City Clerks