by SC Reporter Emilie Alfino
The Sanibel City Council, at its May 5, 2026, meeting, issued five proclamations: to declare May 6 Sergeant Anthony Neri Day; to recognize the Lee County Bar Association Law Day and Officer of the Year Christopher Chiappi; to recognize the 57th Annual Professional Municipal Clerks Week; National Public Works Week; and National Cities, Towns, and Villages Month.
May 6 is Sergeant Anthony Neri Day. Neri was hired as a Police Aide on November 29, 2012, promoted to Police Officer on April 20, 2015, and, posthumously, promoted to Sergeant on May 15, 2019. Neri passed away during a training exercise while on duty on May 6, 2019.
He was a beloved husband, father, and public servant, having served 30 years as a Revenue Officer for the United States Treasury, followed by nearly 7 years as a Police Officer with the Sanibel Police Department at the time of his passing.
“Sergeant Neri dedicated his life to protecting those he served and maintaining peace within the Sanibel community,” Mayor Mike Miller read from the Proclamation. “Sergeant Neri is being remembered today for his bravery, selfless dedication, and loyalty to his family, friends, fellow officers, and the Sanibel Community.”
In 1993, the Lee County Bar Association created an award ceremony to recognize the commitment of local law enforcement, teachers, and citizens who promote the idea of “equality and justice under the law.” The Lee County Bar Association celebrates Law Week to recognize “Voices of Democracy” by educating the community through special events that emphasize the importance of law and freedom of speech.
The Bar Association celebrates Law Week as an extension of Law Day, which was May 1. Celebrations included an annual awards luncheon in which local Law Enforcement Agencies recognized their Officer of the Year: Sanibel Police Officer Cristopher Chiappy was named Law Enforcement Officer of the Year for his service and heroism in the line of duty.
Mayor Mike Miller read from the Proclamation honoring the Office of the Professional Municipal Clerk, calling it a time-honored and vital part of local government worldwide. “The Office of the Professional Municipal Clerk is the oldest among public servants, and provides the professional link between the citizens, the local governing bodies, and government agencies at other levels,” Miller read.
Professional Municipal Clerks have pledged to be ever mindful of their neutrality and impartiality, rendering equal service to all and serving as the information center on functions of local government and community. Professional Municipal Clerks continually strive to improve the administration of the Office of the Professional Municipal Clerk through participation in education programs, seminars, workshops, and the annual meetings of their state, provincial, county, and international professional organizations.
“It is most appropriate that we recognize the accomplishments of the Office of the Professional Municipal Clerk,” Miller continued. “We, the City Council of the City of Sanibel, Lee County, Florida, on behalf of the citizens of Sanibel, do recognize the week of May 3 through May 9, 2026, as Professional Municipal Clerks Week, and further extend appreciation to our Professional Municipal Clerks, Scotty Lynn Kelly, Florida Certified and Master Municipal Clerk; and Anna Hicks, Certified Municipal Clerk.”
Council designated the week of May 15-21, 2026, as National Public Works Week. The Proclamation read, in part, “Public Works professionals support infrastructure, facilities, and essential services critical to resilient communities, public health, and the quality of life on Sanibel. These services depend on the dedicated efforts of public works professionals, including engineers, managers, trades workers, technicians, interns, and others across all levels of government and the private sector, who rebuild, improve, and protect essential infrastructure, including transportation, water, wastewater, and public facilities.
It is in the public interest for residents, civic leaders, and youth in Sanibel to understand and remain engaged in the importance of public works and related programs in their community. When called on to say a few words, Public Works Director Fred Mittl kept it brief and said, “Public Works rocks!”
By Proclamation, the City Council proclaimed May 2026 as National Cities, Towns, and Villages Month in celebration of America’s local governments and the National League of Cities’ historic centennial anniversary. The National League of Cities was founded in 1924 in Lawrence, Kansas, as the American Municipal Association by state municipal leagues seeking more coordination and national representation as cities, towns, and villages expanded rapidly.
The nonpartisan National League of Cities is the oldest and largest organization representing municipal governments throughout the United States, representing the interests of more than 19,000 cities, towns, and villages. The National League of Cities has successfully championed federal legislative solutions that support municipalities and has worked closely with Congress and the Executive Branch to educate policymakers on the realities of local implementation.
The City of Sanibel is a proud member of the National League of Cities and has benefited from the organization’s research, technical expertise, federal advocacy, and opportunities to learn from other local governments. Sanibel City Councilmember Holly Smith currently serves as President of the Florida League of Cities and as a member of the Board of Directors of the National League of Cities.
Smith said these organizations carry Sanibel’s relationships all over the state and the nation. Members share common interests and concerns. “The ground level is the most important level,” Smith said. “We collaborate for advocacy for common interests. It makes a big difference here at home. Relationships are the fiber of success, and we should all cherish those and foster those.”
The City of Sanibel is served today by a municipal workforce of 174 dedicated public servants.
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