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HJ 623

Commending the Drakes Branch Volunteer Fire Department.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tammy Mulchi and 1 co-sponsor

Ceremonial House resolution commends the Drakes Branch Volunteer Fire Department for 75+ years of service and resilience, with a formal copy for presentation.

Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ623ER)
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Bill Summary · HJ 623

Summary of House Joint Resolution No. 623 (HJ623ER)

Purpose and Intent

  • HJ623ER is a ceremonial House Joint Resolution commending the Drakes Branch Volunteer Fire Department on the occasion of its 75th anniversary. The resolution expresses the General Assembly’s admiration for the department’s long-standing service to the Charlotte County community and directs the Clerk of the House to prepare a copy for presentation.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Declares that Drakes Branch Volunteer Fire Department has safeguarded residents and property for more than 75 years.
  • Recounts the department’s founding in 1949, its first fire truck (a modified construction vehicle donated by Pacific Mills factory contractors), and the donation of land for the first fire station (completed in 1950) with an addition that included space for town offices.
  • Notes significant recovery efforts after Tropical Storm Michael (2018), including flooding damage and the rebuilding of facilities, with a new building serving as both fire station and town offices.
  • Highlights current department composition and capabilities: 32 regular members, 11 lifetime members, 10 associate members, and 2 junior members.
  • Emphasizes the department’s ongoing efforts to obtain grants and funding to support equipment and training, including advanced life support and emergency medical procedures.
  • Affirms the department’s role in responding to fires, vehicle crashes, medical emergencies, natural disasters, and other crises in the community.
  • Formally directs that a copy of the resolution be prepared for presentation to the Drakes Branch Volunteer Fire Department.

Affected Parties

  • Drakes Branch Volunteer Fire Department (the primary beneficiary of the recognition).
  • The residents of Drakes Branch and the broader Charlotte County community, which rely on the department for fire protection and emergency services.
  • The General Assembly, which issues the commendation.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: February 10, 2025.
  • House actions: Engrossed February 17, 2025; agreed to by the House by voice vote (February 17, 2025).
  • Senate actions: Received February 18, 2025; agreed to by the Senate by voice vote (February 19, 2025).
  • Enrolled status: The bill text is enrolled as HJ623ER and dated March 21, 2025 (final form reflecting passage by both chambers).
  • Patronage: House patron Wright; Senate sponsor Mulchi.

Fiscal and Policy Implications

  • As a ceremonial resolution, the bill does not authorize spending or create new law; its effect is formal recognition and commendation of the Drakes Branch Volunteer Fire Department.

Context and Significance

  • The resolution commemorates more than seven decades of volunteer service and highlights the department’s resilience (notably after the 2018 flood) and continued commitment to community safety, training, and collaboration with local government. It serves as an official, nonbinding acknowledgment by the General Assembly.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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