FELLSMERE — The City of Fellsmere is marking Florida City Week with a student-led flag design contest with a special special City Council meeting Tuesday where a winner will be chosen to create the community’s official banner.
The weeklong event, running Oct. 20-26, highlights the role of local government in residents’ daily lives and encourages civic involvement, city officials said.
“Florida City Week is a chance to help our residents better understand the many services we provide and to encourage greater community participation in local government,” City Manager Armando Martinez said. “We are excited about this year’s activities and look forward to engaging students from Fellsmere Elementary, Next Wave Academy, and Literacy Services of Indian River County.”
Eighty-three students from local schools submitted designs for the contest, with entries now on display at City Hall. The public is invited to the meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the City Council Chambers at 22 S. Orange St.
The winning design will become Fellsmere’s official flag, to be flown outside City Hall.
“Fellsmere Elementary K–8 is proud to partner with the City of Fellsmere in the community Flag Design Contest,” Principal Ramon Echeveria said. “This has been a wonderful opportunity for our students to express their creativity and celebrate the pride they have in their city.”
He added that the project has inspired students by blending art, community and civic pride, and that staff members are proud of all participants regardless of the outcome.
At Next Wave Academy, the contest sparked creativity among students who infused their work with visions for the community’s future.
“Our students poured their creativity, love, and vision for the future into each design,” said Monica Reyes-Welsch of Next Wave Academy. “This project reminded us that even the youngest voices can help shape the symbols that unite us.”
Florida City Week is sponsored by the Florida League of Cities, which represents municipal governments statewide and aims to raise awareness about local services and their impact on residents.
