Under Florida law, all information, including e-mail, written letters, documents and phone messages, sent to the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners is subject to Public Records law.  This includes the sender's e-mail address, home address or phone number if shown in the message, the content of the message and any associated attachments to the mail.  Also please be aware that electronic correspondence (e-mail) is made available on the Commission's public archive site immediately upon being sent.

Sent from Mail for Windows

 

Dear Commissioners,

 

First, let me say that we are delighted that we were gifted the Confederate Memorial Statue to preserve Alachua County’s history even though it marks a sad and discriminating part of our time. Let it forever remind us to never again be as closed-minded and as easily accepting of our government leader’s will. Most civilians that answered the call to duty were honorable, but some of the cause was dishonorable and may we learn to separate the two. I don’t agree with every war that we have fought, but I do honor those that serve to protect their country, homes and people.

 

I do not know why our application has been denied but it seems to be connected to our 501 (c) (3) status so I am attaching a copy of our IRS affirmation letter of our exempt status, our listing on the IRS site as being a tax exempt entity, and notice that this year’s 990-N has been filed. I don’t understand “ Staff’s recommendation to obtain legal counsel to ensure I have the necessary 501 (c) (3 ) information to qualify per State Statute” instruction. I understand Statute 274.5 enables you to keep or transfer custody of the bronze tablet/plaque property.  In Statute 273.01 Kirby Smith #202, UDC, qualifies as a “Private nonprofit agency and complies with the principal missions stated, particularly education and benevolence. The IRS accepts our 501 (c) (3)tax exempt status and filings. If you think I still need an attorney to explain it to me I will do that. My attempt is to supply your original application material requests more clearly so that we may not be disqualified on a technicality.

 

I may have been assuming your were aware of our whole identity, “Kirby Smith Chapter #202, United Daughters of the Confederacy” (UDC). We have our 145^th anniversary in February 2023. We are not “ Sons of Confederate Veterans” (SCV), and are in no way affiliated. Our only commonality is we are descendants of the WBST veterans and are preservationists.

 

I understand in this political climate it may be hard for you to select us, but thinking since we donated it, it may make it easier to return it to us. If this is a futile request, please tell us. We are not a wealthy chapter and wish to avoid bidding. The chapter ladies keep asking.

 

I have always been able to speak freely with my commissioners and sometimes they could help me and sometimes not, but they always listened. To those of you I voted for, I hope to say “Congratulations”,  and those I did not, I say ” I wish you well” and “ Thank you for your contribution and service”.  I send my most sincere thanks for your time and consideration,

 

Phyllis Blackwell

Kirby Smith #202, UDC, Treasurer