Great Floridians Hiding in the Reeds

Gov. Rick Scott and Secretary of State Kurt Browning honored a number of past and present Floridians on Wednesday night by presenting the Great Floridian Awards. Some current Florida leaders, including former Gov. and U.S. Sen. Bob Graham, former Lt. Gov. Toni Jennings, former Secretary of State Jim Smith, and Everglades activist (and, like your humble blogger, a Trinity College alumni) Nathaniel Reed. Also receiving the award were Floridians from the past. Inventor Thomas Alva Edison is still celebrated though he is better known for his work in New Jersey than in the Sunshine State. Other honorees are nowhere near as well-known. Publix founder George W. Jenkins was honored. So was former Gov. Harrison Reed who presided over the state during Reconstruction and fought back four attempts to remove him from office. So was Park Trammell who served as governor from 1913 until 1917 before serving in the U.S. Senate until his death in 1936. Also honored was Palm Beach businessman and community activist Marshall Doc Rinker.

The event was part of Florida Heritage Month which runs until April 15.

Florida Heritage Month is an opportunity to showcase the diversity of Floridas talents and the people who help make our state so extraordinary, said Browning. I am honored to recognize tonights award winners, and I look forward to seeing how they continue to inspire future generations.