Secretary Detzner Announces the Start of Florida Heritage Month

10th Annual Florida Heritage Month award winners to be recognized on March 20

Tallahassee, Florida –

The tenth annual Florida Heritage Month begins tomorrow, March 15, and continues through April 15, 2013. Throughout the month, the Florida Department of State will promote Florida’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. As part of the celebration, the Department of State will host the Florida Heritage Awards on March 20 to recognize cultural achievements in Florida.

"Florida Heritage Month is a great opportunity to recognize and draw attention to the talented Floridians who make our state such a unique cultural destination," said Secretary of State Ken Detzner. "The 10th annual Florida Heritage Awards will not only honor a diversity of cultural talents, it will also highlight Florida’s 500th anniversary and the state’s long and diverse cultural heritage."

During Florida Heritage Month, Florida residents and visitors will have special opportunities to experience and embrace the many historical sites, cultural activities and literary programs throughout the state. The activities are intended to help residents and visitors gain an understanding and appreciation of Florida’s commitment to supporting historic preservation, arts and culture, and libraries that create economic vitality, enhance quality of life and instill community pride.

The 2013 Florida Heritage Month Awards ceremony is a free event, which will be held at Mission San Luis, Florida’s Apalachee-Spanish Living History Museum, in Tallahassee. The Viva Florida 500-themed ceremony includes Florida Folk Heritage Awards, Secretary of State Historic Preservation Awards, Florida Book Awards and the induction of artists into the 2013 Florida Artists Hall of Fame. Induction into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame is the highest cultural honor that the state can bestow upon an individual.

Residents and visitors can find more information about Florida Heritage Month and related events at www.floridaheritagemonth.com.

Florida Heritage Month Awards Event Information

DATE:         March 20, 2013
TIME:          Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the ceremony expected to last from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
LOCATION:  Mission San Luis
                      2100 West Tennessee Street
                      Tallahassee, Florida, 32304

About Viva Florida 500

Viva Florida 500 is a statewide initiative led by the Florida Department of State, under the leadership of Governor Rick Scott, to highlight the 500 years of historic people, places and events in present-day Florida since the arrival of Juan Ponce de León to the land he named La Florida in 1513. While Florida’s Native American heritage dates back more than 12,000 years, Spain’s claim in 1513 began a new era in a place where the world’s cultures began to unite and transform into the great nation we know today as the United States of America. The Viva Florida 500 commemoration is ongoing throughout 2013, and includes more than 300 events statewide. For more information, visit www.VivaFlorida.org.