Florida Department of State Honors Hispanic Heritage Month

Tallahassee –

Secretary of State Ken Detzner joins Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott to honor National Hispanic Heritage Month September 15 through October 15.  The Department of State encourages citizens to learn about Florida’s rich Hispanic history and cultural heritage during this time.

“Florida’s strength is found in our diversity,” said Secretary of State Ken Detzner. “As we celebrate and honor Hispanic Heritage Month, I hope all Floridians take the opportunity to learn more about the many cultures that make the Sunshine Sate such an incredible place to live the American Dream.”

This year, Governor Scott and the First Lady are celebrating Hispanic Heritage with the theme "Hispanic Culture: Living the American Dream in Florida." Maria Elena Elvira "Manena" was selected as the featured artist for Governor Rick Scott’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. Manena was born in Medellín, Colombia and was recognized for her drawing skills at a young age. In 2002 she moved to Bogota, and eventually to Miami. In Florida, Manena has studied art at Miami Dade College and continues to create works of art. She has had numerous national and international exhibitions from the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris to New York's ArtExpo, from Houston to Miami, from Colombia to Belgium. Her artwork is on display in the R.A. Gray Building lobby in Tallahassee through October 15.

The Department of State will be adding to the national #HispanicHeritageMonth conversation on social media with historical and event information specific to Florida.

Find out more about Hispanic Heritage Month at floridahispanicheritage.com.