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The Seminoles of Florida call themselves the "Unconquered People," descendants of just 300 Indians who managed to elude capture by the U.S. army in the 19th century.

Statehood

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Florida became the twenty-seventh state in the United States on March 3, 1845.

Harry Crews

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A brilliant novelist and satirist in the Southern Gothic tradition, Harry Crews has put his name to 17 novels, two major collections, numerous short stories, essays and film screenplays. Crews also is credited as a gifted instructor and mentor for…

George Firestone

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Florida's 20th Secretary of State, Firestone has been a Florida resident since 1936. He served in the Florida House of Representatives and the Senate before being elected secretary of state in 1978. As chief cultural officer of Florida, Firestone…

Will McLean

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Considered by many to be the "Father of Florida Folk Music," Will McLean spent most of his life traveling the state and writing over 3,700 songs and stories. He became known as the "Black Hat Troubadour" because of the black hat he wore everywhere.…

Albin Polasek

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Regarded as one of the foremost American sculptors of the 20th Century, Czech-born Albin Polasek served nearly 30 years as head of the sculpture department for the Art Institute of Chicago before retiring to Winter Park, Florida in 1949. Polasek…

Burt Reynolds

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A veteran of screen, stage and television, Burt Reynolds continues to foster a deep philanthropic commitment to his native Florida. The actor, producer and director has starred in more than 100 feature films and 300 television programs.