Governor Ron DeSantis Selects Three Inductees to the Florida Women’s Hall of Fame
The Floridant/10303530

Trending...
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. ~ TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - In a press conference held today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the selection of three remarkable women to be inducted into the Florida Women's Hall of Fame. The honorees, Belle Yates Bear, Mary Brickell, and Dotti Groover-Skipper, were chosen from a pool of nominees recommended by the Florida Commission on the Status of Women.

Belle Yates Bear, a Principal of the Bear Family Foundation, has dedicated her life to serving her community in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties. She was one of the founding members of IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area, an organization that provides substantial grants to local nonprofit organizations. Throughout her decades of service, Bear has held leadership and advisory roles in various organizations such as the Governor's Mansion Commission and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida. She has also served on the boards of YMCA of Northwest Florida, Arc Gateway Foundation, and Junior League of Pensacola. One of her most notable achievements is founding the Program for the Advancement of Learning and Success (PALS), which offers job training for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in collaboration with Pensacola State College and local businesses. For her outstanding contributions to her community, Bear has received numerous accolades including the Florida Senate Presidential Medal and the Pensacola Blue Wahoo's Community Player of the Year award.

More on The Floridant
Mary Brickell is often referred to as the "Mother of Miami" for her significant role in shaping the city's early development. Along with her husband, she arrived in South Florida in 1871 after acquiring over 2,000 acres of land along the Miami River. The Brickells were instrumental in establishing Miami's first post office, bank, and general store - all crucial elements in its growth as a community. During a typhoid outbreak in 1873, they opened their home as a makeshift hospital to provide care to those in need. Brickell and fellow pioneer Julia Tuttle were also instrumental in bringing Henry Flagler's Florida East Coast Railway to Miami by selling him land that would facilitate the city's expansion. Her vision, generosity, and commitment to her community have solidified Mary Brickell as a foundational figure in Miami's history.

Dotti Groover-Skipper, the Anti-Trafficking Director at The NOMORE Foundation and Chair of the SAFE Alliance of Tampa Bay Board of Directors, has been a leading voice in the fight against human trafficking. With a strong background in community service, she has served on various boards and councils such as the Florida Board of Massage Therapy, Statewide Drug Policy Advisory Council, Hillsborough County Commission on the Status of Women, and Hillsborough County Commission on Human Trafficking. Her impactful work has earned her recognition from Tampa Bay Business and Wealth Magazine with the 2024 Women Who Win Award and from Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award. Groover-Skipper is also the founder of HeartDance Foundation, a faith-based nonprofit that empowers individuals who are healing from exploitation, addiction, and other traumatic experiences. Her expertise and strategic approach have been crucial in driving policy change for anti-human trafficking efforts not only in Florida but across the nation.

More on The Floridant
The Florida Women's Hall of Fame was established in 1982 to honor women who have made significant contributions to their communities through their leadership, service, and advocacy. Each year, three women are selected by the Governor from recommendations presented by the Florida Commission on the Status of Women. These remarkable women will join over 100 others who have been recognized for their outstanding achievements and impact on Florida's history.

Governor DeSantis expressed his admiration for this year's honorees stating, "Belle Yates Bear, Mary Brickell, and Dotti Groover-Skipper are shining examples of the incredible impact women have had and continue to have in our state. Their dedication, leadership, and service have made a lasting difference in their communities and beyond. I am honored to welcome them into the Florida Women's Hall of Fame." The induction ceremony will take place later this year at the Florida Capitol.

Filed Under: Government, State
Show All News | Report Violation

0 Comments

Latest on The Floridant