Florida Women’s Hall of Fame Seeks Nominations

Tallahassee, Fla. — The Florida Commission on the Status of Women is accepting nominations for the 2014-2015 Florida Women’s Hall of Fame through July 15, 2014. Since its inception in 1982, the Hall of Fame has recognized and honored Florida women who, through their lives and works, have made significant contributions to the improvement of life for all Floridians. The Commission will recommend 10 nominees to Governor Rick Scott, who will select up to three women for induction into the Hall of Fame in a March 2015 ceremony. 

Last year’s inductees were Sheriff Susan Benton of Sebring, Louise Jones Gopher of Okeechobee, and Dottie Berger MacKinnon formerly of Tampa. Sheriff Susan Benton of Sebring is the first female sheriff elected in a general election in the history of the state of Florida and is currently serving her third term. Sheriff Benton is a fifth-generation Floridian who has served in law enforcement for over 35 years. Louise Jones Gopher of the Brighton Indian Reservation in Okeechobee was the first female member of the Seminole Tribe of Florida to earn a college degree, graduating from Florida Atlantic University with a degree in business. Dottie Berger MacKinnon, formerly of Tampa, was a tireless advocate for women and has left her footprint throughout the Bay area. She was one of the founders of Joshua House, a safe haven for abused, abandoned, and neglected children, in Tampa and she passionately supported the children served there since 1992.

“The Florida Commission on the Status of Women is proud to honor these outstanding women who mean so much to our state and our history,” said Commission Chair Yvonne Fry. “Each year it is more difficult to choose ten finalists to send to the Governor because of the many superb nominations we receive.” 

Nomination forms may be obtained by writing: The Florida Commission on the Status of Women, Office of the Attorney General, PL-01, The Capitol, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1050, or by calling(850) 414-3300. Forms can also be downloaded by visiting www.fcsw.net.

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