Commemorating July 17, 1821
With the 200th anniversary of Florida’s passing from Spanish to American possession, Pensacola celebrates its important role —with a look back at the people there that day. By Margo S. Stringfield Featured image above: As part of the bicentennial commemoration-day festivities on July 16–17, this reproduction keel boat will be anchored in Pensacola. Reenactors will tell the story of how important the vessels were in the years around 1821 in
A woman of influence who helped those in need
Eartha White
Humanitarian, educator, philanthropist (Jacksonville)
Years: 1876–1974
A progressive publisher pushed for justice
Lillian Carlisle West
Real estate, development, promotion (Miami)
Years: 1884–1970
She founded a city with persistence and a rail line
Julia DeForest Tuttle
Real estate, development, promotion (Miami)
Years: 1849–1898
Armed with a physics degree, she did top secret work
Carolyn Beatrice Parker
Physicist, educator (Gainesville)
Years: 1917–1966
An innovative cattle rancher and founder of a city
Bertha Palmer
Businesswoman, developer (Venice)
Years: 1848–1918
Florida’s first female mayor, before the 19th amendment
Marian Newhall Horwitz O’Brien
Politician, developer of Moore Haven (Moore Haven)
Years: 1882–1932
She died as she lived, for a cause she believed in
Harriette Vyda Simms Moore
Civil rights activist, educator (Mims)
Years: 1902–1952
Fulfilling a dream of medicine and space
Dr. Irene Long
Pioneer in aerospace medicine (Merritt Island)
Years: 1950–2020
This civil rights leader helped end segregation
Eula Gany Johnson
Activist (Fort Lauderdale)
Years: 1906–2001