A new series of Viva Florida 500 public service announcements (PSAs) launched this month as part of a multimedia public education campaign to contribute to the yearlong commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the landing of Ponce de León in Florida.
The PSA series was produced in English and Spanish and are being broadcast statewide, covering topics that emphasize cultural diversity, educational advancements and the state’s beautiful cities. From the oldest schoolhouse to the most “haunted” city, the series encapsulates what Floridians treasure and honor most about their state.
The multimedia educational campaign was produced by Sachs Media Group, one of Florida’s top communications firms, in conjunction with the Friends of the Museums of Florida History, Inc., with the support of the Florida Lottery, the Florida League of Cities and Florida Blue. The campaign includes the PSA series, a 30-minute television special in English and Spanish that was recently nominated for an Emmy® Award, a clickable map — a colorful registry of Florida cities’ historical information — and a mobile app.
“The strength for Viva Florida 500 is found in the many diverse partnerships involved to educate Floridians and visitors alike about our state’s rich history,” said Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner. “The Department of State is committed to expanding the successful Viva Florida 500 platform through 2015, to include the 450th anniversary of St. Augustine, our nation’s oldest city, and entice residents to explore their own backyard.”
“It has been an honor for the Florida Lottery to participate in bringing this telling of Florida history to the public,” said Cynthia O’Connell, Secretary of the Florida Lottery. “The Florida Lottery is a proud partner in providing funding for Florida’s education system, and Viva Florida 500 fit well within our mission.”
The PSAs are being broadcast statewide in each of Florida’s major markets on the following TV network partner stations:
o Ft. Myers/Naples WINK-TV
o Jacksonville WTEV-TV
o West Palm Beach/Ft. Pierce WPEC-TV
o Tallahassee/Thomasville WCTV-TV
o Mobile/Pensacola/Ft. Walton WKRG-TV
o Gainesville WGFL-TV
o Panama City WECP-TV
o Orlando/Daytona Beach/Melbourne WKMG-TV
o Miami WFOR/WBFS-TV
o Tampa/St. Pete/Sarasota WTOG-TV
“Viva Florida 500 helped to tell the stories of the people and places who made Florida what it is today,” said P.C. Wu, President of the Florida League of Cities. “Through this campaign, our residents and visitors have learned more about our state’s history, and the places where that history happened – our cities.”
“The Friends of the Museums of Florida History are proud to support Viva Florida 500 in an effort to enlighten Floridians about our state’s history,” said Lester Abberger, Chair of the Friends of the Museums of Florida History. “It is vitally important that we continue to educate Floridians and visitors of our great state to inspire a legacy of Florida pride.”
This Viva Florida 500 multimedia education campaign will continue to be an educational resource for students and the general public. To learn more about these exciting events happening around Florida, visit VivaFlorida.org or download the Viva FL 500 mobile app available on Android and Apple. The app was produced by Sachs Media Group and made possible by the Florida Lottery, the Florida League of Cities and Florida Blue.
About Viva Florida 500
Viva Florida 500 is a statewide initiative led by the Florida Department of State, under the leadership of Governor Rick Scott, to highlight the 500 years of historic people, places and events in present-day Florida since the arrival of Juan Ponce de León to the land he named La Florida in 1513. While Florida’s Native American heritage dates back more than 12,000 years, Spain’s claim in 1513 began a new era.
About Sachs Media Group
Sachs Media Group is Florida’s dominant public affairs communications company for critical issues and one of America’s leading independent communications companies. In 2011, the firm was named the “PR Agency of the Year” nationally in the prestigious Bulldog Awards. With exceptional experience and results in public affairs, branding, social/digital and crisis communications, the firm combines unparalleled relationships, news judgment, messaging and storytelling ability with cutting-edge strategies to engage audiences with content they seek and share. Sachs Media Group, formerly Ron Sachs Communications, is home to the team best known for smart, strong and strategic counsel across the diverse and ever-changing media landscape.