The wide range of sports displays at FSHOF are carefully curated in a brightly lit attractive space.
FSHOF boasts colorful floor-to-ceiling exhibits.
FLORIDA SPORTS HALL OF FAME Story and photos by Paula Loehr
ceiling throughout the shipshape 1,800-square-foot space. Large windows and glass-paneled entrance doors allow for a brightly lit, fully accessible walk-through or wheel-through tour. Objects on display include trophies, baseball bats, a bowling pin, boxing gloves, golf clubs, and a woven reed jai alai cesta. You can expect to see action-packed photographs, team jerseys, hats, helmets, jackets, and more than a few pairs of cleats. Memorabilia is donated by individual sports figures, coaches, and entire teams. Presently there are 60 engaging exhibits for guests to view. It's no wonder that FSHOF welcomes more than 50,000 visitors each year. In the field of football, there are plenty of iconic items from professional and collegiate teams. Emmitt Smith’s #22 jersey decorates one high-reaching wall. As you might expect, Miami Dolphins six-timer MVP Bob Griese and superstar coach Don Shula are represented. So are NFL wide receiver Bob Masterson and Gator sensation Tim Tebow, who also played professionally for the Denver Broncos. University of Florida's 1991 Southeastern Conference championship trophy looms large and commands respect. Florida State University Seminoles Coach Bobby Bowden and Miami Hurricanes Athletic Director Jack Harding earn respect, too. If baseball diamonds are your gems of choice, take
Have you heard the latest sports buzz from the Sunshine State? The Florida Sports Hall of Fame (FSHOF) relocated recently to the MidFlorida Event Center in Port St. Lucie on the state's Atlantic coast. A collaborative effort between the City of Port St. Lucie, Treasure Coast Sports Commission, and FSHOF paved the way for the Hall of Fame's March 2021 move from Davenport, Florida. Founded in 1961 by the Florida Sports Writers and Sportscasters Associations, Florida Sports Hall of Fame is now 60 years strong with 269 current members. The Hall salutes the Sunshine State's standout athletes, teams, coaches, sporting events, and rich athletic heritage. Inductees to FSHOF have powerful connections to Florida, either by birth or by spending extended periods of time in the state as amateur or pro athletes. Nominations for potential Hall of Fame candidates are submitted by the Board of Directors, current FSHOF members, and the general public. After a thorough screening process, qualified contenders are elected by “yes” votes from the Board of Directors and select Hall members. Exhibits at FSHOF are carefully arranged from floor to
FLORIDA SPORTS HALL OF FAME
COAST TO COAST SUMMER MAGAZINE 2021
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