By Cindy Jackson
Reporter
November 25, 2019
On November 18, 2019, the Friends of the Library hosted Brenda Eubanks Burnette, Executive Director of the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame and author of “Florida’s First Billboards,” as part of the Fernandina Beach Library’s current art exhibit, “Historic Florida Citrus Labels.” This exhibit shows the colorful historic advertising art used in Florida between the late 1800s and the 1960s.
Interestingly enough, Ms. Burnette was crowned Miss Florida Citrus Queen in 1981 and a special guest was in the audience that evening – Theresa Shuster – who was the Miss Florida Citrus Queen of 1980 who crowned Ms. Burnette. Pictured from left to right are the two beauty queens – Theresa Shuster and Brenda Eubanks Burnette.
Said Christine W. Meehan, Chair of the Art Committee for the Friends of the Library, “We’ve had such fun with this exhibit and it’s been appreciated by the community – resulting in a number of community collaborations, including the Bartram Garden Club.”
The “Historic Florida Labels” exhibit is on display in the Community Room through December 31, 2019.
Editor’s Note: Born in Hagerstown, Maryland, Cindy received her BA in Political Science from Dickinson College. Upon graduation, Cindy began her career on Capitol Hill working as a legislative aide and director. She later became a part of the public relations and lobbying team of the American Iron and Steel Institute and served as director of the office of state legislative affairs for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). Cindy was involved in economic development with the state of Maryland, and served as executive director of Leadership Washington County. As a community volunteer, Cindy participates in numerous volunteer activities serving as a member of Sunrise Rotary, and as board member of Cummer Amelia Board of Directors.