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RIVERVIEW - A new elementary school in the Panther Trace subdivision will bear the name of a former Florida governor who refused to close schools to prevent desegregation.
In the late 1950s, Gov. LeRoy Collins repeatedly blocked the efforts of some state lawmakers trying to prevent integration in Florida's public schools. In 1959, he stood up to segregationists in addressing a joint session of the state House and Senate.
"I urge you never, never, never set up any plan or device by which our public schools can be closed," Collins said. "When you put a padlock on a school you padlock minds, the minds of children."
Almost half a century later, the elementary school opening in August will be the first school in the state named after Collins, who died in 1991. Honoring the legacy of Gov. Collins trumped suggested names, such as Panther, Panther Trace, Panther Pride, Trace and Trace View. Names like Bay Breeze, Eagle and Cubs also appeared to have no traction at this time. A dozen former educators also were nominated.
- Information from Times files was used in this report.