Florida education officials, local bookstores partner to help hurricane-impacted schools

The Florida Department of Education, the Florida Education Foundation, and independent book stores across the state have banned together to host a fundraiser to help schools in the Panhandle purchase new books.

Re-book to Re-build: Hurricane Relief Fundraiser is being organized by six book stores from Tallahassee to Jacksonville down to Coral Gables.

A portion of the proceeds from sales this weekend, Nov. 3 and 4, will help enable schools impacted by Hurricane Michael to re-stock libraries and classrooms.

"Soon, all school districts will have reopened following Hurricane Michael, but many students' schedules have been adjusted and school locations have changed. Florida educators at every level are working tirelessly to ensure a smooth return for students after having experienced unimaginable destruction, and these grants will be a great help," Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart said. "I am grateful to the participating booksellers, not only for their financial contributions, but for showing our students what it means to care for one another."

"For the past 8 years, I've had the privilege to promote literacy at Florida schools. Reading has always been important to our family, and I truly believe that a strong foundation of literacy is important for students to achieve their dreams and career goals," First Lady Ann Scott said. "Since Hurricane Michael made landfall, my husband, Rick, has worked hard to get communities back on their feet. The Re-book to Re-build program is a wonderful opportunity to help impacted schools receive the resources necessary for students to succeed."

The six book stores include two in the Jacksonville area:

• Story & Song, Fernandina Beach
• San Marco Bookstore, Jacksonville
• Bayou Books, Niceville
• Books & Books, Coral Gables
• MacIntosh Books, Sanibel Island
• Midtown Reader, Tallahassee

Cox Media Group