Community Update

Harvey Oyer III Named Florida House on
Capitol Hill’s 2013 Distinguished Author

Harvey Oyer III, a fifth-generation
Floridian, attorney, author and former public school teacher, won the Florida
House on Capitol Hill’s 2013 Distinguished Author Award for his trilogy of children’s
books that portray pioneer Florida and promote conservation to young people.   

Oyer’s books are based on the journals of his great-granduncle
Charlie Pierce and the stories passed down through five generations of his
family.  The fictional series details Pierce’s
adventures as he roams the wilderness of South Florida with his friends in the
late 1800s. 

Oyer has published three books in “The Adventures of Charlie
Pierce” series: “The American Jungle,” “The Last Egret” and “The Last Calusa.”
The books share a powerful message about the preservation of Florida’s
ecosystem. “The Last Egret” is used in fourth-grade classrooms in nine Florida
counties as part of Florida history courses.

“I feel honored that Florida House on Capitol Hill has
recognized my efforts in trying to educate our future generations through
literature,” Oyer said. “As a fifth-generation Floridian, I knew I would have
to write a book to preserve this knowledge. I wanted to leave a message of
cultural tolerance, conservation and overall human stewardship of Mother Earth.”
 

Oyer’s books have won other awards, including the James
Horgan Award from the Florida Historical Society.  A resident of West Palm Beach, Oyer is a partner
in the office of Shutts and Bowen, serves as chairman of the Chamber of
Commerce of the Palm Beaches, is active on many boards of directors, and is an
accomplished historian, lecturer and archaeologist.

The Distinguished Author Award has been an annual award
since 2008. Previous award winners of the Distinguished Author Award include
Dr. Gary Mormino, author of “Land of
Sunshine, State of Dreams: A Social
History of Modern Florida,” Carlton Ward, Jr., author of “Florida
Cowboys” and Bob Beatty, author of “Florida's Highwaymen: Legendary Landscapes.” Marjory
Stoneman Douglas, author of “The Everglades: River of Grass,” received the
award posthumously. 

“Every award given marks progress toward our
goal of preserving Florida’s culture,” said Bart Hudson, CEO and president
of Florida House on Capitol Hill. “Florida
House on Capitol Hill is proud to recognize Oyer for his trilogy that grasps
the concept of the unique place that Florida is.”

Florida House on Capitol Hill is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization
that provides cultural, social, educational and economic resources; showcases
Florida’s culture and diversity; maintains and operates Florida House on
Capitol Hill, Florida’s embassy in the nation’s capital; and provides for
Florida’s citizens to enrich their appreciation and knowledge of our nation’s
government. 

Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2013, Florida
House on Capitol Hill was founded by Mrs. Rhea Chiles, wife of former Florida Governor Lawton Chiles, and is supported by a 100-member strong Board of
Trustees from across Florida. First Lady Ann Scott serves as the honorary
chairman of the board.