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Scott Designates Spurrier A "Great Floridian"

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – It's been a few years since Steve Spurrier was honored in the Sunshine State, but Governor Rick Scott did just that Thursday when he named Spurrier a "Great Floridian."

The "Great Floridian" designation is given to recognize outstanding achievements of men and women who have made great contributions to the progress and welfare of Florida. Only 70 people have received the distinction since 1971.

Spurrier made an impact at the University of Florida as a player, winning the school's first Heisman Trophy; and then coaching the Gators to a national championship and reestablishing UF as a power in the Southeastern Conference.

The Head Ball Coach as he's sometimes referred is still going strong in college football. He's rebuilt the South Carolina Gamecocks program into an SEC power and will likely challenge for another SEC East title again in 2013.

Scott has handed out the Great Floridian designation to several former football stars and coaches including Tim Tebow, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Tony Dungy, and former Buccaneers and Florida State Seminoles linebacker Derrick Brooks.

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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