The crowds turned out for the Back to School Jam – with musical performances, food trucks, vendors and bounce houses – but “turned up” for Miami-born rapper and singer Flo Rida.
Flo Rida, who did not perform, handed out free book bags to children and took pictures with hundreds of excited fans at the Aug. 1 event at Port St. Lucie’s MIDFLORIDA Credit Union in Port St. Lucie.
“It’s important to be able to give back to those in need,” said Flo Rida, a multi-award-winning artist and songwriter with chart-topping hits including “Right Round,” “My House,” “Wild Ones” and “Low.”
“If you really believe children are our future, you have to invest in them.”
The gathering, held a fortnight before students headed back to school, was organized by Bernard Taylor, a local firefighter and paramedic running for U.S. Congress to represent District 21. Taylor, seen unloading supplies for the program, and his campaign gave away 3,000 backpacks to children in attendance.
A D.J. blasted pop, hip hop and R&B tunes as a packed-out audience vibed to the beats. The multicultural event also featured performances – and musical stars – from Port St. Lucie, including native Sessi, a Puerto Rican and Cuban singer/songwriter with global hits such as “Tattoo” and “2C.”
Internationally recognized Colombian singer Gio Beta, a Grammy-nominated artist who served as lead singer on the collaborative album “55th Anniversary of Mario Ortiz All Star Band,” also performed.
“Our back-to-school events, health fairs and fiesta latinas of Puerto Rico, Colombia, Santo Domingo, Cuba and Hispanic heritage in general, identify a social gathering environment, welcoming any and all residents to participate consecutively,” said Eddie Mercado, event promoter and father of Sessi.
Lamar Jackson, a two-time NFL Most Valuable Player with the Baltimore Ravens, donated 150 backpacks with school supplies that were handed out at the event. Jackson, however, was not present at the Back to School Jam.
Taylor will run against James Martin in the Democratic primary Aug. 18 for U.S. House Florida District 21, which covers St. Lucie, Martin and Palm Beach counties. The winner of the primary will advance to the Nov. 3 general election to will face off against incumbent Republican Brian Mast (who is running unopposed for the upcoming primary) along with Alexander Cooke, listed as No Party Affiliation, and David Fabrikant, a write-in candidate.
Taylor, a fourth-generation Floridian, husband and father of five, said he is seriously dedicated to improving the public education system. The Back to School Jam is another way to invest in the youth, he said.
“This event is significant because as a leader in the community, I know how important it is to invest in our children’s education,” said Taylor, who is the nephew of Flo Rida. “(The children) are the future.”