Rapper, singer Flo Rida gives away book bags at ‘Back to School Jam’ in PSL

By Bernard S

Flo Rida may not have rocked the mic, but for dozens of children, he brought a little purpose to the party.

The world renowned entertainer and Miami Gardens native was one of the highlighted appearances – alongside performances from international artists, food trucks, vendors and bounce houses – during the recent Back to School Jam in Port St. Lucie. Rapper and singer Flo Rida’s arrival brought cheers as he handed out back packs to several children in attendance and took pictures with eager fans afterwards.

The Back to School Jam was held Saturday, Aug. 1 at the MIDFLORIDA Event Center in Port St. Lucie, St. Lucie County, about an hour south of Palm Bay. The jam – with a multicultural theme – also featured performances from internationally-known artists such as Port St. Lucie native Sessi who is Puerto Rican and Cuban, along with Colombian singer Gio Beta.

Bernard Taylor, a local firefighter and paramedic running for the District 21 seat for U.S. Congress, organized the well-attended event. Taylor, who is the nephew of Flo Rida, and his campaign gave out 3,000 backpacks to the school-aged youth.

“I would personally like to thank Bernard Taylor and Flo Rida. Thanks for showing up for the community, helping put on this event and supporting our children’s education with school supplies and some wild raffle backpacks,” Port St. Lucie resident Jordan Small said in an Aug. 2 Facebook post. “Thanks for making life a little easier for a single father. Now (my daughter) is set.”

A D.J. kept the crowd moving during the festivity, dropping pop, rap and hip-hop songs that had some in the crowds, including Port St. Lucie police, swaying to the beat. Baltimore Ravens’ quarterback Lamar Jackson, a two-time Most Valuable Player, donated 150 book bags with school supplies that were handed out at the event.

“I loved to see the community out in full force,” said Small, whose daughter attends Bessey Creek Elementary School in Palm City, Martin County.

Jackson was not in attendance.

Students throughout all of Florida’s 67 counties started school this week. Creating strong, local public schools and providing accessible educational opportunities is one of five key priorities for Taylor.

Early voting runs from Saturday, Aug. 8 through Saturday, Aug. 15. Taylor will face off against James Martin in the Aug. 18 Democratic primary for U.S. House Florida District 21, covering St. Lucie, Martin and Palm Beach counties. The winner of the Democratic primary will advance to the Nov. 3 general election. The victor will compete against incumbent Brian Mast, a Republican who is running unopposed for the upcoming primary, as well as Alexander Cooke, who is running as No Party Affiliation, and David Fabrikant, a write-in candidate.