11 Facts About Rhea Chiles

Rhea May Chiles was First Lady of Florida from 1991 to 1998 during the tenure of her husband, Governor Lawton Chiles.

Rhea Chiles spearheaded the creation of Florida House on Capitol Hill, the only "State Embassy" in Washington, DC.

Rhea Chiles preferred the sound of Number One Second Street over the original address.

Rhea Chiles supervised the historic restoration of the 100-year-old Manning House that came to be Florida House.

In 1983, Rhea Chiles received the Florida Society of Historic Preservation Award for her leadership in the restoration of the historic building that became Florida House.

Rhea Chiles served as the president and CEO of Florida House from 1973 until 1988.

Rhea Chiles later served as Chairman Emeritus of Florida House.

The Governor and Mrs Rhea Chiles provided the platform and impetus for Students Working Against Tobacco or SWAT, which was funded by Governor Rhea Chiles' historic tobacco settlement.

In 1998, Rhea Chiles founded The Lawton Chiles Foundation, which carries on the commitment of her husband to benefit the lives of children in Florida.

Rhea Chiles died from a lengthy illness at her home in Anna Maria Island, Florida, at the age of 84.

Governor Rhea Chiles established the "Heartland Award for Public Service," which was presented by the Governor to Floridians who were found to exemplify long-term commitment and service to their communities.