JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (March 27, 2024) – State Representative Kimberly Daniels is pleased to announce that she will host a ceremony to recognize the dedication of the bridge over Howell Drive to the late Coach Gwendolyn Maxwell. The legislation, sponsored by Representative Daniels, passed both the House and the Senate before being signed into law by the Governor. The ceremony will take place on March 29, 2024, at 12:00 noon, at the bridge on Howell Drive.
Coach Gwendolyn Maxwell, a revered figure in Florida’s sports history, passed away at the age of 86 in 2020. For two decades, Maxwell coached at Ribault High School, leaving an inedible mark not only on the track but also the lives of her athletes.
Among the notable athletes coached by Maxwell were Olympians Chandra Cheeseborough and Danette Young, as well as Representative Daniels who became Jacksonville’s first black female democrat elected to a countywide political office and Angela Harris, past president of U.S. Track and Field Florida.
Maxwell’s coaching prowess is evidenced by her impressive resume, which includes 269 track meet victories, 15 conference meet titles, and five state titles. She also spearheaded the Trojan Invitational which is now the Cheeseborough Invitational being held March 30, 2024.
Beyond her achievements on the track, Maxwell was a dedicated educator for 36 years, emphasizing the importance of academics alongside athletics.
State Representative Kimberly Daniels remarked, “Coach Gwendolyn Maxwell’s dedication to her athletes and commitment to excellence in both athletics and academics set a standard for all of us. It is an honor to have sponsored the legislation renaming this bridge in her memory, ensuring that her legacy continues to inspire generations to come.”
The dedication ceremony for the “Gwendolyn Maxwell: Bridge to Ribault” will be held on March 29, 2024, at 12:00 noon at the bridge over Howell Drive. Representatives from the community, local officials, and Maxwell’s daughter, Chiquita Maxwell-Rivers, will be in attendance. The community is welcomed to attend.
For more information, please contact Andria King at (904) 445-1234 or Andria.King@myfloridahouse.gov.
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