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Florida Celebration of Reading returns for 17th year

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BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. Hundreds of reading enthusiasts attended the 17th Annual Florida Celebration of Reading Friday night at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point and Spa at 5001 Coconut Rd.

Best-selling authors and former governor Jeb Bush were in attendance.

The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy returned to Southwest Florida to raise money for programs for people who cannot read and emphasize the importance of reading for students.

Although the former First Lady couldn’t be there in person, she surprised everyone when she showed up on FaceTime.

“George and I are so sorry we couldn’t be there this year, it hurts me,” she said to the crowd. “Old age is fun….sometimes.”

The event has raised more than $26 million over the last 17 years in support of literacy programs throughout Florida.

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