September 21, 2025

Leon County Celebrates Community Spirit in Recognition Program

News Summary

Leon County, Florida, hosted its 44th Annual Neighborhood Recognition Program, honoring neighborhoods and individuals for their efforts in enhancing communities. The event highlighted the importance of community engagement and strong ties among residents. Award winners included Avondale, Killearn, Highgrove, and Tommy from The Villas Neighborhood, each recognized for their contributions to improving safety, beauty, and social cohesion. County officials emphasized the positive impact of such initiatives, inspiring residents to participate in community enhancement activities.

Leon County Honors Outstanding Neighborhoods and Neighbors in 44th Annual Recognition Program

Leon County, Florida, hosted the 44th Annual Neighborhood Recognition Program on September 16, celebrating neighborhoods and individuals who have made significant contributions to enhancing their communities over the past year. The event, organized by Leon County Government and the Council of Neighborhood Associations (CONA), highlights the value of community spirit and neighborly support in creating better living environments.

County Commission Chairman Brian Welch underscored the importance of neighborhoods working together and engaging in community initiatives. The recognition program serves not only as an opportunity to honor local efforts but also as a reminder of the impact that strong community ties can have on overall quality of life.

2023 Neighborhood Recognition Winners

This year’s award winners included:

Avondale: Known for launching electronic newsletters and real-time alerts, Avondale organized beautification workdays and participated in the Neighborhood Crime Watch Program to improve safety and green spaces.
Killearn: This neighborhood made strides in restoring their community lake, transforming Shamrock South Park, creating a new dog park, and hosting community events such as an Easter Egg Hunt and Fall Festival.
Highgrove: Highgrove established a lending library, expanded digital communication with residents, replanted native plant species, promoted recycling efforts, and hosted community gatherings and holiday parties.
The Villas Neighborhood: Individual resident Tommy was recognized for providing invaluable help to neighbors in managing household tasks, including repairing gates and building free libraries.

Recognition and Impact

The County Administrator, Vincent S. Long, emphasized the significant impact of these neighborhood achievements on the broader community, as they foster stronger ties and enhance overall welfare. The winners of the Neighborhood of the Year Award received signs for display at their neighborhood entrances, reinforcing their recognition, while the Neighbor of the Year Award winner received a personalized plaque to acknowledge their contributions.

Leroy Peck from the Council of Neighborhood Associations remarked on the privilege of recognizing residents who actively contribute to building stronger and more vibrant communities. This annual event not only rewards the outstanding efforts of local neighborhoods but also encourages others to participate in community improvement initiatives.

The Commitment to Neighborhood Initiatives

Leon County continues its commitment to supporting neighborhood initiatives through various resources and programs. Residents can learn about available services and how to get involved by visiting LeonCountyFL.gov/NeighborhoodServices. This outreach reflects the county’s dedication to enhancing living conditions and fostering a sense of belonging among its residents.

In conclusion, the 44th Annual Neighborhood Recognition Program highlighted the vital role that neighborhoods and individual residents play in building cohesive and thriving communities. As Leon County celebrates these achievements, it inspires its residents to engage further in activities that contribute to the betterment of their surroundings.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER

The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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