Regional Awards For Excellence

UF Health Pediatric Evacuation Full Scale Exercise

UF Health Jacksonville's Emergency Management Program identified the need to test their evacuation plan specifically for infants, children, and mothers. This initiative was prompted by a review of after-action reports from other hospitals across the state that had undergone hurricane-related evacuations.

To address this, they conducted a full-scale pediatric exercise involving the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Unit, Labor and Delivery Unit, and Mother-Baby Unit. Through this exercise, they were able to identify best practices for establishing an Alternative Care Site, determine the necessary supplies and medications needed for a minimum of three days, and develop more effective methods for tracking patients and staff.

More than 15 internal departments and external partners participated in the effort, including the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, the Region 3 Healthcare Coalition, the Red Cross, First Coast Disaster Council, Florida Division of Emergency Management, Century Ambulance, Trauma One, and the City of Jacksonville's Emergency Preparedness Division.

Atlantic-to-Okefenokee (A20) Conservation Corridor

The Atlantic-to-Okefenokee Conservation Corridor, also known as A20, was designated as a Florida Forever project. This became one of the most significant expansions of the Florida Forever list. This designation includes approximately 55,864 acres for conservation. The A20 stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, creating a 90,000-acre conservation corridor in the southern watershed along 80 miles of the St. Marys River. 

This expansion more than doubles the existing acres of conserved lands near its boundaries. By safeguarding underrepresented natural communities, natural floodplains, priority aquifer recharge areas, fragile coastal ecosystems, and habitats of rare species, A20 ensures a healthier future for Northeast Florida's environment.  

PLANT-AS Baker County Economic Development Commission

The Baker County Economic Development Commission has finalized a development agreement with PLANT-AS, a large agricultural operation that will include more than 8,000,000 square feet of greenhouse space. This significant project is expected to create nearly 700 jobs and generate over $700 million in capital investment, providing substantial long-term benefits for Baker County.

The initiative will offer well-paying, entry-level positions with benefits for residents of Baker County and surrounding rural communities. Additionally, it will encourage further development in the processing and transportation sectors, positioning Baker County at the forefront of 21st-century agriculture.

Heirs' Property - Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)

Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) was the forefront of the Heirs' Property initiatives in our Region. Ensuring that when families own homes and land, they have the resources and documentation needed to keep these assets in the family and pass them down to future generations, should the worst occur. In 2022 and 2023, LISC Jacksonville's Heirs' Property efforts preserved or stabilized over $18.1 million in tax-assessed home value by resolving 147 litigation cases and facilitating 185 estate planning cases, directly contributing to the financial stability of families. 

This project truly focused on improving the lives of under-resourced citizens and communities by securing generational wealth and homeownership. In 2023, LISC partnered with the Regional Community Institute (NEFRC's non-profit organization) to convene with representatives of the other six counties, which led to the formation of county-level committees to ensure stronger collaboration and more impactful results.

LISC Jacksonville's innovative approach, measurable results, and commitment to regional collaboration make them most deserving of this award. 

Nassau County & City of Fernandina Beach Bicentennial Commemoration

Nassau County, a place of rich history and heritage, was officially established in 1824. That same year, Fernandina was chosen as the county seat, and the territorial legislature incorporated the town in December. Nassau County and Fernandina Beach celebrated a significant milestone this year- their 200-year anniversary. The bicentennial celebration was a testament to our shared past and a beacon of our collective future. What made this celebration truly special was the active involvement of our community. Volunteers, community organizations, and local government joined forces to create innovative events and partnerships that engaged a diverse population, fostering a shared sense of place and strengthening community bonds. These celebrations not only highlighted the unique heritage of both the county and its historic seat, Fernandina Beach, but also made us all feel integral to our county's history.