Hillsborough County Neighborhoods Take Top Honors

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL -- Residents from throughout Hillsborough County came to the 15th Annual Neighborhoods Conference to hear about government programs and offerings, hone leadership skills and visit with myriad vendors representing public and private endeavors.

Attendees could choose from among more than a dozen workshops with titles such as, "Diversity & Inclusion in Your Neighborhood," "Emotional Intelligence for Leaders," "Social Media for Neighborhoods" and "I Don't Need a Permit! Do I?"

The conference at Sheraton Tampa East Hotel wrapped up with the Neighborhood Recognition Awards luncheon, at which C

Hillsborough County Neighborhood Relations stages the event as part of its mission to provide training, funding and networking opportunities for residents and homeowner groups throughout unincorporated Hillsborough County, Tampa, Temple Terrace, and Plant City. Almost 500 people attended the 2018 Neighborhoods Conference.

Eleven associations and four individuals took top honors in 10 categories.

2018 Annual Recognition Awards Winners

* Neighborhood Arts Award: South Seminole Heights Civic Association

* Neighborhood Improvement Award:

Lakewood Ridge Estates Homeowners Association (small division)

Carrollwood Village Homeowners Association (large division)

* Neighborhood Communications Award:

St. Andrews Estates Homeowners Association (small division)

Hampton Terrace Community Association (large division)

* Neighborhood & Community Partnership Award: Bloomingdale Homeowners Association

* Make It Happen Award: South Fork Neighborhood Watch

* Neighborhood Unsung Hero Award: Mary Fenner, Oakdale Reserves and Alison Bernstein, Parkside Village

* Neighborhood Youth Volunteer Award: Wimauma Community Development Corporation Youth Council

* Most Effective Board: Lake St. Charles Board of Supervisors

* Outstanding Volunteer Leadership Award:

Dave Naymick, West Hampton Homeowners Association (small division)

Stan Lasater, Southeast Seminole Heights Association (large division)

* Neighborhood Watch and CERT Award:

Jackson Heights Civic Association (small division)

South Fork Neighborhood Watch (large division)

Perhaps the greatest benefit of the event was the opportunity for neighborhood leaders to meet each other and discuss ways to be more effective.

"It brings together neighborhoods from throughout the county to mingle, exchange ideas and network," said David Nelson, a board member of Lake St. Charles Community Development District in Riverview.

Carroll Ann Bennett said her Virginia Park Neighborhood Association recently relaunched and hopes to unite the sprawling South Tampa neighborhood. She came to the conference seeking knowledge and ideas.

"We're just trying to be relevant and effective," she said. "We want everyone to know we exist."

For more information, call Neighborhood Relations at (813) 272-5860.

Image via Hillsborough County