Leon County Honored with Six Prestigious Project of the Year Awards

Leon County Government has been recognized for its outstanding commitment to public infrastructure, earning six Project of the Year Awards from the American Public Works Association (APWA) Big Bend Branch. These awards celebrate the County’s dedication to innovative, sustainable, and community-focused projects that enhance the quality of life for residents.

“These awards highlight the County’s unwavering commitment to delivering impactful projects that strengthen our infrastructure, improve safety, and protect our environment,” said Leon County Commission Chairman Brian Welch. “From creating safe routes to school for our students to implementing cutting-edge stormwater solutions, each project is a testament to the County’s dedication to excellence.”

The County’s investments in infrastructure not only improve quality of life for residents but also addresses long-term environmental resilience.

“Leon County remains committed to building a stronger, more resilient community through innovative and sustainable infrastructure projects,” Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long said. “This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of our Public Works team, who continuously deliver projects that enhance safety, improve quality of life, and protect our natural resources.”
 
Leon County received Project of the Year honors for the following projects:

• Keystone Court Trash Screen Project in the category of Structures. To improve stormwater management and flood protection, the County installed a specialized trash screen to prevent debris from clogging the existing channel. This project enhances water quality and safeguards the Fred George Sink by reducing floatable trash from entering the watershed.
   
• Blountstown Highway Safe Route to School (SRTS) Sidewalk Improvements Project in the category of Transportation. With nearly 3,000 linear feet of six-foot-wide concrete sidewalk, 500 feet of boardwalk, and improved drainage, this project provides students and pedestrians a safe and accessible route connecting neighborhoods to Fort Braden Community Park and local schools.
   
• Fred George Park Wetland Restoration Project in the category of Environmental (Stormwater). This initiative restored natural hydrology by removing man-made berms and regrading the area to reinstate free-flow conditions. The restoration mitigates backwater flooding, improves water quality, and enhances the surrounding ecosystem, reinforcing the health of the Fred George Sinkhole and the Florida Aquifer.
   
• Maylor Road Drainage Improvement Project in the category of Environmental (Stormwater). Designed to ensure emergency access for residents in the Maylor Road Closed Basin, this project raised the road elevation to prevent flooding, installed an equalization cross drain to balance water levels, and resized roadside swales to handle actual water flows effectively.
   
• Miccosukee Community Center – Concord School Renovations Project in the category of Historical Restoration/Preservation. Originally built in 1940, the historic Concord School was repurposed into the Miccosukee Community Center, slated to open in 2025. The renovation of the 7,500 square-foot building preserved the building’s historical character while adding modern amenities, including a multi-purpose space, classrooms, walking trails, picnic areas, and an emergency generator, making it a vital resource for the rural community.
   
• St. Marks Headwaters Greenway, Buck Lake Road Trailhead Project in the category of Multifunction. Expanding the St. Marks Headwaters Greenway, this conservation project added three miles of scenic trails with boardwalks, overlooks, and a pedestrian bridge. Enhancements also include paved parking, pavilions, restrooms, EV charging stations, bike repair stations, misting stations, and a nature-themed playground. By removing invasive species and restoring native vegetation, the project protects regional drinking water supplies and enhances water quality.

 The APWA awards program recognizes excellence in the design, management, and construction of public works projects, highlighting the collaborative efforts between government agencies, engineers, and contractors.

For more information, contact Brent Pell, Director of Public Works, at 850-606-1500 / PellB@LeonCountyFL.gov, or Mathieu Cavell, Community and Media Relations, at 850-606-5300 / CMR@LeonCountyFL.gov.