North Port, FL - The City of North Port Parks & Recreation Department recently received five SUNsational Awards from the Florida Festival & Events Association (FFEA). The awards program recognizes members' innovation, individuality and creative collaboration. This year more than 200 organizations submitted materials for consideration in ten categories.

North Port Parks & Recreation received the following:

- 1st Place - Event Recap/Annual Report - 2022 Impact Report
- 1st Place - Children’s Program - Monda Kids S.W.I.M.
- 1st Place - Facebook - Parks and Recreation Department
- 2nd Place - Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Initiative - North Port’s Got Talent
- 3rd Place - Photo - Freedom Festival

“These awards are a testament to the exceptional work that our staff does every day in service to our community. Their commitment to excellence is the driving force behind our success,” said Sandy Pfundheller, Director of Parks & Recreation.

Nominations were judged by a blue-ribbon panel representing media outlets, printing companies, website designers, photographers, promotional marketing professionals, and social media experts. A formal presentation of the awards is planned for the Oct. 5, 2023 City Commission Regular Meeting.

“The SUNsational Awards have recognized and celebrated the talents of our members for more than two decades,” said Suzanne Neve, CEO of the FFEA. “We’re proud of our members and their events - and excited to recognize them in this way each year.”

About North Port Parks & Recreation

The mission of the Parks & Recreation Department is to promote healthy and socially rewarding activities through the preservation of cultural resources and the provision of diverse high-quality parks and natural spaces. The Department is accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies for excellence in operation and service. For more information, visit NorthPortFL.gov/ParksAndRecreation or call 941-429-PARK (7275).

About the Florida Festivals & Events Association (FFEA)

Celebrating 29 years, FFEA is a not-for-profit association dedicated to supporting and promoting more than 5,500 festivals, events and fairs in the state of Florida through education, networking and dissemination of information and the cultivation of high standards. For a complete list of award winners, visit ffea.com/sunsational-awards.

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