TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: Recognition of the City of North Port Parks & Recreation Department for Receiving Two (2) 2026 SUNsational Awards From the Florida Festivals & Events Association.
Recommended Action
Option 1: Recognize the City of North Port Parks & Recreation Department for receiving two (2) 2026 SUNsational Awards from the Florida Festivals & Events Association.
City Commission Options
Option 1: Recognize the City of North Port Parks & Recreation Department for receiving two (2) 2026 SUNsational Awards from the Florida Festivals & Events Association.
• Pros: Formally recognizes staff achievement and statewide excellence in event communications and reporting.
• Cons: None identified.
Option 2: Do not recognize the City of North Port Parks & Recreation Department for receiving two (2) 2026 SUNsational Awards from the Florida Festivals & Events Association.
• Pros: None identified.
• Cons: The Department’s achievement would not receive formal recognition by the City Commission.
Background Information
The Florida Festivals & Events Association (FFEA) is a not-for-profit association that supports and promotes more than 5,500 festivals, events, and fairs throughout Florida through education, networking, dissemination of information, and cultivation of high standards. For more than three decades, FFEA has recognized members’ work through the SUNsational Awards, celebrating creativity, passion, innovation, and experiences that bring communities together.
During its 32nd Annual Convention & Expo, FFEA announced the winners of its annual SUNsational Awards. More than 200 entries were submitted across ten (10) categories and judged by a blue-ribbon panel representing media outlets, printing companies, website designers, photographers, promotional marketing professionals, and social media experts.
The City of North Port Parks & Recreation Department received the following two (2) awards:
Ø 1st Place - Event Recap/Annual Report - 2025 Impact Report
Ø 3rd Place - Social Media Campaign - Poinsettia Parade & Festival
A member of the FFEA Board of Directors will be present to formally recognize the City of North Port Parks & Recreation staff for their outstanding achievements.
Strategic Plan Pillar
Quality of Life
Financial Impact
Not applicable.
Procurement
Not applicable.
Attachments:
1. Award Winners List
Prepared by: Kimberly Lencki, Community Partnership & Engagement Manager
Department Director: Sandy Pfundheller, Parks & Recreation Director