Meet FLORIDA TODAY's Volunteer Recognition finalists

Editor's note: FLORIDA TODAY will provide live Facebook video from tonight's (Nov. 17) private ceremony honoring the winners of our Volunteer Recognition Awards.

For a quarter of a century, FLORIDA TODAY has given out Volunteer Recognition Awards, honoring the individuals, businesses and organizations that make the Space Coast a kinder, more generous community.

It’s time again to pay tribute to those who give back so selflessly to their neighbors.

“In this the 25th anniversary of the FLORIDA TODAY Volunteer Recognition Program, there was no shortage of noteworthy nominations from the community,” said FLORIDA TODAY president Jeff Kiel. “Once again, there is a quality slate of finalists making it a tough decision for the judges. Every year it is heartwarming to see the high level of commitment to giving back to help others.”

A panel of independent judges selected three finalists in each category from nominations made by people in the community. This year’s finalists are:

Citizen of the Year

•Leasha Flammio-Watson. A life-long resident of Brevard, the private wealth adviser serves or has served on the boards and advisory panels for organizations including Brevard Zoo, Health First Foundation, Community Foundation of Brevard, Florida Bar Grievance Committee, Scott Center for the Treatment of Autism and Brevard Symphony Orchestra. READ MORE

•Adrian Laffitte. The retired director of Florida Government Relations for Lockheed Martin helped raise more than $6.5 million for the United Way of Brevard while serving as campaign chair in 2012. He also serves on the advisory board for the da Vinci Academy of Aerospace Technology at Merritt Island High School and contributed to the success of the 2014 Brevard Public Schools sales tax ballot initiative. READ MORE

•Martha Sinclair. An educator and philanthropist, Sinclair has been a volunteer for numerous organizations for more than 60 years. She was instrumental in the development of the Foosaner Art Museum, the Junior League of South Brevard and the Haven for Children. She continues to serve as a mentor to women through the Junior League and works with or supports organizations including Cape Canaveral Cemetery Support Committee, Melbourne Alumnae Panhellenic, Brevard Achievement Center and the Brevard Alzheimer’s Foundation. READ MORE

Volunteer of the Year

•Joseph Downs. As president of Brevard County TRIAD, Downs has long been an advocate for seniors on the Space Coast. In 2013, he became a volunteer with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, and was named coordinator of Project Lifesaver, an organization that bridges the technological gap for at-risk populations and public safety agencies. Since 2014, he has dedicated more than 2,500 volunteer hours to the program. READ MORE

•Audrey Joiner. The long-time executive director of Space Coast Volunteers in Medicine is a nurse practitioner. She has overseen the growth of the all-volunteer organization, which now provides about $3 million in medical services for the needy. READ MORE

•Lexi Wright. The activist has made it her mission to establish a viable lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in Brevard. She started the local chapter of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays in 2006, which has grown to 100 people, and also rallied support to ensure inclusiveness in the Brevard County School Board. She served as president of Space Coast Pride from 2014-16. READ MORE

2016 FLORIDA TODAY VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION AWARDS

Business of the Year

•Florida Power & Light. Employees of FP&L donate not only time but financial support to local human care and environmental agencies. In 2015, employee volunteers contributed more than 70,240 hours in their communities through company-sponsored projects and their own personal volunteer time. More than 200 community organizations have FP&L employees on their boards. READ MORE

•Publix. Thanks to its Brevard stores, the Florida-based grocery chain is one of only two businesses to have reached the Million Dollar Circle for United Way of Brevard, with associates donating a combined $1 million to community programs for the past two years. Employees of the 26 stores in the county support organizations including Second Harvest Food Bank, Harmony Farms, Children’s Hunger Project, Brevard Parks and Recreation and Housing for the Homeless. READ MORE

•The Viera Company. The company has representation on multiple charitable boards, including the Brevard Zoo, the Viera Rotary Club and the YMCA of Central Florida. Employees give their time and money to various causes, such as the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, Harmony Farms, Field of Dreams and the Brevard Heart Walk. The Viera Company participates in the annual Habitat for Humanity Women’s Build, donating sod and volunteer time. READ MORE

Organization of the Year

•2-1-1 Brevard Inc. The organization began as an agency to support people affected by mental illness in 1963. It became the first in the state and the seventh in the nation to implement the 2-1-1 dialing code, offering a comprehensive database of community services. During the 2004 hurricane season, the organization fielded more than 30,000 calls related to storms, which evolved into a partnership with Brevard County Emergency Management for the Community Information Hotline. READ MORE

•Bridges. Bridges has served individuals with disabilities in Brevard County for 60 years. The organization offers employment, residential programs and therapeutic day programs for people with physical or intellectual disabilities. The organization also operates commercial recycling facilities and a transitional home for disabled and homeless veterans. READ MORE

•North Brevard Sharing Center. The organization has a mission to fill the gap and provide emergency assistance to people and families who may not otherwise qualify for assistance from other agencies. The Sharing Center provides a food pantry and also helps people with rent and utilities, emergency dental and prescription medication bills, school supplies and transitional housing. READ MORE

The Volunteer Recognition Award winners will be named Nov. 17 in a private ceremony and will be announced on floridatoday.com.

Leonard can be reached at sleonard@floridatoday.com.