County Commission recognizes employees during July 7 meeting
During their regular meeting on July 7, the Sarasota County commissioners recognized the staff of the county’s Communications Department “for a series of statewide, national and international honors that highlight the department’s commitment to clear, timely and innovative public communication,” as staff reported on the county’s Facebook page.
“The department earned a Certificate of Excellence in Communications from the Florida Municipal Communicators Association,” making Sarasota County one of just two counties and 18 governmental agencies statewide to receive this distinction, which was bestowed at the association’s April conference, the Facebook post pointed out.
Sarasota County Communications also has been honored by the National Association of Government Communicators Blue Pencil and Gold Screen Awards, “earning third place for the Community Conversations: Hurricane Preparedness event and third place for the ‘I’ve Been Everywhere (Resilient SRQ Version)’ video,” the Facebook post noted.
“In addition,” the post continued, “the department was recognized by the Hermes Creative Awards, receiving a Platinum Award for the 2025 Emergency Preparedness Guide and Gold Awards for the ‘I’ve Been Everywhere’ video and the 2025 Sarasota County Annual Report.”
Further, Josh Taylor, assistant director of Communications, was “recognized as one of the first 25 individuals in Florida to earn the Certified Local Government Communicator accreditation, a credential honoring expertise in strategic communications, public engagement and building community trust,” the post said.
“Together, these achievements reflect the Sarasota County Communications team’s dedication to transparent communication, meaningful public engagement and ensuring residents have access to accurate, timely and useful information,” the post concluded.