TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis recognized courageous and self-sacrificing Floridians from across the state of Florida as Heroes. This distinction is given in recognition of their contributions to others and for showing exceptional courage, compassion, and resilience in the face of adversity.
Sixty-two Florida heroes were honored at the ceremony, including first responders, law enforcement, philanthropists, faith leaders, and entrepreneurs, who have all shown great kindness, bravery, and selflessness towards others. Also honored were members of the community who have dedicated themselves to helping others overcome adversity through nonprofit efforts, adoption and foster care, mentorship, and advocacy.
“It was an honor recognize and thank Floridians who have exhibited extraordinary courage and selflessness,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “These 62 individuals represent the virtues we hold in high esteem here in Florida. They are Florida’s heroes.”
“We were proud tonight to highlight the good works and heroic acts of Floridians from across the state,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “These individuals have gone above and beyond to serve others, and we are grateful to each of them.”
Each hero had their story highlighted during a recognition ceremony and displayed throughout the Governor’s Residence. To read each of the 2025 Florida’s heroes stories click here.
See below for the list of the names of the 2025 Florida Heroes.
Broward County
- Rositta Kenigsberg
Calhoun County
- Bryan and Missy Owens
- Keith and Carla Whitfield
Collier County
- Ann Hughes
Duval County
- Griffin Anderson
- Senior Master Sergeant Abby Mears
- Staff Sergeant Victoria Truppo
Highlands County
- Special Agent Ryan Walker
Hillsborough County
- Ruth Benson
- Trooper Deryck Lewis and Trooper Sergio Pearce
- Trooper Orlando Morales
- Trooper David Ramos
Lafayette County
- Pastor Jeremy Davis
Lake County
- Deputy Stefano Gargano
- Deputy Harold Howell
- Deputy Bradley Link, In Memoriam
Lee County
- Officer Aaron Altman
- Megan O’Grady
Leon County
- Freddy Branham
- Chelsea Douglas
- Special Agent Patrick Fleming
- Pastor Dean Inserra
- Laura Lambert
- Trooper Jordan Maxey
- Sergeant Scott Stoltz
- Carl Craig
Miami-Dade County
- Sandy and Tracy Hoppe
Monroe County
- Andrew Heise
Orange County
- Rene Acuna
Palm Beach County
- Paul Tudor Jones
Pinellas County
- Amy Ronshausen
Polk County
- Ashley Bell Barnett and Family
Sarasota County
- Lloyd and Dianne Weed
Seminole County
- Zechariah Cartledge
Taylor County
- Patricia Meyerin, In Memoriam
Union County
- Lori Burke
Volusia County
- Deborah Darino
- Dr. Amy Hall
- Deputy Wes Brough
- Deputy Jevon Gardner
- Deputy Taylor White
- Sergeant Mike Kent
- Sergeant Joel Medina
Tampa Police Officers Involved in Rescuing Man Trapped Beneath Car
- Officer Jeremiah Harvey
- Officer Landen Hopkins
- Officer Jason Sikoski
- Officer Ben Urdiales
- Officer Jeremy Wells
Tampa Police and Fire Involved in Saving Fellow Officer Following Heart Attack
- Officer Kyle Brown
- Officer Nikki Guinta
- Officer Meghan Patano
- Officer Lori Welsh
- Captain Carlos Mungaray
- Lieutenant Thomas Velar
- Driver Engineer John O’Donnell
- Firefighter Paramedic Michael Sledd
- Firefighter Paramedic Alexander Diamond
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