MANATEE COUNTY, FL (February 1, 2024) – Manatee County Neighborhood Connections Division Manager Debbie DeLeon has been selected to receive this year’s President's Award from the Manasota Black Chamber of Commerce (MBCC) for her community service and commitment.
The award highlights DeLeon’s tireless efforts to help in the Rubonia Community following the flooding impacts of Hurricane Idalia—and more recently—a “no-name” storm which threatened the low-lying neighborhood in December 2023.
“It was her serving the least of them,” said MBCC President and CEO Tarnisha Cliatt. “To get the underserved and underprivileged the support they needed.”
DeLeon, who has worked with Manatee County for more than three decades, was quick to point out that her work, which included going door-to-door to assess individual neighbor’s needs, is just a part of a group effort.
“I feel honored, and I appreciate that,” she said. “But there is a whole team that has been working on these initiatives. They deserve the recognition, too.”
A past Employee of the Month for August 2019 and ACE Award winner, DeLeon has been recognized before for her commitment to the community. Last fall, Bay News Nine highlighted DeLeon and her work during Hispanic Heritage Month. She is a well-known and well-loved member of the Community and Veterans Services team that has been instrumental in providing support that fills gaps in Manatee residents’ lives to help them remain employed or become reemployed, stay in school, rehabilitate, gain new skills or simply make ends meet.
“Debbie is the gold-standard of Manatee County employees,” said District 3 Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge. “Her efforts to engage and empower fellow citizens set a wonderful example for everyone doing the work that matters.”
The MBCC Gala will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club, 7650 Legacy Blvd., Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202.