The Golden Image Awards recognize outstanding public relations work that exemplifies the highest standards of strategic planning, creativity, execution and measurable results. Since 1957, earning a Golden Image Award has represented a distinguished achievement in the profession. Congratulations to our 2026 winners, whose exceptional work continues this proud tradition of excellence and demonstrates the impact of public relations at its very best.
A09 Integrated Marketing
Take the Reins Quality Enhancement Plan
College of Central Florida
Danielle Veenstra & Sarah Eshleman
“Take the Reins” Quality Enhancement Plan marketing campaign fostered a 93% positive brand sentiment and 90% understandability rating, redefining CF’s culture for a new era.
B02 Brochure
Legacy Foundation Resiliency
Legacy Foundation at Shell Point
Priority Marketing
A compelling case for support helped Shell Point’s “Ready. Resilient. Together.” campaign inspire $20 million in commitments for a new hurricane shelter and campus-wide improvements.
C03 Social Media
Crash Not Accident: WDoR for Road Victims
Abby Hemenway, APR & Leah Nepo
Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization
This 20-post organic campaign humanized traffic fatalities through consistent, victim-centered graphics and storytelling, raising awareness and honoring lives for the 2025 World Day of Remembrance.
A01 Community Relations
Judges’ Award, Award of Distinction
Legacy Foundation Resiliency Campaign
Legacy Foundation at Shell Point
Priority Marketing
Shell Point’s “Ready. Resilient. Together.” campaign built trust and mobilized residents to commit $20 million for a new hurricane shelter and critical campus-wide resilience improvements.
A02 Public Service
Award of Distinction
Creative Springs’ Put Down the Phone Public Service Campaign for Marion County Children’s Alliance
Creative Springs
Creative Springs partnered with Marion County Children’s Alliance to launch “Put Down the Phone,” delivering awareness, engagement, and impact through strategic messaging and multi-channel outreach.
A03 Institutional
Creativity Award
The Indigenous Roots of Route 66
Liz Slobodian, APR
Shipwright Communications & Consulting
The American Indigenous Tourism Association reclaimed the “Mother Road” and its Indigenous roots, securing national recognition and global media during the Route 66 Centennial.
A03 Institutional
Creativity Award, Award of Distinction
FDOT Spooktacular Impact: A First‑of‑Its‑Kind Partnership Driving Community Engagement and Visibility
AtkinsRealis for the Florida Department of Transportation
FDOT elevated visibility through a first of-its kind Spooktacular partnership, engaging thousands while promoting transportation industry and safety messaging, creating a high impact engagement model.
A03 Institutional
Creativity Award, Award of Distinction
Legacy Has a New Address – Building Institutional Trust in Vero Beach Through Strategic Market Entry
Sheryl Vieira
Caldwell Trust Company
Caldwell Trust Company entered Vero Beach using a structured communications model that replaced awareness-building with accelerated institutional trust formation at market entry.
A03 Institutional
Creativity Award, Judges’ Award, Award of Distinction
Universal Epic Universe Launch Campaign
Universal Orlando Resort Public Relations
Alyson Sologaistoa, APR, CPRC
Kristen Smith
Global Media Domination! That was Universal Orlando’s goal for Epic Universe’s Launch. Their full campaign delivered 52,487 stories, 138 billion impressions and record-breaking demand.
A04 Public Information
Award of Distinction
Emergency Media Relations Exercise
City of Cocoa
Jaime Braudrick, MA
Ashley Blasewitz
The City of Cocoa coordinated proactive media operations during a multi-agency high-speed train emergency exercise, strengthening crisis communication preparedness and earning regional media coverage.
A04 Public Information
Creativity Award
Magnet Moments
Amanda Lubin
AdventHealth
“Magnet Moments” supports AdventHealth for Children’s Magnet journey through compelling stories, videos, and communications that strengthen engagement, purpose, and a culture of nursing excellence.
Congratulations to Amanda and Chris!
A06 Internal
Award of Distinction
IAFC C.A.R.E.S. Leadership Institute Launch
Blair Bloomston
Javier Alaniz, M.A., PHR
Arlene Mitchell-Pace
With an 88 day jump start, Leaders Uplifted’s strategic communications campaign sparked IAFC employee participation and sustained engagement in the CARES Leadership Institute.
A06 Internal
Award of Distinction
2025 OCMindMatters Communication Campaign
Orange County Government Human Resources
Samantha Holsten, APR
Laura Lord-Blackwell, APR
2025 OCMindMatters Communication campaign used targeted, multi-channel communications and manager-led training to increase awareness, engagement, and utilization of mental health resources among Orange County employees.
A07 Promotional / Marketing
Award of Distinction
Creative Springs’ Promotional Marketing Horse Barn Construction Campaign for StraightLine Construction
Creative Springs
Creative Springs transformed StraightLine Construction’s horse barn remodeling into a scalable revenue stream, exceeding KPIs, generating significant sales, delivering 56x ROI, and enabling long-term growth.
A08 Public Affairs
Judges’ Award
Clay Electric Members First: Grassroots Win Against Clay County Utility Tax
Clay Electric Cooperative
Kathy Richardson, APR, CPRC
Laurel Ring, APR
Clay Electric informed members of a proposed utility tax increase, mobilized public input, and successfully helped defeat the measure, saving members $7 million annually.
A08 Public Affairs
Award of Distinction
Bring Back South Seas
Priority Marketing
Following Hurricane Ian, South Seas resort sought to rebuild to withstand future storms. Facing opposition to plans, South Seas launched a campaign grounded in truth.
A08 Public Affairs
Award of Distinction
Protecting Florida’s Kids: A Rapid-Response Campaign to Defend Vaccine Safeguards
Sachs Media
Sachs Media led a statewide coalition campaign that mobilized public opinion, shaped media coverage, and helped defeat proposed Florida vaccine rollback policies and legislation.
A09 Integrated Marketing
Award of Distinction
Heart Month: Stories That Save Lives
AdventHealth East Florida Division
Communications & Marketing
AdventHealth used patient storytelling and marketing support during Heart Month to help audiences recognize cardiac symptoms, encourage timely care, and expand heart health awareness.
A09 Integrated Marketing
Award of Distinction
Driving Ticket Sales for the Launch of the Bach Festival Society’s 91st Season
Curley & Pynn
Curley & Pynn led marketing efforts for the Bach Festival Society’s 91st season launch, exceeding ticket sales targets for the first four opening concert programs.
A09 Integrated Marketing
Award of Distinction
From Secret to Spotlight: Executing a High-Stakes Announcement
Jennifer Trefelner, APR, CPRC
Executing a High-Stakes Announcement details the Diocese of Palm Beach’s fully integrated communications campaign announcing a new bishop under pontifical secret with immediate, widespread impact.
A09 Integrated Marketing
Award of Distinction
Visit Sarasota County & Knight Strategic Communications
Nate Sweetman, STS
Liz Knight
2025 USRowing Event Series: An Integrated Destination Marketing Campaign Integrated destination marketing campaign elevated the 2025 USRowing Event Series, generating record attendance, national media coverage, and more than $5.7 million economic impact.
A09 Integrated Marketing
Creativity Award, Award of Distinction
Sarasota Memorial Hospital 100th Anniversary: A Century of Caring, A Future of Hope
Sarasota Memorial Health Care System
Marketing and Communications
In 2025, Sarasota Memorial Hospital celebrated 100 years of caring for its community by launching the “A Century of Care, A Future of Hope” campaign.
A09 Integrated Marketing
Creativity Award, Judges’ Award, Award of Distinction
Green Image Award: How The Grinch Stole Christmas in Sarasota
Muffy Lavens
Amy Tuten
Van Wezel Marketing Department
To promote Broadway’s Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical in Sarasota, the Van Wezel enlisted the help of The Grinch himself.
A09 Integrated Marketing
Judges’ Award, Golden Image Award
Take the Reins Quality Enhancement Plan
College of Central Florida
Danielle Veenstra
Sarah Eshleman
“Take the Reins” Quality Enhancement Plan marketing campaign fostered a 93% positive brand sentiment and 90% understandability rating, redefining College of Central Florida’s culture for a new era.
A10 Reputation Management
Award of Distinction
Truth and Transparency During an Audit
Chris Romero
Amanda Dukes
Orange County Government
In 2025, accusations of misspending tax dollars against Orange County prompted a transparent, fact-based response, helping restore public trust, counter fraud claims, and reinforce credibility.
A10 Reputation Management
Award of Distinction
A Future Worth Building: Strengthening Trust in Sarasota’s Cultural Future
Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation
Laura Ansel, APR, CPRC
Through dialogue, research, and transparent communication, the Foundation strengthened its reputation, increased public understanding, and built momentum for a critical community project.
A10 Reputation Management
Award of Distinction
Clearing the Air: How Expanded Prescribed Fire Communications Flamed Public Awareness
Southwest Florida Water Management District
After prescribed fire incidents, an initiative overhauled communications . This cost-effective strategic plan exceeded goals, increasing public awareness and safety while successfully reducing resident complaints.
A11 Special Event
Award of Distinction
The Charlie Ward Champions Ranch Ground Breaking Ceremony
SalterMitchell PR
The Charlie Ward Champions Ranch
Our campaign successfully shifted the narrative around Champions Ranch from solely a “sports complex” to a premier, barrier-free destination, engaging key groups and building support.
A11 Special Event
Award of Distinction
CyberBay Summit 2025
Bellini Capital
Cyber Florida at USF
CyberBay Summit 2025 launched a premier cybersecurity movement, uniting industry, government, and academia through immersive programming, driving partnerships, innovation, and Florida’s national leadership in cybersecurity.
A11 Special Event
Award of Distinction
Media Summit 2026
Sascha Lee, APR
Jaime Braudrick, MA
FPRA Space Coast Chapter
Media Summit 2026 equipped communicators with crisis, resilience, and burnout strategies while driving major impact, boosting non-member attendance by 40% and sponsorship revenue by 98%.
A11 Special Event
Award of Distinction
Take Your Child to Work Day – Building Bonds, Inspiring Futures
Laura Lord-Blackwell, APR
Samantha Holsten, APR
Orange County Government
Orange County’s Take Your Child to Work Day boosted employee engagement, showcased public service, exceeded participation goals, and delivered high satisfaction through strategic, family-focused programming.
A11 Special Event
Judges’ Award, Award of Distinction
UF College of Health & Human Performance 2026 Homecoming Tailgate
Alisha Katz, APR, MAMC
Jeremey Clark
University of Florida College of Health & Human Performance
The University of Florida College of Health & Human Performance delivered a strategically promoted Homecoming Tailgate designed to boost alumni affinity and college pride.
A11 Special Event
Creativity Award, Judges’ Award, Award of Distinction
Demystifying Credentialing is as Easy as (Pizza) Pie
Sharon Kunkel, APR, CPRC
Jennifer Moss Wilson, APR, CPRC
FPRA Central West Coast Chapter
For PR practitioners, the accreditation process can feel intimidating but CWC’s credentialing team put together a deliciously fun event to lower the barriers to participation.
A11 Special Event
Creativity Award, Judges’ Award, Award of Distinction
2026 Citizen’s Academy: Behind-the-Scenes of Seminole County Government
Seminole County Office of Communications
Seminole County reimagined Citizen’s Academy into a flexible, high-impact experience, increasing transparency, expanding access, and empowering residents to better understand and engage with local government.
A11 Special Event
Creativity Award, Judges’ Award, Golden Image Award
Mrs. Roper’s Romp
Kim Livengood, APR, CPRC
In honor of Helen Roper
Mrs. Roper’s Romp transformed The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime into an inclusive, destination-driven experience, increasing attendance, sales, community engagement, and new audiences through participatory nostalgia.
A13 Other
Judges’ Award, Golden Image Award
Premier GPT
Elise Ramer, APR, CPRC
Premier SIR Communications Team
Premier Sotheby’s International Realty
Premier Sotheby’s International Realty transformed communications infrastructure through Premier GPT, a human-supervised AI platform combining operational efficiency, compliance oversight and “Our I” at scale.
B01 Annual Report
Award of Distinction
Pinellas County Government 2025 Accomplishments Report
Pinellas County Communications
Pinellas County’s 2025 Report captures a historic hurricane recovery, highlighting record-breaking grants, beach restoration, and innovative service delivery that redefined excellence in local leadership.
B01 Annual Report
Award of Distinction
City of Tallahassee Police Department 2024 Annual Report
Alicia Hill
City of Tallahassee Police Department
TPD’s 2024 Annual Report goes beyond the badge, celebrating stories of service, dedication, and impact from the incredible people keeping Tallahassee safe.
B02 Brochure
Creativity Award, Judges’ Award, Golden Image Award
Legacy Foundation Resiliency Campaign Case for Support
Legacy Foundation at Shell Point
Priority Marketing
A compelling case for support helped Shell Point’s “Ready. Resilient. Together.” campaign inspire $20 million in commitments for a new hurricane shelter and campus-wide improvements.
B03 Magazine
Creativity Award
University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee Momentum Magazine
Tressa Presley McLeod, MBA
Andrea Knies, APR, CPRC
Kim McDonald
University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee
The University of South Florida’s Sarasota-Manatee campus published Momentum magazine to showcase and celebrate the positive impact of the campus on the local community.
B03 Magazine
Judges’ Award
London Bay Living Magazine
Gravina, Smith, Matte & Arnold Marketing and Public Relations
An annual luxury architectural and design magazine offering a sophisticated editorial experience that elevated engagement, strengthened positioning and supported measurable business impact for London Bay.
B05 News Release or Pitch
Judges’ Award
Southwest Florida Proton Center Media Tour
Priority Marketing
Priority Marketing planned and executed a Media Tour to increase visibility of Southwest Florida Proton and amplify awareness of proton therapy for cancer patients.
B05 News Release or Pitch
Creativity Award, Award of Distinction
Universal Epic Universe Ticket Launch Press Releases
Universal Orlando PR Team
Universal Orlando’s PR team announced Epic Universe’s opening date and launched ticket sales using a multi-phase rollout, generating over 1,950 media hits and 3.7 billion impressions.
B05 News Release or Pitch
Judges’ Award, Award of Distinction
When the Embargo Lifted… Breaking the News of a Historic Bishop Transition
Jennifer Trefelner APR, CPRC
Diocese of Palm Beach
Under pontifical secret, the Diocese of Palm Beach executed a strategic bishop transition news release generating 50+ media placements, extraordinary engagement, and unified diocesan messaging.
B05 News Release or Pitch
Judges’ Award, Award of Distinction
St. Johns River Water Management District
From Classroom to Community: The Blue School Grant Media Campaign
Strategic press releases and basin-specific media pitching campaign increase earned media coverage, expanded awareness of the Blue School Grant program, and strengthen regional engagement.
B06 Specialty Item
Award of Distinction
Leon County Government
World Cross Country Championships Tallahassee 26 Library Card
Leon County’s limited-edition library card, celebrating the 2026 World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, highlighted the Public Library System’s role in a global event.
B06 Specialty Item
Judges’ Award, Award of Distinction
City of Cocoa
Jaime Braudrick, MA
Civic Workbook for Kids
Interactive civic workbook introduced Cocoa students to local government through engaging, hands-on learning that expanded youth community connection and outreach.
B07 Other
Award of Distinction
City of Port St. Lucie New Resident Welcome Postcard
City of Port St. Lucie
Communications Department
Port St. Lucie closed a communication gap by mailing new residents a postcard linking to key resources, ensuring consistent information, reducing inquiries, and supporting growth.
B07 Other
Golden Image Award
New Look. Same Mission. SCTPO Brand Guide
Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization
Abby Hemenway, APR
After nearly 50 years, the SCTPO launched its inaugural Brand Guide and digital library, bridging an internal efficiency gap to establish a cohesive, professional identity.
C01 Online Audience Engagement
Award of Distinction
SalterMitchell PR’s “Fluent in Floridian” Podcast
SalterMitchell PR
Fluent in Floridian Podcast
In 2025, SalterMitchell PR grew its branded “Fluent in Floridian” podcast by 460% in daily downloads through a strategic, multi-platform communications campaign.
C02 Digital Promotion
Award of Distinction
Arthrex Joint Preservation Patient Campaign
Arthrex Knee Preservation Team
Arthrex executed a digital campaign to increase patient understanding of knee cartilage treatments and engagement with JointPreservation.com, supporting a 268% increase in conversions.
C02 Digital Promotion
Judges’ Award, Golden Image Award
Creative Springs’ Digital Promotion Student Enrollment Campaign for Harvest Community School
Creative Springs
Creative Springs led a digital campaign transforming Harvest Community School’s enrollment strategy, exceeding KPIs, achieving an 11.3x ROI, and establishing a foundation for growth.
C03 Social Media
Award of Distinction
Creative Springs’ Social Media Campaign for Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection
Creative Springs
Creative Springs developed and executed a social media campaign for Kimberly’s Center, generating 395.4K impressions, 7,458 engagements, and 79 new Facebook fans.
C03 Social Media
Judges’ Award, Award of Distinction
20th Annual Rotary Fantasy Lights Facebook Campaign
Michelle Bartlome
Iris Communications, LLC
The Rotary Club of Flagler County used Facebook storytelling, sponsor recognition, and volunteer amplification to grow engagement, increase followers, and boost donations by 21%.
C03 Social Media
Golden Image Award
Crash Not Accident: WDoR for Road Victims
Abby Hemenway, APR
Leah Nepo
Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization
This 20-post organic campaign humanized traffic fatalities through consistent, victim-centered graphics and storytelling, raising awareness and honoring lives for the 2025 World Day of Remembrance.
C04 Video – Internal
Creativity Award, Judges’ Award
Tropical Isles Tiered Services
Angela Bell
Emily Ford
Gravina, Smith, Matte & Arnold Marketing and Public Relations
A strategic internal video campaign introduced Tropical Isles Management Services’ tiered service model, improving board understanding, transparency and engagement while supporting long-term operational sustainability.
C05 Video – External
Award of Distinction
Creative Springs’ Social Media Campaign for Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection
Creative Springs
Creative Springs produced a video marketing campaign for Harvest Community School, increasing student enrollment, delivering a 555% return on investment, and strengthening awareness and growth.
C05 Video – External
Creativity Award, Judges’ Award, Golden Image Award
Tiger Pride Fire Truck
City of Cocoa
Jaime Braudrick, MA
142 Productions
Cocoa revealed its uniquely school-branded firetruck through a high-energy video leveraging community pride, driving over 1,600% increased reach, strong engagement and tripled event attendance organically.
C06 Video – Public Service
Creativity Award, Award of Distinction
Affordable Housing Video: From Data to Action
Gulf Coast Community Foundation
Gulf Coast Community Foundation’s Affordable Housing video translated a complex report into engaging content highlighting key data and community-driven solutions for the region’s housing crisis.
C06 Video – Public Service
Golden Image Award
Creative Springs’ Put Down the Phone Public Service Announcement Video for Marion County Children’s Alliance
Creative Springs
Creative Springs produced a public service video with the Marion County Children’s Alliance raising awareness around excessive screen time, mental health, safety, and family connection.
C07 Video – Institutional
Award of Distinction
Connected by Water: Lake Apopka’s Impact
St. Johns River Water Management District
“Connected by Water: Lake Apopka’s Impact” uses authentic storytelling to highlight how environmental restoration strengthens wildlife, recreation, community connection, education, and regional awareness.
C07 Video – Institutional
Creativity Award, Award of Distinction
The Making of a Defender
Cyber Florida
The Making of a Defender documentary united Tampa Bay’s cybersecurity community through authentic storytelling, elevating CyberHerd, inspiring future talent, and strengthening the emerging CyberBay movement.
C07 Video – Institutional
Creativity Award, Award of Distinction
Eatonville History Preservation Project
Orange County Library System
Melrose Center
Recorded resident stories to preserve Eatonville’s history, using video and digital tools to share town culture, connect the community, and keep its legacy alive.
C07 Video – Institutional
Creativity Award, Award of Distinction
Nichols Cup Legacy Gala Video Campaign
Priority Marketing
A strategic storytelling and audience engagement campaign transformed the Nichols Cup Legacy Gala experience, strengthening emotional connection, elevating event continuity and driving record-breaking fundraising results.
C07 Video – Institutional
Judges’ Award, Golden Image Award
Capital Campaign Video
Satchel’s Last Resort Animal Shelter
Satchel’s Last Resort created a campaign video to premiere during the Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s Giving Challenge to launch their Capital Campaign.
C08 Website
Award of Distinction
Leon County Citizens Connect App and EIP
Leon County Government
The Citizens Connect App/EIP centralizes essential emergency preparedness and disaster information into one easy-to-use mobile tool, giving residents reliable access when it matters most.
C08 Website
Golden Image Award
Redesigned. Reimagined. Ready for YoU(se): A New Website
Gulf Coast Community Foundation
Gulf Coast Community Foundation’s website redesign replaced an outdated site with a user-centered platform that boosted usability and drew 20,000 users in three months.
C09 Other
Creativity Award
Ducks On The Move – RS&H Conference Ducks Landing Page
RS&H
Ducks on the Move RS&H conference ducks landing page extends booth engagement by directing attendees to a digital experience featuring branded ducks and storytelling.
C09 Other
Award of Distinction
3 Things: The Audio Drop
Devon Chestnut, APR, CPRC
Cox Communications, Inc.
A zero-cost, AI-powered audio companion transformed employee communications—reaching a mobile workforce, removing access barriers, and achieving 199% of its engagement goal within six months.
C09 Other
Award of Distinction
Premier GPT
Elise Ramer, APR, CPRC
Premier SIR Communications Department
Premier Sotheby’s International Realty transformed communications infrastructure through Premier GPT, a human-supervised AI platform combining operational efficiency, compliance oversight and “Our I” at scale.
D05 Social Media
Award of Distinction
June CASSH Campaign
COM 6565 Social Media for Ad & PR
University of West Florida, Department of Communication
Graduate students created and executed a strategic social media campaign to relaunch CASSH’s branding and engagement through targeted content, analytics, and consistent messaging across platforms.
D05 Social Media
Award of Distinction
UWF COM6565 July Campaign Group
COM 6565 Social Media for Ad & PR
University of West Florida, Department of Communication
University of West Florida CASSH
Our UWF CASSH Instagram campaign highlighted student success, programs, and impact through engaging, visually captivating content aimed at boosting awareness, engagement, and prospective student interest.
D06 Special Event
Judges’ Award, Award of Distinction
CampaignIt!
Quotes, the Ad/PR Club at UCF
Andrew Bower
CampaignIt! was a portfolio-building workshop where UCF students received pre-researched creative briefs and produced polished executions across four mediums in a single afternoon.