Presents Letters to 28 Individuals and Orgs. Demonstrating Commitment to Community in the Wake of Devastating Hurricanes
Recognizes Their “Steadfast Commitment to the Well-Being of Manatee County”
PALMETTO, Fla. — Yesterday, Congressman Vern Buchanan presented letters of recognition to the 2025 Spirit of Manatee Award honorees in celebration of their philanthropy and community impact following back-to-back hurricanes that devastated Manatee County.
“The unwavering dedication demonstrated by the 2025 Spirit of Manatee honorees exemplifies the true essence of community,” said Buchanan. “In the face of last year’s devastating hurricanes, these individuals and organizations stepped forward, embodying resilience and compassion. Their selfless contributions have been instrumental in our community’s rebuilding efforts, and it is with profound gratitude that I recognize and thank them for their steadfast commitment to the well-being of Manatee County.”
The Manatee Community Foundation hosted its annual Spirit of Manatee event to celebrate philanthropy and community impact. This year’s luncheon highlighted those who demonstrated exceptional leadership and resilience during a particularly challenging year for Manatee County.
Spirit of Manatee 2025 honorees include:
- Kenneth T. Davis, PhD – BIED Society
- Melinda Zarzycki-Harris – Bring on the Ministry
- Chris Culhane – The Center of Anna Maria Island
- Henry Detwiler Sr. – Detwiler’s Farm Market
- Darcie Duncan – Duncan Real Estate
- Justin Halas – Hand Up To Victory
- Stephanie Rauda – Healthy Teens
- Jennifer Hamey – Jennifer Hamey, PA
- Michael Garey – Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key
- Tarnisha Cliatt – Manasota Black Chamber Collaborative
- Sarah Brown – Manatee County Government
- Mary Glass – Manatee Education Foundation
- Vernon DeSear – Manatee Memorial Foundation
- Janene Amick – Manatee Performing Arts Center
- Maribeth Phillips – Meals on Wheels PLUS
- Jackie Barron – Mosaic Florida Operations
- Bruce Kurtz – Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium
- Bethany Willats Carter – O’bricks Irish Pub and Martini Bar
- Mike Carter – O’bricks Irish Pub and Martini Bar
- Rick Willats – O’bricks Irish Pub and Martini Bar
- Amanda Reedy – Oysters Rock Hospitality
- Eleni Sokos – Oysters Rock Hospitality
- Louis Goff – The Rubonia Community Center
- Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School Community (Accepted by Peter Kraft) – Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School
- Keenan Wooten – Sarasota Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
- Karen Bell – Star Fish Company
- Josh Dunn – United Way Suncoast
- David Kraft – Vision Consulting Group
