The City of Gainesville celebrated its 2025 Community Excellence Awards on March 26, 2026, at the Historic Thomas Center. The event, hosted by the city’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department and several local boards, recognized residents who make Gainesville a better place for nature, recreation, and the arts.
Honorees included Nicole Cannady, who received the Albert “Ray” Massey Citizen Volunteer Award, and Les Caraher, Chris Landaeta, Gina Spaulding, and Radheya Torres, who earned the Star Volunteer Award for environmental contributions. The Public Art Award went to Leslie Tharpe and Turbado Marabou. The Cultural Affairs Board honored Heartwood Soundstage, Wayne Irwin, Bella Rootz, and posthumously Alyne Harris and Ernest Lee for their artistic impact. The Spirit of Evergreen Award was presented to Don Barber for his dedication to Evergreen Cemetery…