Each year, the Florida League of Cities shines a spotlight on the passion, innovation, and civic spirit of Florida’s youngest municipal leaders through its Youth Council Excellence Awards. In 2025, three exceptional youth councils stood out for their dedication to service, creative problem-solving, and meaningful community engagement: Satellite Beach, Ocoee, and Niceville.
Satellite Beach: Growing a Greener Future
The Satellite Beach Youth Council was recognized for its tree-planting and environmental education initiative. Focused on increasing the city’s tree canopy while cultivating environmental awareness among residents, the youth council turned a simple idea into a transformative project. By planting trees throughout the city and educating their peers on environmental stewardship, the council not only enhanced local green spaces but also instilled a sense of responsibility in the next generation of leaders.
“The work of the Satellite Beach Youth Council shows the powerful impact young leaders can have when given the chance to take action,” said FLC President Michael C. Blake, Mayor of Cocoa. “Their dedication to restoring their community’s tree canopy and educating others about the environment is a testament to the energy, vision, and heart they bring to their city.”
Ocoee: Preserving History, Honoring Community
In Ocoee, the Youth Council took a meaningful approach to local service with a cemetery clean-up project aimed at both beautification and historical preservation. By cleaning headstones and planting flowers, the council honored an underserved segment of the community while helping their peers connect with the city’s past.
“The Ocoee Youth Council’s cemetery cleanup project reminds us of the significance of preservation and history,” said Blake. “These young leaders helped foster community pride and respect for history by preserving a space that honors the past.”
This project not only enhanced a local landmark but also provided a tangible reminder of the importance of intergenerational respect and the role youth can play in maintaining it.
Niceville: Spreading Holiday Cheer with Heart
The Niceville Youth Advisory Council earned their award through a two-part holiday initiative designed to brighten the season for veterans and seniors. Council members decorated doors for more than 30 senior residents at the Bob Hope Enlisted Village and hand-delivered heartfelt holiday cards to military veterans.
“What these young volunteers accomplished goes far beyond festive decorations or holiday cards,” said Blake. “They created moments of connection, kindness, and community. I’m incredibly proud of the Niceville Youth Advisory Council for reminding our seniors and veterans that they are seen, valued, and deeply appreciated during the holiday season.”
These inspiring projects show just how much young people can accomplish when they’re given the opportunity to lead. Whether they’re planting trees, preserving history, or bringing joy to others, these students are making a real difference in their communities and showing that the next generation of leaders is already hard at work.
Winners each received a $500 award, a commemorative trophy, and are being featured in QC magazine, on the Florida League of Cities website, and across the League’s social media platforms. To learn more about the winning projects or how to start a youth council in your city, visit flcities.com/youthcouncils.
