The Florida League of Cities is proud to recognize recipients of the 2026 Youth Council Excellence Award: the City of West Park Youth Council, the City of Riviera Beach Youth Council, and the City of Pembroke Pines Youth Advisory Board. These youth leaders earned statewide recognition by taking initiative, leading impactful projects, and delivering real results in their communities.
The Youth Council Excellence Award honors programs that move beyond participation and drive measurable impact. This year’s recipients did exactly that. They identified community needs, built partnerships, and led projects that strengthened their cities and empowered their peers.
City of West Park Youth Council
The City of West Park Youth Council earned recognition for its Love Baskets initiative, which brought comfort and encouragement to children at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.
Youth Council members organized a citywide donation drive, collected nearly 300 items, and assembled 24 care baskets filled with coloring books, stuffed animals, blankets, and puzzles. They designed each basket to provide comfort, reduce stress, and brighten a child’s day during a hospital stay.
The students led every step of the process. They planned the project, coordinated donations, sorted items, and assembled the baskets. Through this effort, they strengthened their leadership skills and showed how service can unite a community around a shared purpose.
City of Riviera Beach Youth Council
The City of Riviera Beach Youth Council earned the award for its Anti-Vape Campaign, which tackled the growing issue of teen vaping head-on.
Youth leaders researched the health risks of vaping, including nicotine addiction and impacts on brain development, and highlighted the legal consequences tied to THC-related products. They translated that research into clear, peer-focused messaging designed to shift perceptions and influence behavior.
They partnered with the Riviera Beach Police Department, the Palm Beach County School District, and the Behavioral Health Coalition to expand their reach. They hosted a youth town hall, distributed materials in schools, recorded public service announcements, and shared their message through local media.
By leading this campaign, the Youth Council sparked important conversations and positioned itself as a credible voice on a critical public health issue.
City of Pembroke Pines Youth Advisory Board
The City of Pembroke Pines Youth Advisory Board earned recognition for its Career Fair and Life Skills Event, which prepared students for life after high school.
Youth leaders designed the event in response to concerns raised by their peers about career readiness and everyday life skills. They partnered with city leaders and the Chamber of Commerce to bring together local businesses and professionals.
Students rotated through hands-on sessions covering financial literacy, resume writing, emergency preparedness, nutrition, and career exploration. They asked questions, practiced skills, and built connections with professionals in real time.
The Youth Advisory Board led the entire effort from concept to execution. In doing so, they gained firsthand experience in leadership, workforce development, and community collaboration while creating a meaningful opportunity for their peers.
Celebrating Youth Leadership Across Florida
This year’s recipients did more than complete projects. They led with purpose, engaged their communities, and delivered measurable results.
By recognizing the City of West Park Youth Council, the City of Riviera Beach Youth Council, and the City of Pembroke Pines Youth Advisory Board, the Florida League of Cities highlights the growing impact of youth councils across the state. These young leaders are not waiting to make a difference. They are already doing it.
