Manatee County Neighborhood Connections Division Manager Debbie DeLeon has been selected to receive this year’s President's Award from the Manasota Black Chamber of Commerce (MBCC) for her service and commitment to our community. The award highlights Debbie’s tireless efforts to help in the Rubonia Community following the flooding impacts of Hurricane Idalia—and more recently—a “no-name” storm which threatened the low-lying neighborhood in December 2023. DeLeon, who has worked with Manatee County for more than three decades, was quick to point out that her work, which included going door-to-door to assess individual neighbor’s needs, is just a part of a group effort. A past Employee of the Month for August 2019 and ACE Award winner, Debbie has been recognized before for her commitment to the community. Last fall, Bay News Nine highlighted Debbie and her work during Hispanic Heritage Month. She is a well-known and well-loved member of the Community and Veterans Services team that has been instrumental in providing support that fills gaps in Manatee residents’ lives to help them remain employed or become reemployed, stay in school, rehabilitate, gain new skills or simply make ends meet. The MBCC Gala will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club, 7650 Legacy Blvd., Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202. For up-to-date information about Manatee County Government, visit mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @ManateeGov.