The Best of Central Florida annual awards luncheon will be held on November 18, 2022 at Hannibal's in Winter Park at 11:30 AM. A reception will begin at 11 AM.
Awards span a wide range of fields and businesses from government leaders to restaurants and entertainment. In addition, each year two individuals receive the Roger S. Swanson Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of their contributions to the community. Former awardees and keynote speakers included former U.S. Senator Mel Martinez, former Congressman John Mica, Mary Demetree, of Demetree Global (in honor of her late father, Bill Demetree) and former US Surgeon General Antonia Novello.
This year's recognition will be award to Gene Hawkins, for a lifetime of service to his community, family, and nation, along with his late wife, Florida's first female Senator, Paula Hawkins. Genean McKinnon, daughter of Gene Hawkins, will accept the award for her father. Also receiving the Roger S. Swanson Lifetime Achievement Award is Dick Batchelor, a former State Representative and Presidential Appointee.