VIVA TAMPA BAY AWARDS 2024
The presentation of the ninth annual VIVA TAMPA BAY COMMUNITY HEROES’ AWARDS took place.
The main message and purpose of this annual recognition is to acknowledge the dedication, hard work, and sacrifices of citizens residing in Tampa County during Hispanic Heritage Month. These are heroes who have served our country and, day by day, contribute to our community, protect us, and provide education to our children.
**GOLD STAR FAMILY RECOGNITION**
Goldstar Mother, Mrs. Tanya Mort, in memory of her son and Marine Sergeant Anthony Patrick Muhlstadt.
**U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND DISTINGUISHED MILITARY MEMBER AWARD**
U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Ulisses Bautista, United States Central Command.
**DISTINGUISHED FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMUNITY AWARD**
Special Agent (SA) Yenixa Pérez, Homeland Security Investigations.
**DISTINGUISHED FIRST RESPONDERS AWARD**
Deputy Alexis Camacho-Zapata, Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.
**DISTINGUISHED FIRST RESPONDERS AWARD**
Officer Liz DeJesus Ramos, Tampa Police Department.
**DISTINGUISHED FIRST RESPONDERS AWARD**
District Chief Gerardo Pardo, Tampa Fire Rescue – District Chief of the Year.
**DISTINGUISHED FIRST RESPONDERS AWARD**
Deputy Amanda Calderón, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
**EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AWARD – EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR**
Mrs. Jessica De La Prida, Hillsborough County Public Schools.
**Amigo Award**
Mr. Nick Brigante, PetSmart Manager.
We give a thousand thanks to our special guests for attending:
– Yolanda Mercado, Goldstar Mother.
– Retired U.S. Army Special Forces General H. Pagán.
– Retired Armed Forces Colonel Evelio Otero.
– Colonel Gerald Law, Sergeant Paul Sleeper, and Sergeant Brandon Ledford from the U.S. Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base.
– Mrs. Shay McRae, Deputy Superintendent of Hillsborough County Public Schools.
– Lee Bercaw, Chief of the Tampa Police Department.
– Mrs. Bobby Pridemore representing Sheriff Chris Nocco and the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.
– Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Mike Cochran, Homeland Security Investigations.
