This award honors the outstanding achievement of a single community leader in South Florida. Recipients have made significant contributions to the region, demonstrating a deep love and commitment to South Florida as the best possible place in which to live, work and play.
The award takes its name from a live broadcast from Downtown Miami on Thursday, December 31, 1981. The late WTVJ Vice President and News Director, Ralph Renick delivered his famous editorial detailing the irresistible force of a phenomenon described as “Sand in Your Shoes”.
Watch Ralph Renick Editorial here.
Recipients
2022
Manuel D. Medina
Watch acceptance speech here.
2021
David Lawrence Jr.
2020
Penny Shaffer
2019
Tony Argiz
2018
Brian E. Keeley
2017
Carlos A. Migoya
2016
Patricia & Dr. Phillip Frost
2015
Harve A. Mogul
2014
Donna E. Shalala
2013
Gloria & Emilio Estefan
2012
Eduardo J. Padrón
2011
Peter J. Dolara
2010
Dr. Modesto A. Maidique
2009
Adolfo Henriques
2008
Sherwood M. “Woody” Weiser
2007
Jayne & Leonard Abess
2006
Jorge Pérez
2005
Carlos J. Arboleya, Sr.
2004
William O. Cullom
2003
Armando Codina
2001
Sue & Leonard Miller
2000
Edward T. Foote II
1999
Sister Jeanne O’Laughlin
1997
Robert H. Traurig
1995
Jim Batten
1994
Congressman Dante Fascell
1993
Congressman William Lehman
1991
M. Anthony Burns
1990
Martin Fine
1989
Ted Hoepner, Jr.
1988
R. Ray Goode & Leslie Pantin, Sr. (posthumously)
1987
Dr. Luis Botifoll
1986
Bill Colson
1985
Hank Meyer
1984
Charles I. Babcock, Jr.
1983
Alvah H. Chapman, Jr.
1982
Harry Hood Bassett
1981
Lester Freeman
