Sand in My Shoes®

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

2023
Alberto Ibargüen

Read acceptance speech here

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

Top Investors

Baptist Health South Florida
CareerSource South Florida
Carlton Fields
fiserv.
Florida Power & Light
TD Bank
UHealth
University of Miami
Wells Fargo