This award honors the outstanding achievement of a single community leader in South Florida. Recipients have made significant contribution 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 the speech here.
Recipients
- David Lawrence, 2021
- Penny Shaffer, 2020
- Tony Argiz, 2019
- Brian E. Keeley, 2018
- Carlos A. Migoya, 2017
- Patricia & Dr. Phillip Frost, 2016
- Harve A. Mogul, 2015
- Donna E. Shalala, 2014
- Gloria & Emilio Estefan, 2013
- Eduardo J. Padrón, 2012
- Peter J. Dolara, 2011
- Dr. Modesto A. Maidique, 2010
- Adolfo Henriques, 2009
- Sherwood M. “Woody” Weiser, 2008
- Jayne & Leonard Abess, 2007
- Jorge Pérez, 2006
- Carlos J. Arboleya, Sr., 2005
- William O. Cullom, 2004
- Armando Codina, 2003
- Sue & Leonard Miller, 2001
- Edward T. Foote II, 2000
- Sister Jeanne O’Laughlin, 1999
- Robert H. Traurig, 1997
- Jim Batten, 1995
- Congressman Dante Fascell, 1994
- Congressman William Lehman, 1993
- M. Anthony Burns, 1991
- Martin Fine, 1990
- Ted Hoepner, Jr., 1989
- R. Ray Goode, 1988
- & Leslie Pantin, Sr. (posthumously)
- Dr. Luis Botifoll, 1987
- Bill Colson, 1986
- Hank Meyer, 1985
- Charles I. Babcock, Jr., 1984
- Alvah H. Chapman, Jr., 1983
- Harry Hood Bassett, 1982
- Lester Freeman, 1981