The East Central Florida Regional Planning Council announces the 2026 Diamond Award Winners.
The highest honor, the Brilliance Award of Regional Impact, was presented to Brevard County’s Save Our Indian River Lagoon Program.
This long-running, impactful collaborative initiative was recognized for its numerous successes, extensive partnerships, and for establishing best practices for regional environmental preservation.
“This is the exact type of project these awards were created for,” said Tara McCue, ECFRPC Executive Director. “When we work together on regional issues, like preserving one of the jewel ecosystems of our region, along with its economic vitality, it ensures a stronger, more desirable community for all.”
The ECF Diamond Awards have, from their launch, celebrated and brought attention to meaningful conservation efforts occurring across the eight-count East Central Florida region.
AWARDEES:
Brilliance Award of Regional Impact – Save Our Indian River Lagoon Program; Brevard County
Excellence in Conservation and Countryside – Little Wekiva River Restoration Initiative; Seminole County.
Excellence in Big Data & Technology – Veterans Memorial Park “Smart” Rain Garden; City of Cape Canaveral
Excellence in Regional Prosperity – Pathways to New Hope; Pathways to New Hope
Excellence in Healthy Communities – Southern Brevard Trails Master Plan; Space Coast TPO
Excellence in Innovative Places – Promote Paradise and Remove a Parking Lot; Marine Discovery Center in Volusia County
Executive Award of Regional Significance – Renovate to Educate; Addition Financial Foundation
This year’s seven winning projects will be recognized at the 2026 ECF Diamond Awards luncheon on February 25 in New Smyrna Beach.