FT. LAUDERDALE, FL--(Marketwire - April 4, 2011) - Turnberry Ocean Colony in Sunny Isles Beach, and IslandWalk of Naples received top honors in the 2011 Florida Communities of Excellence Awards sponsored by the Florida Community Association Journal and the law firm of Becker & Poliakoff. The awards recognize communities from across the state for achievements that benefit residents, enhance property values and contribute to the quality of life in Florida.
One in four residents in Florida lives in a community managed by an association, and the Communities of Excellence program is the first and only comprehensive, independent recognition program open to all associations.
Judged by experts from education, journalism, environmental advocacy, community association management and public safety, winning communities were recognized in 10 categories, with the top communities distinguished by outstanding achievement in several categories.
Turnberry Ocean Colony was a finalist in three categories and the Small Community winner in both "Civic Volunteerism" and "Safety & Security." Because of its strong overall showing, it was named Condominium "Community of the Year," the top overall Award. Turnberry is one of South Florida's newest luxury high-rise communities.
IslandWalk of Naples, a 1,856-unit gated community on 705 acres, was a three-category finalist, the Large Community "Family Friendly Programs & Initiatives" category winner, and a "Trendsetter Award" recipient for deployment of integrated computer solutions spearheaded by community volunteers. The community was named HOA "Community of the Year."
Communities of less than 400 units and communities of more than 400 are judged separately.
Others recognized as Trendsetters include Sarasota's Pelican Cove for a rain water run-off remediation project completed with a Southwest Florida Water Management District grant and Orlando's Central Park a MetroWest Condominium, which received a Workforce Central Florida back-to-work grant that was used as part of a repair and improvement program for the 25-year old community.
"From the outset, the goal has been to recognize the hard work and dedication of community associations throughout the state," said Jim McMurry, publication director, Florida Community Association Journal. "What we've seen is that in addition to recognizing accomplishments in traditional areas, this has spurred innovation in completely new areas, which is reflected in the newly-added Trendsetter Awards."
Following is the complete list of 2011 Florida Communities of Excellence Awards winners:
Best Web Site -- Recognizes Web sites that offer access to important information and provide additional conveniences for their residents
- Large, 400+ communities: Nova Homeowners' Association, Davie
- Small: Green Cay Village, Boynton Beach
Energy & Water Conservation/Sustainable Practices -- Recognizes energy and water management programs that achieve cost economies while promoting environmentally friendly practices
- Large: Vanderbilt Community Association, Naples
- Small: Madeira Beach Yacht Club, Madeira Beach
Family Friendly Programs & Initiatives -- Recognizes communities in which participation and well-being are actively promoted for the entire family
- Large: IslandWalk of Naples, Naples
- Small: Palm Bay Yacht Club, Miami
Safety & Security -- Recognizes programs, policies and procedures that protect and ensure the safety of residents and property
- Large: Ibis Property Owners Association, West Palm Beach
- Small: Turnberry Ocean Colony, Sunny Isles Beach
Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ -- Recognizes environmentally sound landscape, wetland, preserve and lake management policies
- Large: Pelican Cove Condominium, Sarasota
- Small: Heather Hill One Condominium, Dunedin
Disaster Preparedness -- Recognizes comprehensive planning for protecting lives and property and for restoration in the event of a disaster
- Large: Ibis Property Owners Association, West Palm Beach
- Small: Parkshore Plaza Condominium, St. Petersburg
Civic Volunteerism & Advocacy -- Recognizes associations that contribute to improving society through volunteerism and support of non-profit and charitable causes
- Large: VillageWalk of Sarasota, Sarasota
- Small: Turnberry Ocean Colony, Sunny Isles Beach
Financial Innovation -- Honors innovative solutions to ease financial burdens while maintaining the quality of amenities and services
- Large: VillageWalk of Sarasota, Sarasota
- Small: Jade Residences at Brickell Bay, Miami
The sponsors of the awards program are businesses that are dedicated to the needs of residents of condominiums and homeowner associations. The 2011 sponsors include:
- Diamond-level: Associa, Comcast, The Continental Group, G4S, TDBank
- Gold-Level: Association Financial Services, Kent Security Systems
- Silver-Level: Aquatic Systems, BB&T Association Services, the BCH Group, Empire Roofing, Fast-Dry Courts, First Southern Bank, Florida Shores Bank, KW Property Management & Consulting, Luke Brothers Inc., Lukes-Sawgrass Landscape, PD Painting
- Friend of the Awards: Alliance Association Financial Services, Florida Mold Inspections, Inc., Vila & Sons
The presentation of the Florida Communities of Excellence Awards was made April 1 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Conference Center in Hollywood.
About The Florida Communities of Excellence Awards
The Florida Communities of Excellence Awards is a unique recognition program that shines a spotlight on the positive and productive initiatives taking place in condominiums, homeowners associations and cooperatives across Florida. Now in its third year, the independently judged program enables the top communities in the state to promote their accomplishments and raise their profiles while documenting their success and enabling others to learn from their examples. For more information, please visit www.communitiesofexcellence.net
Contact Information:
Media Contact:
Alan Penchansky
The Pen Group Communications
(305) 529-1944
alan@thepengroup.com