'Unparalleled dedication': Florida governor honors local heroes at special reception
After devoting 40 years to keeping the state's halls of government in pristine condition, Charlie Lott is getting some recognition for his above and beyond service.
While he has since retired, the janitor and his "unforgettable laugh and good humor" that was always known to be "a constant source of positivity and kindness in the Capitol" was honored along with six other hometown heroes Friday evening by Gov. Ron DeSantis at the 2024 Florida Heroes' Reception.
"I always said to everybody, 'Have a good day and a better tomorrow,'" Lott told the Tallahassee Democrat at an interview at the Governor's Mansion.
The faithful custodian suffered a traumatic brain injury over 30 years ago that left him legally blind and unable to drive, but that didn't stop him from walking to work every day, a testament to his "unparalleled dedication."
Over his humble years of service, Lott formed many relationships with numerous governors and legislators who walked the Capitol's halls.
"They were all great people," but Charlie Crist stands out, he said.
"He's one who liked to talk, and he liked to talk to me," Lott said.
When the event got underway, Gov. DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis stepped onto a makeshift stage on the front lawn of the Florida Governor's Mansion "to honor exemplary Floridians from across the state" and to shake hands with each hero being recognized.
"A lot of times, the people that are doing great things, maybe under the radar, are often overlooked," DeSantis said. "So this heroes banquet is a way to say the state of Florida appreciates people that are making a difference for their communities and for their state."
A roll call of the 2024 Florida Heroes from the Tallahassee region
Six other citizens from the Tallahassee region received awards at the reception. Here's who they were according to the governor's office press release:
Marvin Mattair: Boyz to Kings President and Founder Marvin “Merv” Mattair has logged thousands of hours mentoring young men within the Madison County area and surrounding counties. He is passionate about mentoring and is an advocate for fatherhood and family development.
Detective Paul Osborn and K9 Jon Jon: Tallahassee Police Department Detective Paul Osborn and K9 Jon Jon responded to a call from the Franklin County Sheriff's Office about a missing four-year-old child with autism. They located the child a quarter of a mile into swampy woods standing knee-deep in water. Detective Osborn and K9 Jon Jon were recognized and awarded by FDLE during the 2023 Florida's Missing Children’s Day remembrance ceremony.
Angela Holloman: For over two decades, Angela has been an extraordinary medical foster care parent, adopting two of the children placed in her care and treating them all as her own. A poignant example of her dedication is seen in her work with an infant who, despite initial predictions from a cerebral palsy diagnosis, now walks with assistance and is learning to talk, thanks to Angela's tireless efforts in progressive developmental tasks.
Zayn Ahmed: Emergency Medical Technician and Hope Navigator Zayn Ahmed was off-duty when he witnessed a vehicle crash into a tree. Zayn quickly jumped into action, assisting responding law enforcement officers with CPR and utilizing their AED to provide further treatment until EMS arrived on scene.
Nicolas Boutwell: Florida Department of Law Enforcement Inspector Nicolas Boutwell and his colleague were alerted about a Florida Highway Patrol traffic stop that reportedly resulted in the arrest of a previously deported foreign national who was using a false identification. The governor's office said their investigation revealed the suspect was a member of a Mexican drug cartel and conspired with others in the smuggling of undocumented workers and drugs into the United States via the southwest border. Two federal indictments have been secured thus far. Additional indictments are anticipated.
Debra Harris: The Making Miracles Group Founder Debra Harris entered the foster care system with her four siblings at the age of eight years old. Following early struggles, she went to school to be a medical assistant, got a job at her local hospital, and then became a foster parent herself. Her organization helps moms and their children get on their feet. She also works with a women’s pregnancy center which is in the process of opening a second location.
Elena Barrera can be reached at ebarrera@tallahassee.com. Follow her on X @elenabarreraaa.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Gov. Ron DeSantis honors hometown heroes at special awards reception
