Winners are in the running for Neighborhood of the Year
Hillsborough County, Fla. (Sept. 30, 2025) - One Hillsborough County neighborhood helped their neighbors after Hurricane Milton caused widespread power outages.
Another held a community cleanup where tons of debris were collected, and a third neighborhood revitalized and enhanced their community space.
Now Hillsborough County Neighborhood Relations announces the winners of the 2025 Hillsborough County Neighborhood Awards. The winners are finalists for the Hillsborough County 2025 Neighborhood of the Year Award scheduled to be announced next month.
The winners of the Neighborhood Awards are:
Healthy Neighborhood Award
Twelve Oaks Civic Association hosted its annual Community Cleanup where 20 volunteers coordinated the collection of 7.05 tons of debris using 100 vehicles, filling up six large dumpsters in just three hours. The event allowed residents to properly dispose of unwanted items and ensured a clean and healthy neighborhood. This award recognizes a neighborhood organization that fosters the health of its community through conservation, environmental stewardship, or healthy lifestyle offerings.
Safe Neighborhood Award
When Hurricane Milton caused a widespread power outage, Bayou Pass Village neighbors quickly mobilized to support one another. The community event committee organized a relief center at their clubhouse, one of the few places with electricity. Residents gathered at the relief center to charge phones, enjoy coffee and hot meals, and share supplies like ice and water. Volunteers offered food and opened their homes for neighbors needing hot showers. The relief center provided essential comfort and safety, including helping to assist residents with medical needs. This award recognizes a neighborhood organization that made their community safer or worked towards increased preparedness.
Engaged Neighborhood Award
Carrollton Lakes HOA took steps to revitalize and better connect their neighborhood by upgrading community spaces with a new playset, gazebo, and Little Free Library, while also making needed repairs to lighting, irrigation, and a lake fountain. A "Yard of the Month" program was also reestablished to foster neighborhood pride. To strengthen communication, the Carrollton Lakes HOA enhanced newsletters, launched a homeowner portal, and provided regular updates to residents, creating stronger ties between neighbors and their community. This award recognizes a neighborhood organization that fosters community spirit and engagement through volunteerism or communication initiatives.
The annual Hillsborough County Neighborhood Awards program recognizes eligible neighborhood organizations in unincorporated Hillsborough County that foster healthy, safe, and engaged communities. This year's Neighborhood Awards winners demonstrated an exceptional commitment to strengthening their communities.
Hillsborough County's Neighborhood Relations team helps support and strengthen neighborhoods through education and informational programs and initiatives, including the Neighborhood Awards program. To learn more about Neighborhood Relations, including how to register or validate your organization on the Neighborhood Listing, visit HCFL.gov/Neighborhoods.