City selected for 2025 Great Places in Florida People's Choice Award

Published on September 03, 2025

Voting Begins Sept. 3

TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA Florida) is excited to announce the three finalists for the 2025 Great Places in Florida People’s Choice Award, celebrating public spaces that foster connection, care, and community identity.

This year’s theme, Great Places That Ground Us, highlights spaces that reflect the deep ties between people and place—spaces that tell stories, honor culture, and create everyday belonging.

From Sept. 3 through Sept. 26, Floridians are invited to vote for one of three inspiring finalists:

Mayors Park at Freedom Lake (Pinellas Park)

A beloved community hub recently revitalized through a $1.8 million investment, Mayors Park now features a shaded trail around the lake, separated from traffic and connected to bike lanes for safer, more enjoyable walking and biking.

Amenities include a dog park, playground, outdoor fitness center, shaded pavilions, and a striking F-16 fighter jet display that honors local military history. The park fosters active living, while youth volunteers and partnerships with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission make it a place of pride and stewardship.

Palm City Place & Patio (Palm City)

Palm City’s 20-acre “central park” is a vibrant anchor for the neighborhood, born from a simple sketch and transformed into a dynamic public space.

The site features lush green zones, scenic trails, a freshwater fishing pier, concrete ping pong tables, chess and checkers, picnic seating, and a multicolored fountain. With regular community events and a welcoming pavilion, Palm City Place & Patio exemplifies community-driven redevelopment and environmental stewardship.

Pioneer Park and The Port District (Port St. Lucie)

Nestled along the North Fork of the St. Lucie River, Pioneer Park is a 9.75-acre destination shaped by The Port District Master Plan.

Highlights include a 3,200-foot boardwalk made from 100 percent recycled materials, linking three parks and two retail centers. Visitors can enjoy an overwater stage, canoe and kayak launch, open-air event spaces, renovated historic homes, and an inclusive playground.

Since its opening in June 2024, over 417,000 people have visited, drawn by its blend of nature, recreation, and community engagement.

“This year’s finalists are shining examples of how public spaces can ground us in community, culture, and care. Each one tells a unique story of transformation, stewardship, and belonging,” said Fatima Elkott, chair of the APA Florida Emerging Planning Group and awards lead judge. “We were deeply moved by the range of nominations submitted from across Florida. From small neighborhood parks to bustling civic corridors, it’s clear that Floridians are investing in places that connect people to each other and to the land. Choosing just a few was no easy task.”

Voting

Voting is open to the public at florida.planning.org/greatplaces from Sept. 3–26. The winner will be announced in early October, in time for National Community Planning Month, and recognized by APA Florida for its outstanding contribution to placemaking and community connection.

About APA Florida

The Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA Florida) is a nonprofit organization committed to championing planning that builds vibrant communities and strengthens economies statewide. With more than 3,200 members, APA Florida is the second-largest chapter in the nation, representing a diverse network of professionals working in both the public and private sectors.

Through leadership, education, and advocacy, APA Florida empowers planners to shape Florida’s future with creativity, innovation, and care.